Politically Georgia

Following two mass shootings, President Donald Trump used a national address to support “red flag” laws, which intensified both a national and local debate over guns. In this episode of the Politically Georgia podcast, host Greg Bluestein and AJC Washington correspondent Tamar Hallerman discuss how Georgia officials and 2020 candidates reacted to the idea of “red flag” legislation in Georgia, where residents stand, and how the gun debate may impact Georgia in 2020, from the legislative session to the November elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Friday, Vice President Mike Pence headlined an event in Buckhead, where he warned conservatives of the spread of socialism, at the same time the Democratic Socialists of America’s national convention was taking place in downtown Atlanta. In this episode, host Greg Bluestein chats with AJC statehouse reporter Maya T. Prabhu, about what took place at each event and share clips from Pence’s speech and interviews with local DSA members. Bluestein and Prabhu also discuss what these events mean as we get closer to 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Politically Georgia podcast, host Greg Bluestein and and AJC statehouse reporter Maya T. Prabhu provide an update on the anti-abortion law, which includes new efforts to block the legislation from going into effect on January 1. Also, the two discuss how supporters of the law are using it to jumpstart a civil rights debate. Also, Bluestein and AJC reporter Jennifer Brett discuss the situation involving State Rep. Erica Thomas at Publix that drew national attention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week was a busy one in Georgia politics. In this episode, host Greg Bluestein and AJC Washington correspondent Tamar Hallerman discuss Georgia politicians’ response to President Donald Trump’s recent “go back” attacks and provide an update on U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (who has been released from the hospital). Hallerman also provides context on why the moment between U.S. Rep. Doug Collins and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was historic. Bluestein and Hallerman also talk about the growing list of politicians looking to challenge U.S. Sen. David Perdue, with the most recent addition being Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry, and how Terry’s candidacy affects the field of Democratic candidates. Finally, the two discuss how a U.S. House vote to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour could become a 2020 issue in Georgia, and where current candidates stand on the topic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve reached the halfway mark of 2019, but the campaign season feel of 2018 hasn’t gone away. In this episode, host Greg Bluestein and AJC Washington correspondent Tamar Hallerman discuss what the recent second-quarter fundraising deadline means for some 2020 candidates and why the deadline serves as a test for others. Bluestein and Hallerman also discuss the questions that remain following the recent announcement of relief expected to be given to Georgians affected by Hurricane Michael. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Opponents of Georgia's "heartbeat" law have filed a lawsuit challenging the measure. In this episode, host Greg Bluestein and AJC statehouse correspondent Maya T. Prabhu discuss the lawsuit, reactions to the lawsuit and potential strategies opponents may use to stop the law from going into effect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are months to go before we reach the qualifying deadline for the 2020 elections, yet the races for Georgia's 7th Congressional district and David Perdue's U.S. Senate seat are already drawing plenty of big names. In this episode, host Greg Bluestein and AJC Washington correspondent Tamar Hallerman discuss the names entering the races and the issues that may become a part of their campaigns. Bluestein and Hallerman also discuss Stacey Abrams' trip to Hollywood and how it impacts Georgia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, Kevin Riley, the AJC's top editor, appeared as a witness before Congress. Riley testified about the importance of local journalism, and the impact that social media and large tech companies are having on it. In this episode, Riley shares with host Greg Bluestein the importance of the testimony and local news, how he prepared to appear before Congress and many other tidbits about the experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Greg Bluestein and AJC Washington correspondent Tamar Hallerman discuss the visits of multiple presidential candidates, the role Georgia will play along the road to 2020 and the disaster relief bill that will allow aid money to flow to Georgia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Greg Bluestein and AJC film and TV reporter Rodney Ho discuss the latest fallout with Hollywood following the signing of Georgia's anti-abortion ‘heartbeat’ bill, including the latest discussion of boycotts from major Hollywood studios and comments from Georgia state officials. Also, Bluestein chats with producer Bria Felicien about former gubernatorial candidate Michael Williams pleading guilty to fraud charges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices