Politically Georgia

School superintendent Richard Woods has reversed his initial decision to deny state funding for a new Advanced Placement African American history curriculum.  On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, state Senator Nikki Merritt joins the AJC’s Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut to discuss the decision to move forward with funding for the program in Georgia’s public schools.But first,  Stephen Lawson, a former top aide to Republican Speaker of the Georgia House Jon Burns joins the podcast to talk about the damage Donald Trump’s attacks on Governor Brian Kemp may do to party unity and Trump’s efforts to win Georgia.Plus, there are indications from election projection experts and a new private poll that Kamala Harris is turning the tide in Georgia's presidential race. The state is now rated a tossup by Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball and the Cook Report.Links to today's topics:Trump attack on Brian Kemp opens fresh wounds in GOP party unityGeorgia school superintendent reverses course on AP African American history courseSabato Crystal Ball: Georgia back to toss up stateHave 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

Vice President Kamala Harris holds her first rally with her new running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell talk with Democratic DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond about the roll out of the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz ticket at a rally in Philadelphia.  Thurmond weighs in, too, on the decision by state school superintendent Richard Woods to reject certifying the new African American studies Advanced Placement curriculum for Georgia schools.Then, election law expert and state Representative Saira Draper responds to the state election board’s vote to add a rule that could slow down or block local election officials from certifying the results of elections.  Links to today's topics:Harris-Walz campaign to highlight VP pick's military tie to GeorgiaHarris-Walz, Trump-Vance now a battle for Sun Belt and Rust BeltDo African Americans but Trump claim that immigrants are taking Black jobs?Georgia election board approves new "inquiry" for certifying election results 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

Vice President Kamala Harris chooses Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in the 2024 presidential election.  On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut look at Harris’ choice of running mate and the official Democratic ticket.Former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan weighs in on the vice presidential picks and he discusses the Georgia GOP effort to drum him out of the Republican Party for his endorsement of Kamala Harris. Duncan also responds to Donald Trump’s attacks on Governor Kemp at a rally in Atlanta last weekend.Republican House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration joins the podcast to discuss Donald Trump’s chances of winning Georgia, his legislative proposal to address homelessness and more.And former Atlanta Mayor and Harris ally Kasim Reed enters the discussion on whether the selection of Tim Walz will help Harris’ chances of winning Georgia.   Links to today's topics:Harris picks Tim Walz as running mateGeorgia Democrats rally around Tim WalzGeoff Duncan: A Harris presidency would give Republicans time to purge TrumpismGeorgia GOP wants to ban Duncan from running as a Republican  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

At his Saturday rally in Atlanta, former President Donald Trump attacked Governor Brian Kemp and other Georgia Republicans wile claiming he won the 2020 presidential election. On today’s episode of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy  look at Donald Trump’s grievance-filled weekend rally in Atlanta. Then, a discussion of Kamala Harris’ top choices for a running mate as she prepares to announce her pick. While there was no infighting about Harris becoming the Democratic nominee for president, Different wings of the party are feuding about who her VP should be.Plus, state GOP leaders demand that former Republican Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan stop calling himself a Republican. And they say that he will be barred from running on any Georgia Republican ballot moving forward. And Jimmy Carter, less than two months from a milestone 100th birthday says his real goal is getting to vote for Kamala Harris.  Links to today's topics:Trump attacks on Kemp revive internal GOP warDonald Trump's "stupid" swipes at Kemp at terrible time for state GOPA look at Harris VP optionsGeorgia GOP wants to stop Duncan from ever running as a RepublicanJimmy Carter says next goal is voting for Kamala HarrisHave 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

Former President Donald Trump holds his first joint rally in Atlanta Saturday with his newly christened running mate U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio. On today’s episode of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut and former AJC politics columnist Jim Galloway look ahead to the rally being held at the same location as Vice President Kamala Harris’ rally this past week. AP national politics reporter Meg Kinnard joins to look at why Democrats have embraced so quickly the description of Donald Trump and JD Vance as “weird.”But first, the podcast explores the ongoing controversy over Georgia school superintendent Richard Woods’ refusal to certify the new African American studies Advanced Placement curriculum. Woods’ claims that portions of the course violate the state’s “divisive concepts” law. AJC education reporter Maureen Downy joins the discussionPlus, Bill and Jim answer questions that came in this week during our weekly listener mailbag segment. Links to today's topics:Outrage follows Georgia school super’s rejection of AP African American history courseDowney: How Georgia drama over AP African American history course unfoldedSchool superintendent claims some of AP Africam American history course may violate state lawKinnard: Why Harris and Democrats keep calling Trump and Vance "weird"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

In a short yet combative interview at the National Association of Black Journalists’ convention, former President Donald Trump repeated campaign trail falsehoods and questioning whether Kamala Harris is Black while disparaging his hosts. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, AJC Washington correspondent Tia Mitchell joins the podcast to talk about how Donald Trump was received by journalists as he sparred with interviewers during his contentious session at the NABJ conference. Then, AJC investigative reporters Asia Simone Burns jand Justin Price join the podcast to discuss the blockbuster AJC investigation into the dangerous practices of Georgia State Patrol officers who routinely conduct high speed chases that result in injuries and deaths to bystanders.  Links to today's topics:Trump undermines buzz about Black support with angry interview at NABJAJC investigation: How state patrol pursuits endanger Georgians 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

It was an event some are calling a uniquely Atlanta event that combined a fiery campaign stump speech with high-energy hip-hop performances. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Greg Bluestein discuss Kamala Harris’ first rally in Atlanta since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.Katy Gates of “Voters for Tomorrow” joins the podcast with thoughts on whether the Harris campaign is energizing young voters who until recently seemed disengaged from the presidential race.We are also joined by Conservative attorney and former Georgia GOP state legislator Megan Hansen - a new contributor to the AJC -  to give her reaction to the Harris rally, and to discuss the weekend visit to Atlanta of Donald Trump and JD Vance. Links to today's topics: Harris draws largest crowd yet at Atlanta rallyHarris answers Trump insults with debate challengeDonald Trump and JD Vance to campaign together in Atlanta this weekend 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

Vice President Kamala Harris arrives in Atlanta today holding her first rally is the presumptive presidential nominee for the Democratic ticket. On today’s episode of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut and special co-host Tamar Hallerman preview this evening’s rally with State Democratic Party Chair, Congresswoman Nikema Williams. They also discuss how the campaign is ramping up the effort to win Georgia.   Greg Bluestein is covering the Vice President’s star-studded rally and gives us an update from the ground.    Plus, Georgia State University professor of law Anthony Michael-Kreis on President Biden’s proposals for reforming the United States Supreme Court.     Links to today's topics: VP Harris to headline a star-studded Atlanta campaign rally Here's why Harris visit matters Megan Thee Stallion to perform at Harris rally Biden decries "extremism" on Supreme Court, calls for reform     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

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear campaigns in Georgia Kamala Harris. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia Podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Greg Bluestein discuss why the location of Beshear’s rally is of particular interest.   But first, former Democratic Governor Roy Barnes joins the podcast to share his thoughts on what the ascension of Kamala Harris to the top of the Democratic presidential ticket may mean for Democrats’ chances of victory in Georgia and nationwide.   Political analysts Andra Gillespie, professor of political science at Emory University and political insider Rick Dent weigh in on Vice President Harris’ rise in national and swing state polls, the troubles facing JD Vance and Donald Trump’s efforts to find a new line of attack against Harris.   Plus, Louisville Courier-Journal politics reporter Rebecca Grapevine shares insights about Democratic Governor Beshear’s appeal in a red state, and describes what he might bring to the Democratic ticket if Harris chooses him as her VP running mate.      Links to today's topics: Andy Beshear campaigns for Harris in typically red Atlanta suburb Harris campaign centers on abortion with Georgia voters Beshear challenges JD Vance claim to be voice of Appalachia Harris visit to Atlanta tomorrow adds to long list of trips to our state     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

A look back at one of the most extraordinary weeks in recent American political history. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein look at new polling that indicates Trump still leads in swing states, with Harris closing gap. We’ll also look at how Georgia members of congress responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington as well as the prime minister’s meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris and separately, Donald Trump. Then, in an expanded listener mailbag, listeners give their opinions on President Biden’s dropping out and Vice President Harris quickly locking up enough delegates to become the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.  Links to today's topics:How Biden's withdrawal upended Georgia raceKamala Harris is bringing her campaign to Georgia next weekHarris campaign readies blitz of weekend activitiesEmerson swing state polling  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.”    CreditsExecutive Producer- Shane BacklerProducer- Natalie MendenhallEngineer- Matt OwenEditor- Daniel Sallerson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices