Politically Georgia

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Congresswoman Lucy McBath joins us to preview the speech she’ll give tonight at the Democratic National Convention. Since the loss of her son to a gun incident, she’s been a fierce advocate for better gun safety laws, and that will be her subject tonight.   Then former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan discusses the speech ge have to the convention last night. Duncan became one of a number of Republicans who have been in the spotlight as they urge other Republicans to reject Donald Trump and vote for Kamala Harris.    Plus, the hosts break down the highlights from the third night of the convention: Tim Walz accepting the nomination or vice president, Oprah Winfrey paying tribute to John Lewis, Bill Clinton calling on Democrats to treat those who disagree with them politically with respect, even as he was sharply critical of Donald Trump.     Links to topics  AJC real-time coverage from Chicago Lucy McBath lands a speaking role on last night of DNC Geoff Duncan to GOP voters: Dump Trump What to watch on final night of DNC     Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.   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.”       Credits  Executive Producer- Shane Backler  Producer- Natalie Mendenhall  Engineer- Shane Backler Editor- Devan Kortan   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts  Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut are joined by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and former President Jimmy Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter to review the second night of the Democratic National Convention. They discuss the speeches by Michelle and Barack Obama, how the Georgia delegation created a viral moment by having rapper Lil Jon join surprise the convention with a live performance during the state’s roll call vote, and the emphasis the party is putting on the next generation of Democratic leaders, as exemplified by Jason Carter’s speech.  Links to topics AJC real-time coverage from ChicagoBig moments from night 2 of DNCLil John brings down the house for Georgia in roll call voteAnother passing of torch with Jason Carter at DNC Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. 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.”     Credits Executive Producer- Shane Backler Producer- Natalie Mendenhall Engineer- Shane BacklerEditor- Matt Owen  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, Bill Nigut, Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein review the first night of the Democratic National Convention.  Guests Georgia Democratic political strategist Tharon Johnson and state Representative Saira Draper join the podcast to discussing the prime time speech of Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. And they look at the tumultuous reception that President Biden received as he cited his accomplishments in office but also gave a full-throated endorsement of Kamala Harris.  Links to topics AJC real-time coverage from ChicagoJoe Biden's exit, Clinton on Glass Ceiling, a nod to Gaza demonstrators mark convention's first nightSenator Warnock salutes Georgia in prime time convention speechGeorgia Democrats struggle with "bittersweet" good bye to resident Biden Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. 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.”     Credits Executive Producer- Shane Backler Producer- Natalie Mendenhall Engineer- Shane BacklerEditor- Matt Owen  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, Bill Nigut, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell discuss the excitement Georgia delegates are feeling as they arrived in Chicago with the belief that Kamala Harris’ ascension to the top of the ticket gives them a stronger chance to win the White House in November. And they preview the expected celebration of President Biden’s long career in public life and thank him for making the difficult decision to bow out of the race.    We also hear from Democratic National Committee chairman Jamie Harrison. Harrison says the key to victory in Georgia will be the deep grassroots organizing the party has done in the state. And he says that delegates will “blow the roof off the United Center” as they welcome Joe Biden tonight.     Links to topics  AJC real-time coverage from Chicago Georgia delegates call the Chicago convention a historic gathering DNC chair tells Politically Georgia that Georgia is crucial to Harris-Walz victory Real Clear polling averages for Georgia and other swing states     Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.   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.”       Credits  Executive Producer- Shane Backler  Producer- Natalie Mendenhall  Engineer- Shane Backler Editor- Matt Owen   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First up: Nigut and Bluestein look at former PresidentDonald Trump’s second news conference in a week. This one was arranged for himto highlight the high prices of groceries and housing since President Joe Bidentook office. But Trump deviated from his prepared remarks and launched morepersonal attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris. Plus, Bluestein and Nigutdiscuss the first joint campaign appearance of Harris and Biden, who celebratedthe negotiations that will lower the costs Medicare pays for 10 importantcommonly used drugs.  Then: The former dean of the state Legislature, DemocratCalvin Smyre, joins the podcast. He’s headed to Chicago for the DemocraticNational Convention.  Plus: Atlanta Journal-Constitution elections reporter MarkNiesse joins Nigut and Bluestein to answer questions from the listener mailbagabout newly approved election rules.  Plus: The hosts give their picks for who’s up and who’s downthis week.    Links to topics White House says prescription drug price cuts will producebillions in savings for taxpayers and seniors Georgia Democrats headed to Chicago hope to give voters a"joyful" contrast Mark Niesse: Georgia Republicans lay groundwork to opposecertifying presidential election   Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hourPolitically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back yourquestion and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday'sepisode.   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.”       Credits  Executive Producer- Shane Backler  Producer- Natalie Mendenhall  Engineer- Matt Owen Editor- Devan Kortan   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

State representative Shelly Hutchinson is headed to Chicago as a delegate to next week’s Democratic National convention. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Hutchinson talks about how Kamala Harris has sparked new excitement and “joy” among Democrats who now believe they have a good chance to win the White House.    Later, Melita Easters, founder and executive director of the Georgia WIN List joins the podcast to look at how Kamala Harris’ ascension to the top of the ticket may be giving Democratic pro-choice legislative candidates she’s recruited a stronger chance to win in down ballot races. And she tells the hosts that talking about issues - not gender - is a key to success for local candidates as well as Kamala Harris.   Then, the hosts discuss an article from the Guardian which alleges that Georgia state election board member Rick Jeffares asked a former Trump administration official to propose him as regional director of the EPA if Trump wins in November. Jeffares denies the allegation, and GOP state party chair Josh McKoon has called it a smear job     Links to today's topics: Kamala Harris' anti-Hillary Clinton strategy for winning the White House State election board member denies asking Trump allies for administration job Wealthy Georgians open their wallets for Trump     Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.   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.”             Credits  Executive Producer- Shane Backler  Producer- Natalie Mendenhall  Engineer- Shane Backler Editor- Matt Owen  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shirley Franklin’s parallels with Kamala Harris are significant: Franklin became the first African American woman to be elected mayor of a major southern American city.    On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, the AJC’s Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell hosts ask the former mayor if she learned lessons during her campaign that may be of value for Vice President Harris’ campaign.   Later, Josh McKoon, the chairman of Georgia’s Republican Party joins the podcast to discuss how state Republicans plan to counter the issues Democrats will showcase at their convention next week.    Plus, Georgia Democrats are frustrated that Governor Kemp turned down a federal; grant to give low-income families with school children a helping hand with buying groceries. Kemp was one of about a dozen governors to turn down the aid, which was established to replace the school meals that students don’t get during summer breaks.     Links to today's topics: The Wisdom and wit of Shirley Franklin Democrats rebuke Kemp for turning down food aid for families in need     Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.   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.”             Credits  Executive Producer- Shane Backler  Producer- Natalie Mendenhall  Engineer- Shane Backler Editor- Matt Owen  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, AJC elections reporter Mark Niesse joins the podcast to discuss how the MAGA-controlled state election board appears to be passing rules that could allow Donald Trump to challenge the results of the Georgia election is he loses the state.   Then, the hosts discuss the conversation between Trump supporter Elon Musk and Trump on Musks’ platform X. Trump used the opportunity to attack Fulton County DA Fani Willis for her continuing effort to try him as part of a broader election conspiracy case.   Plus, former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has written a children’s book, extending his late wife Sandra’s deep commitment to raising literacy rates in the state. And Deal talks a little politics, too.     Links to today's topics: Election board approves new "inquiry" for certifying election results  Trump and Musk talk assassination attempt and deportations during glitchy X conversation Former Governor Deal pens children's book about "Veto the Governor's Cat"   Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.   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.”             Credits  Executive Producer- Shane Backler  Producer- Natalie Mendenhall  Engineer- Shane Backler Editor- Matt Owen   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, prominent Georgia immigration attorney Charles Kuck joins the AJC’s Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell to fact check claims being made by both the Trump and Harris campaigns about the crisis at the southern border.But first, Rep. Sanford Bishop joins the podcast to discuss Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz’s voting record and ability to work across the aisle during Walz’s six terms in the U.S. House.Plus, Tia and Bill discuss news about the upcoming Democratic convention in Chicago, including the announcement that Jimmy Carter’s grandson Jason has been chosen to give a speech at the convention. Other Georgia Democrats are likely to have speaking roles, too.Links to today's topics:Two Georgia Democrats say enthusiasm for Tim Walz is "through the roof"Republicans in Atlanta sharpen attacks on Harris and WalzHere's a look at questions about Walz's military recordHarris fights back on Trump immigration attacks at Atlanta rallyAre Trump attacks on Kemp going to hurt down ballot Republicans?  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. 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.”      Credits Executive Producer- Shane Backler Producer- Natalie Mendenhall Engineer- Shane BacklerEditor- Matt Owen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Senator Jon Ossoff joins the AJC’s Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut to discuss the bill now signed into law that creates an oversight mechanism to monitor federal prisons. The new law is the result of an investigation Ossoff led for some two years, looking into dangerous conditions for both inmates and staff.Then, Greg Bluestein reports live from Erick Erickson’s Gathering, a national conference of conservative leaders, which features two days of remarks by top Republicans, including Governor Kemp and Georgia attorney general Chris Carr. It will be an opportunity to see whether Kemp has a response to the attacks launched against him by Donald Trump.Plus,we answer your questions from the listener mailbag and give you our picks for who’s up and who’s down this week.  Links to today's topics:President signs Ossoff bill strengthen oversight of crisis-plagued federal prisonsCongress passes Ossoff federal prison oversight measureTrump's GOP Georgia targets take center stage at conservative conferenceTrump attack on Brian Kemp opens fresh wounds in GOP party unityHave a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. 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.”      Credits Executive Producer- Shane Backler Producer- Natalie Mendenhall Engineer- Shane BacklerEditor- Matt Owen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices