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Call in with your questions on the Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at (770)-810-5297, and our hosts will answer them on future episodes. Learn more on the AJC Politically Georgia Podcast page.
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As the 2025 Georgia legislative session begins, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution conducted an exclusive poll to gauge how Georgians feel about the major issues lawmakers are set to debate. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell analyze the poll results with the AJC’s Maya T Prabhu and discuss what they reveal about voter priorities for this session.
Plus, the U.S. Senate is preparing to take up the Laken Riley Act, named after the Georgia nursing student tragically killed by an undocumented immigrant. The bill has sparked debate among Democrats, yet it’s receiving notable bipartisan support—with Democratic Rep. Lucy McBath voting in favor and Senator Jon Ossoff announcing his support. We’ll explore the political dynamics surrounding the measure.
Links to today’s topics:
Speaker Jon Burns supports protection for use of IVF
Votes on Laken Riley Act show shift in Georgia Democrats' thinking on immigration
Senate hearing schedule for Trump nominees
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.
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As Georgia’s legislative session continues, business leaders gathered at the annual Eggs & Issues breakfast to hear from Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, and House Speaker Jon Burns. Politically Georgia’s Greg Bluestein checks in with hosts Bill Nigut and Patricia Murphy with highlights from the event and the key priorities lawmakers are setting this year.
Meanwhile, the Georgia Senate has voted to extend the special committee investigating Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her handling of the Trump election interference case. AJC senior reporter Tamar Hallerman explains the latest developments in this ongoing conflict.
Plus, we’ll dive into special counsel Jack Smith’s claim that Donald Trump would have been convicted of election interference if not for his victory, and why former Congressman Doug Collins’s cabinet confirmation hearing is on hold.
Links to today’s topics:
Kemp to dole out extra $50 million in Georgia school security grants
Trump picks former Georgia Congressman Doug Collins to run Veterans Affairs
Georgia Senate revives panel investigating Fulton DA Fani Willis
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.
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Georgia’s lawmakers are back under the Gold Dome for the start of the 2024 legislative session, and Politically Georgia is live from the Georgia State Capitol. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy bring you the latest as lawmakers begin 40 days of critical debate.
Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones joins the podcast to talk about Democratic priorities this session and how the party plans to recover after November’s tough losses.
We also highlight the rising political figures to watch this session as they build momentum for future statewide races.
Plus, Governor Brian Kemp is set for a high-profile week, addressing business leaders at the Eggs and Issues breakfast and preparing for his State of the State address.
Links to today’s topics:
Georgia Legislature convenes with a more diverse crop of lawmakers
What to watch for as the Georgia legislative session begins
Your guide to the 2025 session of the Legislature
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.”
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The legislative session kicks off Monday, and Georgia’s politicians are gearing up for another 40-day session under the Gold Dome. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, host Greg Bluestein previews the issues that will dominate the session.
First, Greg sits down with House Speaker Jon Burns, who outlines the Republican agenda, including Medicaid, school safety, and IVF protections. Then, Democratic state Representative Michelle Au shares her priorities and vision for the Democratic Party following November’s sweeping losses.
Finally, it’s Friday, which means we’re diving into the listener mailbag to answer your questions and sharing Greg’s picks for who’s up and who’s down in politics this week.
Links to today’s topics:
Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns previews the upcoming legislative session
New poll shows most Georgia voters want to legalize sports betting
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.”
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Today marks the conclusion of memorial services for Jimmy Carter, the Georgia peanut-farmer-turned-president, as he is laid to rest. On this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell provide coverage of the state funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., where Carter will be eulogized by his grandson Jason Carter and President Joe Biden, with a homily by former UN Ambassador Andrew Young.
We also guide you through the final leg of Carter’s journey as his remains are flown back to Georgia for a private funeral service in Plains, where he will be buried alongside his beloved wife, Rosalynn, at their family home.
Links to today’s topics:
Full coverage: Jimmy Carter 1924-2024
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.”
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Jimmy Carter’s final journey continued yesterday as a horse-drawn caisson carried his remains to the U.S. Capitol. During a moving memorial service in the Rotunda, House and Senate leaders honored the selfless life of service lived by Georgia’s only U.S. president. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy reflect on the day’s tributes and the significance of the event.
Tia shares her interviews with the deans of Georgia’s congressional delegation, Democrat Sanford Bishop and Republican Austin Scott, who attended the Capitol memorial and reflected on Carter’s lasting legacy.
Plus, the U.S. House has passed with bipartisan support the Lakin Riley Act, named in honor of the UGA nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it will test the positions of Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock on tightening laws for immigrants who commit crimes while in the country illegally.
Links to today’s topics:
Nation begins goodbye as Jimmy Carter lies in state at U.S. Capitol
Jimmy Carter funeral procession moves from Georgia to D.C.: Live updates recap
Bill named after Laken Riley is first to be passed in U.S. House this year
Patricia Murphy: Washington finally gives Jimmy Carter the respect he deserved all along
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.”
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The Georgia GOP has unanimously voted to expel former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, barring him from running as a Republican in Georgia. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Bill Nigut and Patricia Murphy speak with Duncan about his response to this decision and what it means for his political future.
Later, WABE contributor and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joins us to discuss what Georgians can expect from President-elect Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. Robinson also shares his perspective on the key legislative issues likely to dominate the upcoming session under the Gold Dome.
Finally, we provide an update on the memorial plans for President Jimmy Carter, whose remains will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Hear about the eulogies and tributes from national leaders as the country prepares to honor Georgia’s only U.S. president.
Links to today’s topics:
Georgia GOP expels Geoff Duncan after his support of Kamala Harris
Here’s what a second Trump administration could mean for Georgia
Carter service at U.S. Capitol delayed by weather, VP Harris to attend
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.”
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Jimmy Carter’s fight against neglected diseases is one of the Carter Center’s most impactful missions. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with Dr. Bill Foege, the Carter Center’s first executive director, about his work with President Carter and the legacy they built together.
We also turn to Congress, where Mike Johnson narrowly won the vote to remain speaker. His slim margin of victory suggests a tough road ahead as he works to pass the Republican agenda in the 119th session.
Finally, as the nation marks the fourth anniversary of the January 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol, Washington Post reporter Marianna Sotomayor reflects on her experiences reporting from the Capitol that day.
Links to today’s topics:
Bill Foege: The Jimmy Carter I knew
Republican Mike Johnson reelected House speaker in dramatic floor vote
Reminders of Jan. 6 attack fade in the Capitol as Trump retakes power
Jan. 6 defendants wait for Trump pardons
How Congress will certify Trump's Electoral College victory on Jan. 6
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.”
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As a new session of Congress begins, all eyes are on the slim Republican majority in the U.S. House and whether Mike Johnson can secure re-election as speaker. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with a Georgia GOP congressman to get insights on this first critical test for House Republicans.
We also talk with Ernie Suggs, the AJC’s veteran reporter covering the Carter family, about the schedule of events for President Jimmy Carter’s funeral procession beginning tomorrow. Ernie shares personal reflections on his years of reporting on Carter and the lasting legacy of the nation’s 39th president.
Finally, Bill and Tia answer your political questions from the listener mailbag and reveal their picks for who’s up and who’s down in politics this week.
Links to today’s topics:
Johnson battles for the Speakership: 5 things to watch
Why Johnson’s perilous moment threatens Trump’s agenda
Jimmy Carter: Man of the People
Son of the South: Jimmy Carter’s evolving stance on race
Patricia Murphy: Being old in Washington got very old in 2024
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.”
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Georgians who traveled to New Orleans to celebrate the New Year and cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl found themselves caught in the middle of a deadly terrorist attack. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut speaks with Greg Bluestein, reporting live from New Orleans, about the attack and its impact, including the critical injury of a University of Georgia student.
Then, we reflect on the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter as we are joined by professors Charles Bullock and Andra Gillespie, historian Joe Crespino, and veteran political strategist Rick Dent. They’ll share insights into what Carter meant to Georgia, the nation, and the world.
Finally, our panel turns to the future, offering their predictions for the biggest political stories set to shape Georgia and the nation in 2025.
Links to today’s topics:
Suspect in New Orleans terrorist attack had Georgia, military ties
Officials identify UGA student, 19, critically injured in New Orleans attack
Sugar Bowl kickoff time announced after CFP quarterfinal postponement
Full coverage: Jimmy Carter 1924-2024
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.”
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