Political Breakfast from WABE

Latest Episodes:

The court of public opinion: Fani Willis admits she had a personal relationship with Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

This week on Political Breakfast, the gang discusses the fallout of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis acknowledging her personal relationship with Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade. Willis also called motions to disqualify her from the Georgia election interference case "meritless."

Plus, Atlanta rapper and activist Michael Render, known as Killer Mike, was just arrested at the Grammys in Los Angeles after sweeping the ceremony with three awards.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold Dome Scramble: Senate approves sports betting, but a last minute change could complicate things Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

The Georgia Senate has passed a bill that would allow sports betting, but a last minute addition could complicate its ultimate passage. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas also discuss efforts to recruit poll workers and speak with health reporter Jess Mador about a slew of health related issues, including a possible Medicaid expansion and the $636 million Georgia is getting from a major opioid drugmaker settlement.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antisemitism law signed, splits Georgia Dems Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

A note of disclosure: This episode was recorded 2 days before the antisemitism bill was signed into law.

GOP Governor Brian Kemp has signed a bill into law that officially defines antisemitism.

Supporters say now Georgia prosecutors and judges can more easily define antisemitism as discrimination or a hate crime.

Democratic State Representative Esther Panitch, the only Jewish member of the General Assembly, co-sponsored the measure.

"I do know that prosecutors and investigators need to be taught what the definition means and how to discern between things that may be anti Semitic and things that are not necessarily anti Semitic."

The GOP is a united front in support of Israel's war on Hamas. But some Democrats are opposed.

Strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson break down the divide, and how some opponents are concerned that the law simply censors criticism of the Israeli government and violence towards Palestinians.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The GOP and abortion, Biden kicks off his official stump in South Carolina, How Georgia Gov. Kemp landed on the national stage once again Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team analyzes how both the Republican and Democratic parties will leverage the abortion issue during this election cycle.

Plus, Brian and Tharon swap theories on what Governor Brian Kemp stands to gain by taking a staunch conservative stance on immigration.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold Dome Scramble: Trump joins motion seeking to disqualify lead prosecutor from election interference case Jan 26, 2024

Show notes

Republicans under the Gold Dome have pounced on misconduct allegations lodged against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, the lead prosecutor in the Georgia election interference case. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has joined a motion seeking to disqualify Willis from the case. Also this week, WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali speak with their colleague Stephanie Stokes who recently published a story in partnership with ProPublica titled: "When families need housing, Georgia will pay for foster care rather than provide assistance."

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grind at the Gold Dome: Medicaid expansion, abortion, sports betting, tort reform and the road map ahead for the General Assembly Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

On this week's second episode of Political Breakfast, Georgia politicians are starting to kick up dust under the Gold Dome week 3 of the legislative session.

Republicans and Democrats are both moving forward with hot-button issues.

Host Lisa Rayam asks strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson what kitchen-table issues are being pushed so far.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DeSantis is done, Trump and Haley frontrunners for GOP, and is age really but a number in the presidential race? Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

This week on Political Breakfast, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ended his 2024 White House bid on Sunday and endorsed rival Donald Trump.

How will his decision trickle down in Georgia?

Host Lisa Rayam and strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson discuss whether or not Republicans will fall in line behind Trump? Or will former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley pull ahead?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold Dome Scramble: Gov. Kemp touts budget as state economist warns of recession Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

It's budget week at the Georgia State Capitol and more than $35 billion a year are at stake. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali talk about the state budget with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's James Salzer, who's been covering state government and politics in Georgia since 1990. Plus a look at the ongoing debate over Medicaid expansion and a roundup of election news ahead of Georgia's primary on March 12.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis defends hiring a prosecutor in the Donald Trump election tampering case, Trump's surge in Georgia polls may indicate a shifting landscape Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis breaks her silence over the hiring of a prosecutor in the Donald Trump election case. But was her response enough?

Questions regarding an alleged affair between the two still loom.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson join host Lisa Rayam to weigh how this could hurt her re-election campaign and boost Trump's run for President.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold Dome Scramble: The legislature is back in session Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

The Georgia legislature is back under the Gold Dome, just a few weeks after a contentious special session on redistricting. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss what they'll be keeping an eye on this legislative session. Plus, some of the key takeaways from Governor Brian Kemp's sixth State of the State address and a preview of what will likely be a heated election year.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Political Breakfast from WABE

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected