Politically Georgia

Today on Politically Georgia, lawmakers are heading back to the capitol after a judge directs them to re-draw districts to better represent Black voters. Hosts Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy, and Bill Nigut talk to Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns about what to expect from that special session.   Plus, Speaker Burns talks on whether he’ll take up measures to expand Georgia’s abortion law.  And later, a conversation with CNN political director David Chalian about Georgia’s role as a battleground state in the 2024 election cycle. But first, Governor Kemp reaffirms his unwavering support for Israel in its war with Hamas after an emotional meeting with Israelis grieving the unknown fate of relatives being held hostage in Gaza. 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:Analysis: How a judge’s redistricting ruling could reshape Georgia’s 2024 voteGeorgia Supreme Court allows abortion law to stand. What’s next? Georgia’s governor embraces Israel as war intensifies 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 the episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut talk with Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff about the findings of his bipartisan hearings investigating Georgia’s troubled foster care system. Among the findings: over a four-year period almost 1800 children went missing from the system. Ossoff acknowledges that fixing the issues facing the Division of Family and Children Services is a challenge that will take time to solve.The senator also discusses his commitment to sending additional resources to Israel in the war against Hamas. Plus, Marjorie Taylor Greene has been on the campaign trail, rallying support for Donald Trump in New Hampshire. In Washington, she’s in a war of words with Palestinian-American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. Her why Greene wants Tlaib censured. And hear about the Alabama supporter of Donald Trump who faces federal charges for violent and obscene threats against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Sheriff Pat Labat. 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: Hearings reveal many children missing from foster care systemJudges refuse DFAC request to detain some foster childrenMarjorie Taylor Greene moves to censure Rashida TliabAlabama man arrested for threats against Willis and Labat 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 Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut start off today’s podcast with a look at a disturbing display of antisemitism in Cobb County over the weekend. A white supremacist hate group projected a message praising Hitler on an overpass on I-75 in Cobb County. The group that used a laser projector to display the message has also been responsible for spreading antisemitic flyers in the front yards of suburban Atlanta neighborhoods. Attorney General Chris Carr quickly condemned the organization’s messaging, and State Rep. Esther Panitch, who sponsored legislation to define antisemitism as a hate crime called for the legislature to take action to pass measures that will stop the hate campaigns.Then, Governor Kemp sings former Vice President Mike Pence’s praises after Pence drops out of the GOP presidential race. Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy suggest that “in an alternative universe” had Pence been successful in his bid, Governor Kemp could have become Pence’s VP candidate because the two are so close personally, and Pence has been one of Kemp’s top supporters. Meanwhile, Georgia Democrats shrug at the entry of Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips into the Democratic primary race against President Biden.Plus, the latest on how legislators are responding to the federal order that they redraw congressional and legislative maps to give Black voters more equitable representation.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:White supremacists target Cobb County driversKemp sings Pence's praisesGeorgia redistricting ruling shakes up GOP lawmakersSubscribe 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 edition of the Politically Georgia podcast Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut start with a look at Federal Judge Steve Jones's ruling that the state’s most recent political maps must be redrawn. Then, a look at another election-related election case: A federal court in Gainesville is is hearing a case brought by Fair Fight alleging that the Texas-based conservative organization True the Vote intimidated Georgia voters when it filed 250,000 challenges to voter registrations ahead of the 2021 U.S. Senate runoff election. Plus, AJC reporter Ernie Suggs joins the podcast to discuss how Atlanta became the center of hip hop culture and rap. It’s a story told in a new AJC-produced documentary “The South Got Something to Say,” which premieres on November 2. And as always on Friday, the podcast closes with questions from the listener mailbag, which you can call into 24 hour a day at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. You’ll also hear the hosts’ choices for who’s up and who’s down this week. Links to today’s stopics:Judge strikes down voting mapsThe South Got Something to SayVoter intimidation trial begins 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 the is edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut discuss the school safety proposal Lt. Governor Burt is backing that would offer teachers a $10,000 stipend to carry guns in the classroom. Plus, after three weeks of chaos, Republicans in the U.S. House finally elected a speaker – Louisiana congressman Mike Johnson. Johnson won unanimous support from the GOP conference. Hear how members of Georgia’s GOP delegation could benefit as Congressman Mike Johnson takes up the gavel. AJC Savannah bureau chief Adam Van Brimmer joins the podcast to report on the Savannah mayor’s race, one of the most important races on municipal ballots this year. He also discusses the possibility that Tybee Island could elect its first Black mayor. And he offers an overview of the multi-billion dollar proposal to deepen the Savannah River port. Links to today’s topics:Jones supports paying teachers to carry gunsHouse ends chaos, elects speakerA bid for Black history at Savannah beachGeorgia Port officials say Savannah River port must be deepened2023 elections to watchSavannah mayor's race gets tense 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, a report from ABC News says Mark Meadows has cut an immunity deal to testify in Jack Smith’s federal case against Donald Trump.  Plus, how the Georgia Supreme Court ruling upholding the state’s abortion law could put the issue front and center in the 2024 elections. And, House Republicans shoot down yet another candidate for speaker, but they’ve got another ready to go. How Donald Trump may have helped sink Tuesday’s front-runner.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: Two more Trump allies strike deals with prosecutorsGeorgia Supreme Court allows abortion law to stay on the booksSubscribe 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 Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut discuss the Georgia Supreme Court’s ruling that the state’s current restrictions on abortion will remain in effect.Plus, a fourth defendant in Fani Willis’ election conspiracy case entered a guilty plea. Attorney Jenna Ellis pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements.And as Republicans in the U.S. House continue their scramble to elect a speaker, Georgia’s Austin Scott is eliminated from the running. There are continuing questions of whether the GOP conference will find a consensus on a candidate.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 topics:Georgia abortion law to remain in placeFourth defendant pleads guilty in election conspiracy caseFrom The Hill: GOP whittles down speaker candidates 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

Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis joins Greg Bluestein, Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy to discuss how far the guilty pleas of Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro can go in proving Fani Willis’ election conspiracy case against the remaining defendants, especially Donald Trump, Rudolph Giuliani, John Eastman and the Georgia fake electors.Then: It’s another day of déjà vu all over again on Capitol Hill as GOP House members still have no nominee for speaker of the House. Georgia’s Austin Scott has thrown his hat back in the ring. But he’s now just one of as many as nine other candidates. What chances does he have to win the gavel?Plus, Patricia Murphy points out how the chaotic speaker battle reveals that the MAGA wing of the party is undermining the traditional Republican Party in Washington and here in Georgia.And Greg Bluestein reports that GOP legislative leaders who want to us the new state commission set up to discipline district attorneys may not be able to use it against Fani Willis.Links to topics:Hallerman, Wickert, Joyner: Guilty please in election conspiracy caseTia Mitchell: Austin Scott running againMurphy: The week MAGA broke the GOPWhy a GOP bid to sanction Fani Willis may be DOASubscribe 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

The trial of Kenneth Chesebro, one of the 19 defendants indicted for efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 presidential election began with jury selection on this Friday, October 20. His trial comes almost 18 months after Fulton County DA Fani Willis began her special grand jury investigation of possible criminal wrongdoing by Donald Trump and other allies. Shortly following the recording of this podcast, Kenneth Chesebro agreed to plead guilty to all of the charges against him. AJC columnist Bill Torpy joins the podcast to discuss the irony he sees in Georgia Republicans attacking Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis on humanitarian grounds for her alleged complicity in the conditions of the dangerously overcrowded Fulton County jail Plus, In his Oval Office address to the nation, President Biden’s promised the country’s full support to Israel in the war against Hamas, but also pledged humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinians who caught in the ravages of the war. Meanwhile Governor Kemp in a recent interview also gave full-throated support to Israel, but demurred when asked if he is concerned about Palestinian lives. It’s another example of how Republicans and Democrats speak very differently about the war. You’ll also hear about the threat against Georgia Congressman Drew Ferguson and many others proliferate as Jim Jordan refuses to give up his quest to become speaker of the House. And finally, we answer questions from our listener mailbag, which you can call into 24 hours a day at (404)526-AJCP, and give our takes on who’s up and who’s down this week.  Links to topics:Chesebro jury selection begins amid talk of plea dealTorpy: Has Willis turned Republicans into social justice warriors?Murphy: the week MAGA bropke the GOP  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

One day before jury selection was set to begin in the Fulton County trial of Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, two defendants in the sprawling Trump election interference case, Sidney Powell made the stunning decision to accept a plea deal. She pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor counts of conspiracy to commit intentional interference with performance of election duties. In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut welcome AJC senior editor Shannon McCaffrey, who has overseen coverage of the Fulton County election conspiracy case to the podcast to unpack the many implications of the Powell plea, which reversed her longstanding assertion she’d committed no wrongdoing. Plus, the Georgia legislature’s only Jewish member, Rep. Esther Panitch joins the podcast to discuss her reaction to President Biden’s visit to Israel and to explain how close to home the war against Hamas comes to many Georgia Jewish families who have friends fighting on the frontlines or others mourning the loss of those killed or kidnapped in the Hamas terrorist attacks two weeks ago. In the U.S. House, It’s déjà vu all over again. Tia Mitchel reports on the frustration members of the U.S. House on both sides of the aisle are feeling as Republicans continue the divisions in their own party that have prevented them from electing a speaker of the House.  Links to today's topics:Sidney Powell reaches plea deal in Trump caseJim Jordan falls short in second bid to become speakerEsther Panitch signs GOP and Democratic statements supporting 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