Politically Georgia

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell, and Greg Bluestein discuss the U.S. House passage of a budget Continuing Resolution avoiding a government shutdown.  AJC senior reporter Tamar Hallerman joins the podcast to talk about Fulton County prosecutors’ dismay over leaked video interviews they conducted with four Trump RICO defendants. Also in today’s episode, Immigration attorney Charles Kuck joins the podcast to dispel myths and misinformation about the state of affairs at the Southern border. And Greg Bluestein offers a first-hand account of the pro-Israel rally that attracted some 300,00 people – including as many as 1,000 Georgians – to the National Mall in Washington.Links to today’s topics:Key takeaways from RICO defendant interviewsGeorgians join massive pro-Israel rally in D.C.Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC.Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia Podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Bill Nigut and Greg Bluestein are joined by AJC city hall reporter Riley Bunch to discuss the 300 people who marched in opposition to construction of the Atlanta police training center yesterday. They were stopped from getting to the site by police who used tear gas and flash-bang devices and turned back. What did they accomplish?Plus, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, who’s just won election to a second term and Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz join the podcast to talk about issues they’re dealing with in their communities. Both have signed on to a letter, initiated by Mayor Girtz, calling on the legislature to pass new gun safety laws, and also are calling for better mental health services to ward off violent incidents.And later, how videos of Trump RICO defendants reveal new details about how the plot to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election unfolded. Links to today’s topics:Mayor Girtz on gun legislationFormer defendants reveal new details of plot to overturn electionPolice deploy tear gas during marchKemp-backed poll reveals significant support for training centerHave a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.    Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell discuss whether Tim Scott’s abrupt decision to drop out of the Republican presidential race will have any impact here in Georgia. Could it elevate Nikki Haley’s chances to win Georgia GOP votes? Plus, in a talk at the University of Georgia just hours after declaring he won’t run for re-election to his U.S. Senate seat, Joe Manchin says he’ll travel the country encouraging voters to avoid the extremes and embrace the politics of moderation. Tia Mitchell offers an assessment of whether the GOP-controlled U.S. House is on track to pass a bill to keep the government funded past the end of this week. She reports that Georgia’s GOP delegation is split on Speaker Mike Johnson’s unique plan for passing a Continuing Resolution. Plus, Charles Bullock and Andra Gillespie weigh in on the southern states that are now under federal court order to redraw political maps to give Black vote fairer representation. Will legislators redraw Georgia’s maps that follow the federal order? Links to today’s topics: Manchin stresses bipartisanship at UGA eventTim Scott exits presidential raceMike Johnson’s first big testWhat went wrong with Georgia maps? Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.  Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut welcome U.S. Representative Buddy Carter to the show to answer questions about a possible government shutdown, security threats to Marjorie Taylor Greene, and who he thinks won this week’s GOP debate. Then, WABE’s Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas react to Carter’s comments. They also give us insight on third-party candidate Jill Stein entering the race. And debate the possibility of Sen. Joe Manchin joining the race after he announced on Thursday that he wouldn’t seek re-election. And the pair talk about the fast-approaching special redistricting session. Finally, all four journalists answer questions from the listener mailbag and give who’s up and who’s down for the week. Links to today’s topics:AJC poll: If federal government shuts down, GOP will get much of the blameGeorgia man arrested, accused of threatening to kill Marjorie Taylor GreeneWho won the GOP presidential showdown?Georgia prepares to approve new political maps ahead of 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode of the AJC’s Politically Georgia, hosts ptricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut look at the winners and losers and memorable moments from last night’s GOP presidential primary debate. Plus, an exclusive AJC poll of Georgia voters offers insights on whether Georgians believe support for Israel is in the best interests of the United States. Finally, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Brian Robinson share their views on the strengths and weaknesses each party face as they head to the 2024 election cycle. Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at . That's . We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.  Links to today’s topics:GOP candidates spar on abortionAJC poll shows Democratic rift on Israel Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell recap the big election night for Georgia incumbent mayors and for pro-choice advocates nationwide. Plus, the new AJC poll showing that Georgia voters are evenly split in a matchup between President Biden and Donald Trump.  You’ll also hear from former Republican U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger to talk his new book ‘Renegade’ and the threat posed by former President Trump’s comeback bid. And, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene backs down from her resolution to censure Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.  Links to today’s topics:Incumbent mayors have good night in metro Atlanta local elections Johnson carries every precinct in Savannah mayor reelection bid Biden and Trump are deadlocked in battleground Georgia  Adam Kinzinger, Renegade McCormick, not Greene, takes lead as House censures Tlaib  Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voters across Georgia are heading to the polls to vote in dozens of municipal elections for mayor, city council races, Atlanta school board and more. Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut discuss the election in Savannah, where Mayor Van Johnson is running for a second term against Kesha Gibson-Carter, a longtime political foe. A win for Johnson would pave the way for a run for statewide office in 2026. You’ll also hear about a significant issue on the ballot in Ohio today. Voters will cast ballots on whether to expand abortion rights in the state. The panel explains that the vote may be complicated by unclear language on the ballot. Special guest, Republican strategist Stephen Lawson suggests that Republicans must start the conversation about abortion limitations by showing they have empathy for women who sometime face difficult choices about giving birth. Plus, learn why Georgia GOP Congressman Rich McCormack is wrestling away from Marjorie Taylor Greene a motion to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib for antisemitic remarks. Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.  Links to today's topics:McCormick snubs Greene on censure resolutionLocal elections to watchGuide to metro electionsAbortion initiative explainedAbortion foes hope for victory in Ohio Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell look at a New York Times/Siena College poll that is troubling news for President Biden’s re-election. The poll shows Donald Trump leading President Biden in five of six battleground states that Biden won in 2020. The poll shows Trump ahead in Georgia by six points. Overall, the Times reports that Biden is losing support among Black, Hispanic and young voters in the six states polled. (The AJC is preparing a poll focused specifically on Georgia voters that will be released later this week.) Plus, Michael Thurmond has been a public official for most of his career, serving in the legislature, as labor commissioner, interim superintendent of DeKalb schools and now CEO of DeKalb County. But he’s long been mentioned as a potential candidate for governor. Will he decided to run for the job in 2026? He won’t rule it out. And, Israel’s massive military response to the barbaric Hamas attack on Israel is becoming increasingly contentious among some members of Congress and beyond. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib drew for comments in which she said President Biden is supporting Israel’s “genocide” against the Palestinian people. Georgia’s Marjorie Taylor Greene, who lost a vote to censure Tlaib for alleged antisemitic remarks in the past, has refiled a censure motion based on Tlaib’s most recent accusations. Olens and Thurmond discuss the balance between Israel’s right to take strong action to wipe out Hamas and the need to treat innocent Palestinians in a humane manner. Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.  Links to today's topics:Red flags for Biden in battleground pollStacey Abrams on Israel-Hamas warMTG's new censure motionTlaib says Biden supports genocide Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut look at the glittery premiere of the AJC’s first full-length documentary, ‘The South’s Got Something to Say,’ which focuses on the artists who made Atlanta the center of the rap universe, and how their music gave voice to the social and economic conditions of the Black community and became intertwined with politics. Plus, Marjorie Taylor Greene fumes after her motion to censure Rep. Rashida Tliab for alleged antisemitic actions and remarks gets a thumbs down from Democrats and Republicans in the House, including two of her colleagues in the Georgia GOP delegation. Then the team looks at the House vote which approves $14 billion in new funding for Israel but adds a measures demanding dollar for dollar cuts of the same amount to the IRS budget. Democrats see it as an unprecedented partisan effort by Republicans to undermine President Biden’s effort to beef up the IRS to go after tax cheats. And again, Marjorie Taylor Greene has a lot to say as she votes against the money for Israel. And later, hear answers questions from the listener mailbag, with calls from the 24-hour Politically Georgia Hotline at (404)526-AJCP.  Links to today’s topics:AJC hip hop documentary premieresHouse approves Israel Aid...with conditions Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republican legislators aren’t happy with the order from a federal judge that they redraw Georgia’s Congressional and legislative district maps to more fairly represent Black voters. But they rejected a strategy to ask for a stay of the process until after the 2024 election. That decision means they’ll go ahead with a special map-drawing session that Governor Kemp has set to begin on November 29, even as Republicans plan their appeal of the order. On yesterday’s podcast, Republican Speaker of the Georgia House Jon Burns said he thought the legislature would come up with maps that would please Federal Judge Steve Jones, who ordered the redrawing of districts. Today, State Representative Saira Draper joins the podcast to offer the Democratic point of view on the special session. Then, the team discusses the frank interview that Frank Hogue, attorney for Jenna Ellis gave to AJC Breakdown podcast hosts Bill Rankin and Tamar Hallerman. Hogue talked about how quickly he and his client were able to agree on a plea deal for Ellis, one of the defendants in the Fani Willis Trump Election conspiracy case. Plus, Georgia GOP state senators upbraided the secretary of state’s office for failing to install upgrades to the Dominion voting system. They worry that without the upgrades the machines are vulnerable to being hacked. The secretary of state’s office pointed out that the upgrade would have to be done manually in each of the state’s 40,000 Dominion voting machines. Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.  Links to today's topics:Georgia won't try to stall redistricting sessionJudge Jones' redistricting rulingJenna Ellis' lawyer talks guilty pleaBreakdown podcast with Frank HogueSenators press for more election security Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices