On this episode of Political Breakfast, we talk about Campaign ads. The GOP ads on transgender rights seem to be dominating the airwaves leading up to the November 5th election.  While the the Democratic Party continues to focus on reproductive rights.....how is all of this factoring into a very tight race in Georgia? The Political Breakfast team talks about how the strategy plays out as Georgians head to the polls. Executive Director of the Atlanta Civic Circle Saba Long is in for Tharon Johnson this week and joins Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and Host Lisa Rayam.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Early voting is now underway in Georgia and over 300,000 voters showed up on the first day, more than doubling the previous record set in 2020.With less than three weeks to go until election day, WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss the latest election news in this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast."Plus, two Georgia judges have undercut a series of controversial rules passed by the State Election Board. The rulings amounted to a rebuke of the board's Republican-majority, which has been praised by former President Donald Trump, and brought relief to election officials worried about the last-minute changes.And in Sumter County, 100 year-old former President Jimmy Carter has voted by mail for Vice President Kamala Harris.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Early voting is underway in Georgia and former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are doing 11th-hour stumping here. Are their strategies turning-out voters and packing the polls? Trump is hitting the Peach State a little more aggressively in these next three weeks ahead of Election Day on November 5th. At the time of this Political Breakfast taping, Trump has three Georgia events penciled-in on his calendar: including two rallies in Duluth, and a pre-taped Fox town hall on women's issues, with an all-female audience. Harris is set to come to Atlanta this weekend.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam discuss, are these strategies impacting voters' enthusiasm and turnout? Plus, the gang gives and update on voter demographics, and what swaths are still up for grabs in Georgia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia's growing Indian-American community is getting more politically involved, both as voters and as candidates.On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take listeners to the Festival of India in Atlanta and discuss how this community could shape local and presidential races in Georgia.Plus, more drama with the State Election Board and actress and Smyrna native Julia Roberts campaigns for Vice President Kamala Harris in Canton.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donald Trump is coming to a rally at Gas South Arena in Duluth on October 23rd, roughly 25 miles north of Atlanta. But opponent Vice President Kamala Harris already challenged the former president to another CNN debate that same night, taking place just miles away in Atlanta. Trump has argued it's “too late” to have another presidential debate, because Americans have already started casting their ballots ahead of the November election.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson discussed how this strategy appears to Georgia voters.Plus, what October, eleventh-hour campaign stumping surprises do both candidates have in store?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Both Republicans and Democrats are crossing political lines and banding together to help those devastated by Hurricane Helene. That's as another powerful Hurricane Milton already barrels towards the Florida coast, less than two weeks after Helene. Governor Brian Kemp and Donald Trump made an appearance together last week outside Augusta. Host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson discuss their first appearance together in years. That comes soon after Trump antagonized Kemp during his latest presidential rallies in Georgia.How far will the visual carry the former president in the Peach state?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, we discuss President Joe Biden traveling to Georgia Thursday to tour areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.Vice President Kamala Harris was in Augusta Wednesday to survey damage from the storm and former President Donald Trump made a stop in Valdosta earlier this week. Thousands across the southeast are unaccounted for, and remain without power and water. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson wondered where were President Biden and Kamala Harris immediately in wake of Helene? Is the Biden administration doing enough?Plus, post-debate analysis between Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and GOP opponent and Trump's running mate, JD Vance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hurricane Helene left a path of devastation across the Southeast, killing more than 200 people since making landfall in Florida. Hundreds are still missing.On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," climate reporter Emily Jones and environment reporter Marisa Mecke discuss the historic storm, how climate change is making extreme weather worse and what we can learn from the disaster.Plus, politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali unpack a judge's ruling overturning Georgia's restrictive abortion law.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, both presidential candidates Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are being criticized by their response to Hurricane Helene. Harris and President Joe Biden approved emergency declarations for southeastern states including Georgia. But Republicans claim Harris should've cut her West Coast stumping schedule earlier and flown immediately back to Washington D.C., got on a plane and came to the southeast.Meanwhile, Trump visited Valdosta in wake of Helene. But Democrats are circulating a clip of Trump from a rally only days prior that critics say showed a lack of empathy. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam discuss if the candidates handled this natural disaster appropriately, as the death toll rises. Plus, Trump tossed out chicken tenders at the Georgia vs. Alabama game Saturday.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With a little more than a month left until election day, Georgia's State Election Board has approved several last-minute changes to the election process, despite opposition from Republican state officials and local election officials.Tensions on the board are growing as Republican members hint that their work is not done and criticize those who question their motives.On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss the new rules and what else could happen between now and election day.Plus, Former President Donald Trump rallies in Savannah, two presidential candidates are disqualified from Georgia's ballot and a conversation about American politics with German journalist Laura Goudkamp, who has been working at WABE as part of the Burns Fellowship.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, we start with former president Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance stumping in Georgia this week. The pair are traveling separately to cover more ground. Plus, more political theater from Georgia's GOP. Text messages surface that were sent by Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. The texts from Jones, a Trump ally, show he had no problem criticizing fellow state Republicans, including Gov. Brian Kemp. Those were sent in the weeks after the 2020 election as Jones tried to help Trump overturn his defeat to President Joe Biden. The texts could have been worse, says Republican strategist Brian Robinson. Brian, the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long and host Lisa Rayam break down internal divisions, and what this means for Jones' political future in the state? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a point this week and further cuts are expected between now and the end of next year.Mortgage rates have already started coming down in anticipation of the rate cuts, making it easier for many to buy a home, but home ownership still remains out of reach for millions of Americans.On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," politics reporter Sam Gringlas speaks with housing reporter Stephannie Stokes about the housing policies being proposed by presidential candidates and what the state of Georgia is and isn’t doing to address the issue.Plus, a conversation about a new state law dealing with mass voter challenges and how it could affect voters experiencing homelessness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the latest edition of Political Breakfast, we hone-in on the role of women voters in Georgia, and the issues that will sway them.A recent Gallup analysis found that women aged 18 to 29 are more liberal than young women in the past on specific issues, particularly abortion and the environment. All this as Vice President Kamala Harris has recently doubled-down on GOP candidate Donald Trump's running mate, JD Vance, and his past comments about how the Democratic party is being controlled by so-called 'childless cat ladies.'Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam discuss if both parties are focusing enough on their messaging to this large voting swath.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team talks about the second assassination attempt on the life of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.What is this saying about the overall political climate?  Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam reminisce on a tumultuous time during the 1960s.Plus both applaud what Georgia state legislators plan to do to tackle gun control and safety issues here in Georgia, weeks after the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump debated Tuesday for the first and possibly the only time before Election Day.On this week’s episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," the team shares their stories of watching the debate.Plus, an update on the fight to keep or remove third-party and independent presidential candidates on Georgia's ballot and a rundown of recent proposals put out in response to the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, the gang is live soon after the first high-stakes presidential debate between Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.We know that debates don't necessarily win elections. But many surveys of voters nationwide, including undecided swing voters, suggest that Harris won the debate. Still, the latest polls show Trump and Harris are still neck-and-neck in Georgia and other battleground states, with Trump having a slight edge. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam discuss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team talks about a renewed push for gun safety after the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County.Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam address the role Georgia legislators are bound to play.Plus, they ponder the question: Is a gun buyback program a viable solution? This after Georgia U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock was pressed about the topic on national television.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two students and two teachers are dead after a 14-year-old student opened fire inside a Barrow County high school on Wednesday. The student, and his 54-year-old father, are now facing multiple charges.In this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how elected officials are responding to the deadliest school shooting in Georgia history and how the tragedy has reignited the debate over the state's gun laws and school safety.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vice President Kamala Harris wrapped up a campaign swing in coastal Georgia with a Savannah rally on Thursday.Harris, along with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, visited a marching band practice and a barbecue restaurant, among other local stops.The goal, campaign strategists say, is to show Democrats are serious about winning votes outside of Metro Atlanta, as political reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss on this week’s episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast."Plus, the Georgia State Election Board is facing growing scrutiny over new rules that could result in local election board members refusing to certify election results and an update on the status of third party and independent presidential candidates appearing on the state's ballots.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team discusses how influential Georgia Republicans are still conflicted when it comes to supporting former president Donald Trump. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's tense relationship with Donald Trump appears to be fading. He's now attending a fundraiser for Trump in Atlanta.  How can this be a win/win for both?Plus former GOP Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan is now endorsing Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He's now calling on more Republicans to join him.Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson tell host Lisa Rayam how all this will affect Duncan's and Kemp's future in Georgia politics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson's take of the Democratic National Convention. He was there in Chicago and spent time on the convention floor.Plus Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and Tharon both share their take on the stumping that will be ramping-up in the battleground state of Georgia with host Lisa Rayam.Hear why they say spending time in the Peach State will make or break who comes out on top in November.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vice President Kamala Harris has officially accepted her party's historic nomination for president.Atlanta may have missed out on hosting the Democratic National Convention this year, but the city's culture was prominently on display.In this week’s episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss what happened at the DNC and introduce listeners to some of the Georgians who were there.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team talks about the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock took center stage and ignited the crowd with a fiery speech.Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and The Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long provide insight on Warnock's time at the podium.Plus the moment some call bittersweet for President Joe Biden. His address and how it could have been embraced by both Democrats and Republicans alike.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia’s maternal mortality rate is among the worst in the nation and health officials say the vast majority of pregnancy related deaths in the state are preventable.WABE Health Reporter Jess Mador has been reporting on the crisis and potential solutions. She joined WABE’s Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali for this week’s episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's second edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her new running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, postponed a visit to Georgia due to Tropical Storm Debby. But their Honeymoon has not waned. Will it? And if so, when?Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long talk with host Lisa Rayam about the prospect.Plus, how the GOP-led Georgia State Election Board has revisited ways to handle and monitor voter challenges ahead of the November Election.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp makes it clear that he supports the GOP presidential ticket, even though Donald Trump continues to attack him personally.Why is the Governor becoming more and more vocal about his stance now?Republican strategist Brian Robinson and the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long share their thoughts with host Lisa Rayam.Plus, the charges and politics surrounding a Georgia state lawmaker arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new rule approved by the Georgia State Election Board could open the door for local election boards to refuse to certify election results. The measure will go into effect ahead of the November presidential election.On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," political reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss the new rule, which is just one sentence long, and how opponents worry it could have sweeping consequences this fall in a critical swing state if local election members, driven by unsupported claims of election fraud, use it to delay certifying the results or to reject them outright.Plus, a look at how former president Donald Trump has reignited his feud with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, how former Presdent Donald Trump is once again taking aim at Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.Kemp was his target at a recent rally in Atlanta. Is this good or bad politics for the GOP presidential nominee?Host Lisa Rayam asks that question of Republican strategist Brian Robinson and the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long.What do they make of more Republicans expressing disdain for Trump?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thirty-three days after President Joe Biden’s ill-fated debate in Atlanta, Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Atlanta this week as the new presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.On this week’s edition of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," Reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how Harris is trying to muster the coalition of voters of color, independents and disaffected Republicans who helped propel Democratic wins in 2020.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, more talk about the very fluid presidential race that's all-encompassing here in the battleground state of Georgia. Republican Strategist Brian Robinson, the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long and host Lisa Rayam sort through the aftermath of Donald Trump's tense on-stage appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago. Did this ruin Trump's chances of winning over undecided voters in Georgia? Plus, what will the messaging entail at Trump's planned campaign stop in Atlanta Saturday with running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. In additon to all of this, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to return to Georgia next week with her pick for a running mate in tow.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vice President and now-presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is coming to stump in Atlanta. It's Harris' first Georgia visit since becoming the likely Democratic nominee for president, and her 15th this year alone. The team talks about how this latest visit may serve as a wake-up call for the Georgia GOP, which has been unusually silent in recent days. Saba Long, executive director of the Atlanta Civic Circle, and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson join host Lisa Rayam on this latest edition of Political Breakfast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's been yet another historic week in the 2024 presidential race as President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid and backed Vice President Kamala Harris in his place.On this week’s edition of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," politics reporter Rahul Bali and photographer Matthew Pearson gauge political reactions in Georgia to the change at the top of the Democratic ticket.Plus a conversation about the ethical considerations news photographers have to make in the field and as they're filing images.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's live edition of Political Breakfast, it continues to be a historic week in politics. President Joe Biden officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the November presidential race, in a first farewell speech to the nation from the Oval Office. Now there's reports that Harris will be back in Atlanta on Tuesday, signaling how important Georgia is this November. How has Donald Trump's attack strategy had to change overnight? Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long share some local perspective with host Lisa Rayam.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's live edition of Political Breakfast:The team talks about what's next for both Democrats and Republicans now that President Joe Biden has dropped-out of the 2024 presidential race. Biden and top Democrats, nationally and here in Georgia, are endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the new nominee. Are enough Democrats on board with Harris? Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Atlanta Civic Circle director Saba Long share with host Lisa Rayam their "temperature check" for Georgia -- a key battleground state in the race for the White House. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's live edition of Political Breakfast, Donald Trump accepts the GOP's official nomination to run for president this November, along with his running mate, JD Vance. Plus, President Joe Biden has scaled-down appearances this week, and is recovering from COVID-19. Strategists Tharon Johnson, Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam discuss all this from a Georgia lens. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia's Republican Governor Brian Kemp and Republican Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance both have complicated relationships with former President and now Republican nominee Donald Trump.Plus, Black communities in swing states like Georgia could be one of the most important voting blocs in the upcoming presidential election, especially for the Democratic Party.WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali and education reporter Juma Sei dive into these issues and discuss how they could impact the results in November on this week’s edition of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On a special LIVE edition of Political Breakfast this week, strategists Tharon Johnson, Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam break down Donald Trump's decision to select U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate. Vance is a 39-year-old venture capitalist, Senator, and author of the famous memoir "Hillbilly Elegy." The team tackles how Democrats view Trump's pick for VP, and how the GOP expects Vance to resonate in Georgia -- a key battleground state. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson share with host Lisa Rayam their thoughts on the assassination attempt on Donald Trump's life at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. An innocent bystander was killed. Two others were wounded.They ponder what the aftermath means for both the Trump campaign and President Biden's campaign moving forward. Did the shooting fuel the Trump campaign with the momentum needed to get over the hump in November? What's the temperature among voters in Georgia -- a key battleground state?Plus, what tone will both sides take as the GOP navigates through its convention this week?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia and Michigan moved in tandem during the last two presidential elections, elevating Donald Trump in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020. But in the midterms, they elected governors who pushed their states in opposite directions and are now rising stars on the national stage at a time when many voters are unhappy with the choices for president.WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali dig into parallels between two crucial states on this week’s episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Despite President Biden refusing to budge and stay in the re-election race, there is more talk about the role Vice President Kamala Harris could and should play come November.On this edition of Political Breakfast, host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Ben Burnett who is in for Brian Robinson, talk about the perception of Harris here in Georgia.Plus, thousands of delegates will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 15th for the start of the Republican National Convention. Ahead of this historic moment, what's keeping both the GOP and the Biden campaign up at night?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, Ben Burnett of the Ben Burnett Show sits in for Brian Robinson. Ben and Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson focus on the urgent calls for President Biden to step aside and not run for re-election.Biden on the other hand is calling on his party to move forward and unify, especially in this battleground state of Georgia.But, is that possible where it seems Democrats are becoming more divisive? Tharon and Ben weigh-in with host Lisa Rayam and they factor in the upcoming Republican National Convention.  How important is the GOP's messaging at this point?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Peach State could be a deciding factor in the 2024 presidential election, as it was in 2020. But Georgia's status as a critical state in presidential history isn't new.On this week's special Independence Day episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," politics reporter Sam Gringlas takes listeners on a summer road trip to a pair of towns that helped shape former presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Georgia's own Jimmy Carter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's live Political Breakfast, host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson process a landmark Supreme Court ruling that grants former presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. How will this trickle down to affect Donald Trump's current indictment and the election interference case here in Georgia? It's a legal victory for Trump, who touted the 6-3 ruling as a "big win for our Constitution and for democracy."Democrats condemned it and president Joe Biden warned that the ruling meant there were “virtually no limits on what the president can do” if Trump wins the 2024 presidential election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Joe Biden faced Donald Trump in Atlanta on Thursday night during their first debate ahead of the November election. It was the first time the two have shared a stage since they last debated in October of 2020.In this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss the debate and how it could shape the trajectory of the 2024 presidential election.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's second edition of Political Breakfast, Joe Biden and Donald Trump are set to make presidential debate history tonight on CNN in Atlanta. Despite months of public scrutiny for both candidates and voter fatigue being part of a national conversation, most U.S. adults plan to watch tonight -- and believe the debate is crucial for both campaigns, according to a new poll from The Associated Press.Last time the two clashed on the debate stage, the coronavirus pandemic dominated the questioning.Now four years later, voters are focused on other key issues. Is it fair to say whoever wins the debate wins Georgia, and other battleground states? Host Lisa Rayam asks Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, the gang talks President Joe Biden and Donald Trump's eleventh-hour efforts to campaign in Georgia, just days away from their CNN presidential debate in Atlanta. Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s 2020 campaign manager and chair of his reelection bid, said the campaign has scheduled more than 200 events across the state this week. They include news conferences, surrogate speeches and volunteer phone-banks.Former President Donald Trump’s campaign also opened a field office here Saturday to rally Republicans. Host Lisa Rayam asks Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson if all this is enough, and where both candidates should be looking to sway voters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LGBTQ voters are a highly engaged and growing voter bloc in Georgia and throughout the country. They’re also reliable Democratic supporters and a crucial demographic in tight elections.On this week’s special Pride Month episode of the "Plugged In" podcast, WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas and guest host Patrick Saunders – WABE’s Supervising Digital Editor – discuss the LGBTQ community and how they fit into the upcoming presidential election.To learn more about the issues affecting LGBTQ people in Georgia, check out WABE's Beyond Pride.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thanks to a new law, SB 189, it could be easier for third party and independent presidential candidates to make it onto Georgia ballots. And since Georgia's last presidential race was decided by less than 12,000 votes, the presence of those candidates could shape whether President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump win in November. On this week’s episode of WABE’s “Plugged In,” politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss SB 189 and some of the candidates that could be joining Biden and Trump on the Georgia ballot.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's second serving of Political Breakfast, MARTA says it’s committed to moving forward with a 230 million dollar renovation of the Five Points station in downtown Atlanta.Mayor Andre Dickens wanted MARTA to pause the overhaul. The Political Breakfast team addresses the Mayor's concerns about what turned up in a recent audit.Plus, ahead of November former Georgia Sen. Jen Jordan is advising Democrats to talk non-stop about contraception and reproductive rights.Is campaigning on that issue a winning strategy for Democrats? Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam weigh-in.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's Political Breakfast, all the talk about Atlanta's recent water crisis fails to wane. Residents and business owners still have lots of questions.Host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson tackle the biggest question: How could the water crisis help or hurt Mayor Andre Dickens politically?Plus, the team addresses "debate stage etiquette." This after Georgia Congressional candidate Chuck Hand, who served prison time for taking part in the January 6th U.S. Capitol riot, decided to walk out of an Atlanta Press Club forum.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is known for being a mayor who seems to be everywhere. But this week, he’s facing criticism over his being absent during the early hours of the city’s water emergency. That’s as Dickens has already faced protests over his support for the Atlanta Police Training Center. On this week's episode, politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss Dickens’ leadership and the spotlight the crisis has put on the city’s aging infrastructure.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's second serving of Political Breakfast, host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson discuss a surprise upset in the Georgia primary.In Cobb County, 27-year-old Gabriel Sanchez defeated the ncumbent State Rep. Teri Anulewicz.Sanchez now faces Republican Diane Jackson in this fall's general election.The gang poses the question: IF elected to the Georgia House, will Sanchez be able to govern alongside moderate Democrats and make friends across the aisle? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

City of Atlanta residents endured a water crisis over the weekend -- the result of several water main breaks. Days later, the city's response is still being scrutinized even after repairs were made. Just why did it take so long to communicate what was unfolding to weary Atlantans?On this week's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam sort through what feels like a lifetime without water for some.Plus, a follow-up on Donald Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts in the hush-money trial in New York. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A jury in New York City has unanimously found former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 criminal counts for covering up hush money payments to an adult film star before the 2020 election. This is the first time in U.S. history that a former president has been convicted of felony crimes. On this week’s episode, WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss the verdict and what it means for the 2024 election in Georgia. Plus an update on Trump's criminal case in Georgia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam after the Memorial Day holiday. Brian Kemp has skipped the Georgia GOP Convention twice. Now he's solidifying plans to attend the national RNC this summer in Milwaukee, and offering to help several Republicans down ballot across the country. Is this signaling a future presidential or U.S. Senate run?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than a million Georgians voted in the May primary and election officials are now gearing up for another round of voting as races where no candidate got more than 50% of the vote head to a runoff on June 18th. On this week’s episode, WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss one of those runoffs and explore whether any primary results provide clues about what's to come in November.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, the team debates why it seems like there hasn't been a lot of fanfare leading up to Tuesday's primary election. Are Georgia voters, especially in metro Atlanta, missing all that's at-stake? Plus, Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam assess Biden's Morehouse College commencement speech. Plus, internal divisions and pro-Donald Trump energy persisted at the recent Georgia GOP Convention in Columbus. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp did not attend .. again. The gang also discusses how an activist who helped organize a 'Stop the Steal' rally that proceeded the Jan. 6 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection, was just elected to the Republican National Committee.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays in Spalding County recently hosted a GOP debate featuring five primary candidates that are vying to represent Georgia's third Congressional district, which stretches from Atlanta's exurbs to the Alabama border. On this week's episode, WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali talk about this race and how it showcases former President Donald Trump's sway in the modern GOP. Plus a look at other Congressional and state house races ahead of Tuesday's primary.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's second episode of Political Breakfast, the team talks about Vice President Kamala Harris playing a vital role in Joe Biden's push for a second presidential term this November. A recent Biden/Harris campaign ad declares they're "putting the work in for Black America".In turn, what does outreach look like on Donald Trump's side?America's first Black VP has already come to Georgia several times this year. Recently she kicked off a swing state tour in Atlanta.The team talks about if the Biden Administration's efforts will work, and Black voters' enthusiasm for Biden – or lack of.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, we've got a full spread of politics. Strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson join host Lisa Rayam and start with the fallout in Washington, after Georgia GOP Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene tried to oust fellow GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson. It was quite a sting for Greene when the House swiftly turned down her effort to remove Johnson. Tired of chaos, many fellow Republicans, including Georgia representatives, took aim at Greene. She's still loved by Donald Trump, but has her star begun to fade?Plus, former Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan endorses Joe Biden. The team discusses what that may mean for his political future.And former Democratic U.S. Rep. John Barrow is using abortion rights to campaign in the race for a seat on Georgia's Supreme Court. Right or wrong? Brian and Tharon share their thoughts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former President Donald Trump, the top defendant in the Georgia election interference case, isn't the only one on the 2024 ballot. So is the judge, Scott McAfee, and the prosecutor, District Attorney Fani Willis. In this week's episode, WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss these and some of the other big candidates you can expect to see on the ballot in Georgia's May election.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Emory University, to Columbia, to Ole Miss, where's the line between a peaceful protest and when demonstrations start to go south? On this week's Political Breakfast, the gang discusses the fallout of one recent protest at the University of Mississippi.Republican Georgia U.S. Congressman Mike Collins recently re-tweeted a controversial video on X, formerly known as Twitter, that has many crying foul.The video of a pro-Palestinian protest and a group of mostly-white, counter-protesters at Ole Miss has circulated all over social media. One was making monkey noises and gestures at a Black student.Collins quoted the tweet, with "Ole Miss taking care of business."Collins later came out with a statement, saying that he does not tolerate any form of discrimination, and there seems to be potentially inappropriate behavior in the video that no one should seek to glorify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, Nathan Wade is breaking his silence on his past romantic relationship with Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis, and the gang is back to talking about the prosecution team, and former lovers.The former special prosecutor in the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump is speaking out for the first time. Wade resigned from the case after Fulton Judge Scott McAfee ruled his past romantic relationship with Willis created a conflict of interest.Many Republicans and Democrats believe that relationship put the Georgia election interference case against Trump and alleged co-conspirators in jeapordy.In an interview with ABC's Linsey Davis on Good Morning America, Wade said he hated how his "personal life began to overshadow the true issues" in the case, and that workplace romances are "as American as apple pie."Trump and others charged have appealed the ruling that allowed DA Willis to stay on the case. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Protests against the war in Gaza are continuing at Emory University and other campuses across the country. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas speak with criminal justice reporter Chamian Cruz, who was at Emory as law enforcement began removing protestors, and education reporter Juma Sei, who's been tracking the fallout at Emory and other colleges, where students are calling on their schools to divest from companies that do business with Israel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's second helping of Political Breakfast, the gang talks about how early voting is underway for Georgia's primaries and non-partisan elections on May 21st. The early voting period ends on May 17th. That's as elections officials and voters also face complications with lost mail and delays with the U.S. Postal Service. Host Lisa Rayam, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson break down some key races here in metro Atlanta.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson talk with host Lisa Rayam about Vice President Kamala Harris' most recent visit to Atlanta.Hours before her arrival Monday the gang analyzed her timing, her target audience and above all, her messaging. Harris' visit comes amid a divisive time on college campuses nationwide as demonstrators gather to protest against the Israel-Hamas war -- and Atlanta has been no different over the last week, with protests at Morehouse College, Emory University and on the University of Georgia campus in Athens. How will these protests reverberate in November?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With less than 200 days until Election Day 2024, right-wing grassroots activists and progressive organizers are gearing up for the campaign ahead. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas bring listeners along as they attend two events, just forty miles apart but on polar opposites of the political spectrum.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's second helping of Political Breakfast, the gang discusses opening statements that began this week for former president Donald Trump's hush-money trial in New York.The trial centers around allegations the former president falsified his company’s internal records when making alleged hush payments to porn star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign.Some folks in Georgia are watching this case very closely, like Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson.There's always the chance it will set a precedent for Trump's election interference case here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Launching this Friday from the team behind "Gold Dome Scramble," "Plugged In" is a Georgia politics roundup from the WABE newsroom. From under the Gold Dome or across the state, reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali talk to politicians and experts to break down each week’s biggest headlines."Plugged In" premieres on Friday, April 26. Episodes will publish here in the "Political Breakfast" feed, and subscribe to "Plugged In" wherever you find podcasts.For more, visit wabe.org/pluggedin See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's time for this week's Political Breakfast! Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is one of several GOP lawmakers threatening to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson, now that he's voted with Democrats to send billions in aid to Ukraine, Israel and other nations.Greene recently filed a motion to vacate the Republican speaker.Johnson joined with Democrats on Saturday to advance a 95 billion foreign aid package. It now heads to the Senate, which is expected to give final approval this week.But Johnson can't afford to lose much Republican support in the House, with a slim majority. Greene pointed that out in a heated interview after the vote over the weekend, calling Johnson a "lame duck." Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson break down Greene's reaction to the vote with host Lisa Rayam. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's second edition of Political Breakfast, the conversation continues from news earlier this week about special prosecutor Pete Skandalakis being appointed to investigate Georgia GOP Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. The case is over Jones' role in former president Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. In 2020, Burt Jones signed on as a fake elector for Donald Trump, after Joe Biden's victory in Georgia. Prosecutors allege this was part of a plan to overturn Trump’s loss. Jones claims he did nothing illegal. Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, appointed himself after Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis was disqualified from taking the case. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson break down the politics surrounding the case with host Lisa Rayam. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, the team responds to a recent Newsweek article that has attorneys for former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows calling the Georgia election interference case "unglued." Meadows was indicted along with former president Donald Trump and others as part of the RICO case being prosecuted by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam share throughts on whether the Meadows case is in fact falling apart, or if Willis and her team are in a strategic position to prosecute. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia first lady Marty Kemp recently said she would not vote for Donald Trump in November - and she'd "write Brian Kemp's name in. He'd make a darn good president." Trump has targeted Governor Kemp for declining to help interfere with Georgia's 2020 election result. But despite that animosity, Kemp hasn't lashed-out - and pledged to support the GOP's ultimate nominee. The Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long and Republican strategist Brian Robinson discuss with host Lisa Rayam. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson is out this week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's first episode of Political Breakfast,A Biden/Harris campaign ad declares they're "putting the work in for Black America."In turn, are they forcing the Trump campaign to amplify it's putting in the work?The Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson share their perspectives with host Lisa Rayam.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, it's Republican strategist Brian Robinson, host Lisa Rayam and Atlanta Civic Circle director Saba Long, who's filling-in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson. The crew discusses former President Donald Trump returning to Georgia for a luncheon in Atlanta on Wednesday.Big Georgia money will flow into Trump's campaign from this luncheon. Just a photo with the former president costs 25 thousand dollars per couple.  Among those hosting: former U.S. GOP Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue.Both lost their 2021 runoffs to Democratic U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, and are coming back as Trump allies. We weigh-in on the significance of this event, Trump's overall momentum in Georgia, and which voters will determine this November election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, the dust clears and the 2024 legislative session is over under the Gold Dome. But there's still business to hash through. The big question is, will Governor Brian Kemp sign all of the bills passed by the general assembly and sent to his desk?Some are of more interest to Republican strategist Brian Robinson, host Lisa Rayam, and Atlanta Civic Circle Director Saba Long, who's filling-in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson this week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers pass a flurry of bills before the last day of the legislative session, sine die, but not every big ticket item made it to the governor's desk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're two days away from Sine Die, the last day of the 2024 Georgia legislative session.It's a chaotic race to the finish where lawmakers are reviewing and voting-on hundreds of bills. Host Lisa Rayam is out this week. But Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson take us through a few bills they're focused on, and some insight they're getting from walking the halls of the Gold Dome. That includes one bill that would compensate exonerated people who lost years of their lives in prison.Plus, this week's episode comes on the heels of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens' state of the city address. Dickens touched on the future of building light rail and connecting MARTA to the Atlanta BeltLine, building more housing and building the city's public safety training center, which police say is on-track to open by the end of this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With just a few days left in this year's legislative session, lawmakers are jamming through bills any way they can. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss the proposals they're tracking as the session starts wrapping up. Plus, a conversation with WABE'S environment reporters Emily Jones and Marisa Mecke.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's time for this week's second edition of Political Breakfast, where strategists Tharon Johnson, Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam address Democrats' fears about President Joe Biden's chances in Georgia. The Atlanta Journal Constitution published an article this week that cited several lawmakers voicing concerns, that Georgia won’t get the same focus as battleground voters in other states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux says Biden’s campaign is likely to focus more on the “white working class” in the Midwest than more diverse Georgia voters.U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams says she is not worried at all, and warns that local election advocates need to do the grassroots work.Plus, Georgia U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is getting involved in delays and complications with the U.S. Postal Service. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, we're still seeing calls from the right for Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis to step aside from the Georgia election Interference case - even though her former special prosecutor Nathan Wade resigned from the case on Friday.A judge ruled one of them would have to go last week, because of a conflict of interest and their past romantic relationship.In a letter accepting Wade's resignation, Willis complimented him for his QUOTE "professionalism and dignity."Then over the weekend, Wade canceled a highly-anticipated live interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday .. citing a family emergency. The interview would have been the first chance to hear Wade's take on the ruling. Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam weigh-in on the latest in the election interference saga. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A judge ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis could remain on the Georgia election interference case, but only if special prosecutor Nathan Wade stepped aside.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia Republicans have passed public subsidies for private school tuition by the slimmest of margins. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss all things education with WABE education reporter Juma Sei. Plus a look at a last minute move to ban puberty blockers and efforts to expand gambling in Georgia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have Donald Trump's divisive MAGA movement and Joe Biden's low approval rates driven former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan to potentially run for president? Duncan could be running for president in November under the third-party, bipartisan movement 'No Labels.' Multiple national news outlets report Duncan could be featured on the movement's so-called "unity ticket" and challenge the presumed nominees President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump. WABE has reached out to Duncan for a statement on this news. So far he has not offered a comment, but is not shutting down the reports of stirring things up. Host Lisa Rayam, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson weigh-in on the potential White House bid.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, Donald Trump and Joe Biden hosted two competing presidential campaign rallies in Georgia over the weekend. Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson join host Lisa Rayam to compare the turnout and excitement at both events – as both candidate's approval ratings aren't reflecting the same energy. Both Trump and Biden say the path to the White House in 2024 runs through Georgia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former President Donald Trump’s last Republican challenger, Nikki Haley, has bowed out of the race ahead of Georgia’s presidential primary on Tuesday. Now the campaign is turning to the General Election, with Trump and President Joe Biden set to hold competing rallies in Georgia on Saturday. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas also discuss a busy qualifying week at the state capitol and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this special edition of Political Breakfast, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strateigst Tharon Johnson sort through some of the bills and issues that were getting tossed around on the all-important Crossover Day under the Georgia State Capitol. Immigration and sports betting captured their attention, but so did the overall buzz that filled the halls of the Gold Dome on this monumental day. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers scramble to keep their bills alive on Crossover Day. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss some of the major bills that are still making their way through the legislature and those that didn't make the cut this session. Plus a conversation about immigration with WABE's immigration and communities reporter Emily Wu Pearson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, we're joined by special guest, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, who is also an author and longtime historian!His new book is titled, 'James Oglethorpe: Father of Georgia, A founder's journey from slave trader to abolitionist.'It's been a decades-long journey for Thurmond.In 1996, he was part of a delegation that traveled to England to celebrate the 300th birthday of British native Oglethorpe, who founded the British colony of Georgia in 1733.Thurmond starts by telling host Lisa Rayam and strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson that the idea for the book struck while Thurmond explored the legacy of Georgia’s founder at his grave in London.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this Edition of Political Breakfast, we discuss the tragic murder of nursing student Laken Hope Riley on the UGA campus and the subsequent politicking that has followed.The suspect arrested in the murder case, 26-year-old Venezuelan national Jose Ibarra, unlawfully crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in 2022.Now, Governor Brian Kemp is calling out the Biden Administration for allegedly not protecting the nation's borders properly. State Republicans are also calling for new and stiffer immigration laws.Is this an appropriate response?  Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson take on some tough questions from host Lisa Rayam regarding the immigration issue.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The “First in the South” Republican Presidential Primary is this Saturday in South Carolina. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas speak with South Carolina Public Radio's Maayan Schechter about the primary and more. Plus, a roundup of what's been happening at the Georgia Capitol.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Atlanta Civic Circle Director Saba Long discuss Atlanta's housing crisis. Wages have not grown with housing costs. There's also an overall scarcity on the market. Are rent control and restrictions on landowners the solution? Or is it building more housing?With Atlanta's population expected to grow to around eight million people by 2050, Democrats and Republicans are now taking up the issue under the Gold Dome.Democrat Donzella James introduced Senate Bill 125 earlier this month. It would allow local cities and counties to set their own rates.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a judge considers whether to disqualify Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis from the election interference case, Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and Atlanta Civil Circle Director Saba Long weigh-in on Willis's testimony during last week's hearing.Willis is accused of having an improper relationship with Nathan Wade, who's the special prosecutor working on the case.A political conversation is also brewing about headlines describing Willis as combative, defiant and angry, in her testimony to defend her ability to lead the Georgia election interference case.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis took the stand in an Atlanta courtroom Thursday to defend her ability to continue helming the Georgia election interference case involving former President Donald Trump. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss what ended up being a dramatic day in court. Plus, a roundup of the week's news from the capitol and a conversation with WABE business reporter Marlon Hyde about Georgia's film tax credit, a bill that could make it harder to organize a labor union and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia's long-serving Democratic U.S. Rep. David Scott has a challenger in the party's May primary. Democrat Marcus Flowers raised more than 16 million dollars to challenge alt-right Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and represent Georgia's 14th Congressional Distict. He lost in the general election in November of 2022. We discuss the chatter surrounding the opposition to Scott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, Atlanta and politics mixed with the Super Bowl. Besides the 75-yard touchdown the Kansas City Chiefs pulled to win in overtime Sunday night, Atlanta's own R&B singer Usher put on a star-studded halftime performance at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. He represented with Atlanta performers and singers, even shouting at the end "I turned the world to the A." Strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam also discuss Super Bowl ads that played the political field. And the group turns back to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp stressing that Republicans need to move away from the 2020 election and issues like the age of Joe Biden and Donald Trump. We take a dive into the internal GOP debate on the future of the party. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Advocates are calling a bill headed to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s desk a step back from years of criminal justice reform. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas speak with criminal justice reporter Chamian Cruz about Senate Bill 63, which would add more than two dozen offenses to the list of charges requiring cash bail while limiting charitable bail funds from securing the release of no more than three people a year from jail. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, the team talks about a new book called 'Find Me the Votes' by investigative journalists Michael Isikoff and Daniel Klaidman.They share intimate details about Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis "the person" and her prosecution of former president Donald Trump, and 18 co-conspirators, in their alleged plot to overturn the 2020 election results. The book also focuses on the Georgia Republicans who resisted Trump, and endured notorious threats on their families and on their lives.A note of disclosure: The book was released before accusations were made against Willis and her special prosecutor Nathan Wade having a romantic/improper relationship. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, it's our first time airing a second episode – the podcast is now airing twice a week in 2024. Host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and former Georgia GOP Chair Chuck Clay (in for Brian Robinson) debate the general voter climate. Are voters on both sides really ready for 2024? Or is there an overall weariness surrounding the presidential election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, we're starting the new year off with a double dose of Georgia's top political issues. Now you can join the dynamic trio – host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson – every Tuesday and Thursday for lively discussions. It's also the first week Georgia lawmakers are gathering under the Gold Dome for the 2024 legislative session. Ben Burnett of the Ben Burnett Show fills in for Brian. On today's podcast, we'll predict the issues state lawmakers are fired-up about, and what will dominate political headlines this session. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast -- It's a year in review. The team sorts through Georgia's best and worst political stories of 2023.   Host Lisa Rayam along with strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson sort through some of the top stories that once again thrust Georgia into the national spotlight.   The fight for and against the Atlanta public safety training facility, the redrawing of district maps and the arrest of former President Donald Trump (as well as his infamous mugshot) are just a few of the stories that made their list.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam discuss a jury awarding $148 million to Fulton election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, following the defamation trial of former New York Mayor and ex-Donald Trump lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani falsely claimed the mother and daughter illegally tampered with election ballots in a mass voting precinct in 2020. Plus, what do Americans think about Vice President Kamala Harris?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's LIVE edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam discuss the defamation case engulfing former Donald Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani. The federal trial started this week in Washington, DC to decide how much Giuliani must pay in damages to two former Fulton County election workers.Giuliani falsely claimed the workers -- Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Shaye Moss -- interfered with the 2020 election vote count in Atlanta. The pair is seeking up to 43 million in damages. The Political Breakfast crew breaks down the rise and what some say is the unquestionable fall of New York's former mayor. A note of disclosure: This episode aired hours before Giuliani decided not to testify in court.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, it's all about redrawing Georgia's Congressional and state political maps ahead of this Friday's deadline. Democrats are preparing for a court fight over the new U.S. House map proposed by Georgia's GOP majority.The new map does create a majority Black district in west Atlanta, but at the expense of Democrat U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath's seat in Gwinnett and north Fulton.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson weigh-in with host Lisa Rayam. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's back to the drawing board on this week's live episode of Political Breakfast.State lawmakers are convening at the Georgia Capitol for a special session to redraw maps for Congress and the state legislature. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones recently found the current GOP-drawn maps from 2020 violate the federal Voting Rights Act, and dilute the power of Black voters. But voting rights plaintiffs -- including the ACLU of Georgia -- say they still have "legal concerns" about a newly-proposed state Senate political map released this week. The maps must be redrawn by Dec. 8th. Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and CEO of the Atlanta Civic Circle Saba Long weigh-in with host Lisa Rayam on a live edition of Political Breakfast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode of Political Breakfast, the FBI intercepted a letter sent to the Fulton County Elections hub in Fairburn that is possibly laced with the powerful opioid fentanyl. The letter is connected to mail sent to Washington state elections offices. The FBI is currently running tests. Gainesville's WDUN talk show host Martha Zoller fills-in for Republican Strategist Brian Robinson, along with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam. Plus, protesters and police who started a so-called 'Cop City' protest in Gresham Park clashed with police near the future site of Atlanta's public safety training center. Atlanta Police say they found bolt cutters, gas masks, and makeshift construction tools Monday morning in DeKalb County. And metro Atlanta voters headed to the polls in small numbers on Tuesday November 7th. Mayoral races and several seats on the Atlanta Public School Board were at stake. But turnout was dismal -- just 10 percent in Fulton County. Finally, Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina drops out of the 2024 presidential race. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson look at the latest New York Times poll showing despite his several felony indictments, Donald Trump is leading in 5 critical battleground states, including Georgia. According to the poll, voters said they trusted Trump over President Joe Biden on the economy, foreign policy and immigration. Plus, Trump's outbursts while testifying on the stand during his civil fraud trial in New York. And Georgia lawmakers sat on a surplus of roughly 16 billion dollars in unspent funds at the end of the last fiscal year. That's likely to spark debate during the 2024 legislative session beginning in January. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia has been tasked with drawing new congressional and state legislative maps before the 2024 election. This comes after a federal judge ruled the current GOP-backed maps violate the federal Voting Rights Act and dilute the power of Black voters.  Host Lisa Rayam has strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson weigh-in on the bipartisan boundary shifting that has a Dec. 8th deadline. Plus, the latest proposal from GOP Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, to give teachers a 10 thousand dollar stipend to be trained in voluntary firearm courses and carry in classrooms.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, Project South's La'Die Mansfield joins the podcast to represent opposition to Atlanta's planned public safety training center -- dubbed 'Cop City.' Mansfield specifially responds to Mayor Andre Dickens' stance on moving ahead with the center's construction and his promises that the entire process will stay transparent. Plus, host Lisa Rayam and strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson discuss what the 2024 campaign rhetoric will sound like now that a challenge questioning the legality of Georgia's restrictive abortion law has been struck down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, as the U.S. House of Representatives strives to elect a new speaker, Georgia Congressman Austin Scott, volunteers to pit himself against Representative Jim Jordan for the job.Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson break down what the wrangling could mean for state Republican leaders.Plus, their reaction to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens' stance in favor of building a public safety training center.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, a long-anticipated appearance from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.    Dickens gives the latest on so-called 'Stop Cop City' ballot referendum efforts.   Dickens has seen the body camera footage of former Atlanta police officer Kiran Kimbrough trying to arrest Atlanta church deacon Johnny Hollman.   Hollman died after being tased during a traffic incident back in August. Why Dickens feels this case supports the reasoning for building a public safety training center.   Plus, Dickens responds to the violence in Israel and in the Gaza Strip, and talks about affordable housing initiatives here at home. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new poll suggests most Georgians seem to support the construction of Atlanta's planned public safety training center. Why were Georgians polled and not just Atlantans?Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Atlanta Civic Circle Director Saba Long weigh-in.Plus, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's leading political action group launches a campaign to reform Georgia's tort laws.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is still injecting himself into the national conversation, as a potential government shutdown looms. During a conversation with The Jolt's Greg Bluestein during the Texas Tribune Festival on Friday, Kemp slammed far-right Republicans for in-fighting and delaying passing legislation to fund the federal government before money runs out on September 30th. A short-term bill is possible, but the GOP can't agree on what should be in it: including omitting Ukraine aid in the spending package, and border security policies. Strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson weigh-in. Plus the latest high-profile endorsement for so-called 'Cop City.' Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff backs the need for a new public safety training center, but says "where those facilities are located is a decision for Atlanta." And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom are coming to town in November to square-up in a debate for the GOP presidential nod. Other high-profile lawmakers are also coming to Georgia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

City of Atlanta officials say they'll scan and release copies of petition signatures against the proposed public safety training center. Mayor Andre Dickens says he wants to know "exactly what is in those boxes," and that he supports allowing the process to run its course in a transparent manner. Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson weigh-in on if there are 116 thousand signatures of Atlanta's electorate protesting the planned training site, and who want to force a ballot referendum. Then the latest in the indictment saga against former president Donald Trump and 18 others in Fulton County, and defendants' fight to move the case to federal court. Plus, the gang weighs-in on Bidenomics and Joe Biden's approval ratings in Georgia. And wrapping up the podcast -- "Prime Time" Deion Sanders makes his home coaching debut with the Colorado Buffaloes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, Governor Brian Kemp declares a state of emergency in Georgia over record-high inflation and suspends the state's gas tax. Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson also weigh-in on Kemp being a part of the national conversation for a potential run for U.S. Senate. And the latest in Atlanta's so-called 'Cop City' saga. City officials announced Monday they are not able to start verifying tens of thousands of signatures submitted by activists trying to stop the planned public training center. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, far-right Republican and Georgia state Senator Colton Moore recently ranted online that civil war could break out over the prosecution of Donald Trump, saying "I don't want to have to draw my rifle." Moore also called for de-funding Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis.Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam also talk gun safety measures, and dozens of Georgia mayors sending a letter over the issue to Governor Brian Kemp and the General Assembly.Plus, the team breaks down a federal redistricting trial that weighs whether Republicans violated the Voting Rights act when they re-drew Congressional maps after the last U.S. Census. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam react to Donald Trump's historic mug shot selling mugs. Trump's election campaign announced that the scowling photo of the former president taken during booking in the Fulton County Jail has raised more than 7 million dollars, with much of the money coming from merchandise. Plus, the latest poll from the Atlanta Journal Constitution shows that Trump is still leading with Republicans in Georgia, despite his indictment on charges related to conspiring to overturn the state's 2020 election result. And in wake of Trump's indictment and 18 other alleged co-conspirators, threats have emerged against local lawmakers and Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, the team talks about Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' critics. Or at least one in particular---State Senator Clint Dixon. After Donald Trump and others were indicted for election tampering, Dixon took to social media to say he's filing a complaint against Willis with the newly created Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission. Her crime? He says because he says she's making moves to become what he calls a "leftist celebrity."Plus, U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina gets a high-profile Georgia endorsement for the GOP presidential nomination. Will it help even though Trump continues to surge in the polls?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on a live version of Political Breakfast, the team tackles the news of the Fulton County grand jury's 41-count indictment of Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants, accusing them of conspiring to overturn Trump's 2020 presidential loss in Georgia.Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones was NOT named in the indictment, but many believe he played an integral role. Brian and Tharon discuss the fact that a special prosecutor may be appointed soon to look into Jones' involvement.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, the team tackles the prospect of a former president being indicted by a Fulton County grand jury. Host Lisa Rayam along with strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson address the severity of another Trump indictment and how that could weigh on Georgia's constituency.Plus, the race for Georgia governor in 2026 is simmering with more and more names of potential Democratic and Republican candidates.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, more on Georgia Rep. Mesha Mainor's switch-a-roo. Formerly a Democrat, Mainor is now the first Black Republican woman to ever serve in the state General Assembly. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Atlanta Civic Circle head Saba Long discuss what Mainor's move means for both Democrats and Republicans.Plus, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says he will support any GOP nominee picked to run against President Joe Biden, including Donald Trump. The team analyzes Kemp's latest appearance on national tv. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, will Georgia Governor Brian Kemp seriously consider running for President? More and more Republicans are calling on Kemp to join the crowded pool vying for the GOP nomination . Kemp hasn't taken any concrete steps to run, but he remains a part of the national conversation. Plus, the Political Breakfast team reflects on the lives of Marvin Arrington, Sr. Bill Shipp and Dr. Christine King-Farris.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is calling on lawmakers to make tampering with a voting machine a felony that carries a minimum sentence of 10 years. That's Raffensperger's response to critics who say he should instead upgrade the Dominion Voting system software ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Host Lisa Rayam asks Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson to weigh-in. Plus, the team talks about the surprise announcement from DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston that her office will opt out of prosecuting the so- called Cop City protestors who were arrested.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, a group of Democratic lawmakers including Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams are pushing a joint resolution to negate a clause in the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution -- that permits the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime. Currently the 13th Amendment says, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."Plus, court records released recently have caused questions to swirl about just how secure the Dominion Voting machines are here in Georgia. At issue is the software that has been deemed by cybersecurity experts as being "vulnerable." Georgia Secretary of State officials say any updates will have to wait until after the 2024 presidential election. Chief Operating Officer Gabriel Sterling sits down with host Lisa Rayam and strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, the national spotlight was once again on former President Donald Trump and his fractured relationship with some of Georgia’s top politicians. Trump again reiterated his false claims about election fraud in Georgia.Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson also weigh in on delegates picking former state Sen. Josh McKoon as the new GOP chair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a marathon City Council meeting with hundreds of people speaking in opposition, members eventually approved the city giving millions to build the Atlanta Public Safety Training Facility in South Dekalb County.Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson join host Lisa Rayam to reflect on the process, reactions from public officials and concerns following the vote.Plus, former President Donald Trump recently congratulated North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un for a new position with the World Health Organization. Governor Brian Kemp reacted by calling out Trump for congratulating a "murderous dictator." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, former President Donald Trump is set to give the keynote address at Georgia's GOP convention in June. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger say they will not attend the convention, as they urge the party to move on from the 2020 widespread election fraud rhetoric.Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson join host Lisa Rayam to discuss if Trump coming to town forces state Republicans into a stalemate. The three also look at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially jumping into the Presidential race, including the stalled launch on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Florida is Georgia's neighbor, but according to the NAACP, the Sunshine State may not open the front door for everyone. The civil rights organization issued a formal travel advisory calling the state "openly hostile” to minorities and LGBTQ+ individuals.Plus, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms are both on a list of Americans banned from going to Russia.And the latest on Governor Brian Kemp's economic development trip to Israel in an effort to raise his profile and strengthen business ties with the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Brian Kemp's re-election campaign manager is taking over a new GOP super PAC, "Committed to America." That's in support of former Vice President Mike Pence's possible bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Atlanta Civic Circle Director Saba Long, who is in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, weigh in.Plus, drama over Fulton County's Election Board. The League of Women Voters in Atlanta are opposing a move to nominate Republican Atlanta City Councilman Lee Morris to serve on the County's Election Board, and point out his support for the controversial Buckhead cityhood movement. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's live edition of Political Breakfast, will gun control legislation be picked up by GOP state legislators in the aftermath of another mass shooting in Atlanta? Republican Strategist Brian Robinson rehashes the issue with podcast veteran Atlanta Civic Circle director Saba Long, filling-in for Tharon Johnson.Plus, the far-right Georgia Republican Assembly is looking to block candidates who aren't conservative enough from running as a Republican. That could supposedly be considered at the upcoming Georgia GOP convention. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, Host Lisa Rayam, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson sort through a new poll conducted by a GOP firm that has Florida Governor Ron DeSantis leading President Joe Biden in Georgia if the presidential race took place today.Live on Morning Edition, Brian and Tharon zero in on what this means for Republicans and Democrats since Desantis is not an official candidate running for president.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, news broke that Gov. Brian Kemp is skipping this summer's state Republican convention. Host Lisa Rayam, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson hash out what Kemp turning down the invitation means for the party. Plus, President Joe Biden is officially seeking a second term in the 2024 election. In an announcement video Biden linked images from the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and Atlanta Civic Circle Executive Director Saba Long join Lisa Rayam to weigh-in on Governor Brian Kemp's latest interview with CNN. Kemp recently made comments during a private Republican National Committee donor retreat in Nashville -- that his fellow Republicans need to leave any claims that the 2020 election was stolen, behind them.Plus, more woes at Fulton County's overcrowded jail, as Sheriff Pat Labat has accepted the resignations of several staff members. That follows an investigation into the case of a 35-year-old Black man, who was allegedly found dead there last year, in the psychiatric wing covered in bed bugs. His family alleges medical staff did little to help him.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's live edition of Political Breakfast, Atlanta has lost its bid to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Chicago beat out finalists Atlanta and New York City.  Host Lisa Rayam asks Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson for their thoughts on why Atlanta missed out.  The Democratic National Committee tweeted that the Midwest is a critical Democratic stronghold, and Illinois is part of a 'Blue Wall,' which was crucial to the 2020 victory of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The Democratic Party of Georgia said in a statement that “The Peach State” will still be the center of the political universe in 2024 even without the convention.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With former President Donald Trump pleading "not guilty" to 34 criminal charges in New York, WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas catches up with Lawfare's Anna Bower, who has been reporting on Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis's case involving the former president. They talk about impacts the case in New York may have on Fulton County, where Willis's investigation stands now and next steps.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, it's a historic day as host Lisa Rayam, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson follow Donald Trump surrendering to criminal charges in New York City. The former president is pleading not guilty in a Manhattan courthouse to charges related to alleged 2016 hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Trump is the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges. Scores of Trump supporters wearing MAGA hats rallied for Trump outside the courthouse. Controversial Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene joined them, shortly after her appearance on 60 Minutes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With a wave of last-minute maneuvers and negotiations Sine Die came to a close at the capitol, ending the 2023 state legislative session. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss some of bills headed to the governor’s desk and those headed back to the drawing boardSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's live edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson join host Lisa Rayam in a Sine Die roundup.  Scores of anticipated bills that our WABE reporters were following under the Gold Dome did not make it to the floor for a final vote before the General Assembly adjourned on Sine Die. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

March 29th marks the end of the 2023 Georgia legislative session which means lawmakers are almost out of time to get their bills passed. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss what hasn’t made much progress, like medical marijuana, what has already passed and big issues that remain on the table, like sports betting and the 2024 budget. Then, Rahul and Sam talk with Maya Prabhu, AJC government reporter, about what she’s watching as Sine Die approaches.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, host Lisa Rayam, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson are all back for the first week of spring and the final days of the legislative session under the Gold Dome. Lawyers for former President Donald Trump are pushing the Fulton County prosecutors' office to throw out the special grand jury report that looked into alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Trump’s lawyers also want Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis disqualified from pursuing charges.Plus, Republicans came into this year's session with a handful of top priorities, including a plan to reign-in so-called "rogue prosecutors." Willis calls the sudden oversight push racist, as Georgians just elected more minority DAs to office in 2020 than ever before. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With fewer than two weeks left of the state legislative session, bills continue to make their way through the capitol. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas cover the return of sports betting, possible changes to the Hope scholarship and more. WABE digital editor Patrick Saunders joins Sam and Rahul to go in-depth on SB-140. If it becomes law, the bill would ban transgender youth from access to most gender-affirming care like surgery and hormone replacement therapySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson discuss the latest news from an autopsy of the environmental activist killed while protesting Atlanta's public safety training facility. The family of Manuel Teran is now suing the city of Atlanta. And with years of pent-up momentum, what happened to legalizing sports betting under the Gold Dome? In the end, the votes were just not there before crossover day.Plus, we tackle other bills that have gained traction and survived the General Assembly's crossover deadline. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the dust settles from Crossover Day, WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas and Axios reporter Emma Hurt talk about the bills that passed and those that didn’t. Plus, WABE reporters Emily Wu Pearson and Chamain Cruz join for a discussion of the growing number of Asian American/Pacific Islander and Latino legislators under the Gold Dome.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Political Breakfast, WABE’s Lisa Rayam along with the Atlanta Civic Circle’s Executive Director Saba Long and Gainesville's WDUN talk show host Martha Zoller hash out which bills still stand a chance at passing this legislative session under the Gold Dome. Plus, the latest on the arrests from violent protests at the so-called Cop City site in South Dekalb County as dozens are charged with domestic terrorism. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Buckhead Cityhood and gambling to how teachers can talk with students about gender and sexuality, lawmakers were busy this week looking ahead to Crossover Day on Monday. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk about which bills have come up short of the deadline and which still have a chance of becoming law. Plus, host of “Lawmakers” on Georgia Public Broadcasting, journalist Donna Lowry, discusses the session so far and what she’s watching for Crossover Day.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, host Lisa Rayam, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson break down the latest political headlines in and out of the Gold Dome as well as take questions from the live audience.  The team tackles partisan backlash over the Fulton special grand jury foreperson, who recently went public about witness behavior behind closed doors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers have introduced bills that would put restrictions on the kind of care transgender kids can receive. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss those bills and an effort by the legislature to define antisemitism for use in the context of anti-discrimination and hate crime laws. Later, the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s government reporter, Brian Eason, joins Rahul and Sam to talk about the impact of single-family homes being purchased by investors and then put up for rent.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take the show to Kennesaw State University to talk about the week in politics in front of a live audience. KSU professor Kerwin Swint provides a history on the changing political landscape of Georgia, plus state representative Rick Jasperse and state senator Sonya Halpern talk about their districts, being a legislator and some of the bills being considered this legislative session.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State legislators are working on a measure to legalize sports betting -- including horse racing. With bipartisan support in the Georgia House and Senate, it might not be much of a gamble. On this week's Political Breakfast, host Lisa Rayam, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson weigh into conflict over a proposed gun safety bill in wake of yet another mass shooting, this time at Michigan State University.Plus, the Georgia Senate has passed a bill to place a monument of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas at Georgia’s Capitol. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Crime was a big focus of lawmakers at the legislature this week. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas look at the possible resurrection of Buckhead cityhood as well as bills aimed to reduce crime. Then, WABE and Grist reporter Emily Jones goes over all things environmental, from mining near Okefenokee Swamp to electric vehicles and solar panels.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, Georgia lawmakers condemn anti-Semitic flyers found scattered in several heavily-Jewish neighborhoods. Now Georgia's only Jewish state lawmaker has filed a bill that would define anti-Semitism in state law and enhance penalties for anti-Jewish attacks.  Also host Lisa Rayam and strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson weigh in on Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger considering Georgia for an early presidential GOP primary in 2028. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the legislative session hits its stride hundreds of bills are being filed and the budget got a vote on the floor. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali talk about bail reform, crime and where the budget is headed. Plus, AP reporter Jeff Amy joins for a discussion about “hoteling” kids in Georgia’s foster care system and what the legislature might do to address the issue.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond shares the perspective of those residents who have mixed feelings about the proposed police training facility in their neighborhood. Thurmond tells host Lisa Rayam and strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson, the Atlanta Police Foundation did not initially consult with his office on the future site of the $90 million facility. He sees it as a political misstep.  And a new Atlanta Journal Constitution poll shows voters have trust in Georgia’s elections. That's two years after alleged widespread voter fraud was never proven.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution released polling numbers this week around popularity of politicians and issues of interest to Georgians. Our politics team of Rahul Bali, Sam Gringlas and Susanna Capelouto talk about the results. They are also joined by WABE health reporter Jess Mador who takes a look at Governor Kemp's Pathway program, which would extend Medicaid to the poor if they work or volunteer 80 hours a week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and Atlanta Civic Circle Executive Director Saba Long weigh in on the violence at the proposed police training facility in South Dekalb County, and how we can push forward a productive conversation about the future of the facility without violence.Plus, a new Atlanta Journal Constitution poll suggests Georgia should do away with runoff elections. But what is the alternative to the status quo? All this as legislators continue their session under the Gold Dome.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Governor Brian Kemp faced criticism for attending the World Economic Forum in Davos. The WABE politics team of Rahul Bali, Sam Gringlas an Susanna Capelouto talk about the fallout. They also discuss budget week at the state capitol and are joined by WABE education reporter Martha Dalton to look at what teachers want out of this year's legislative session.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, host Lisa Rayam, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson touch on the frustrations of the Rev. Bernice King.King is frustrated that state and local leaders aren't doing enough to ensure her father's mission to eradicate poverty and racism comes to fruition.Plus, talks about how the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the state Attorney General continue to probe potential fraud in Governor Brian Kemp's low-income cash assistance program.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This first week of the Georgia legislature included Governor Kemp's inauguration and big budget announcements. Our politics team of Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk about it and welcome AJC reporter James Salzer to the podcast. He's been covering the state budget for the AJC for almost 30 years and give his insights into the wonky Georgia budget process. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, the Fulton County special grand jury that examined potential criminal interference in Georgia’s 2020 presidential election has completed its work and is being dissolved. And Georgia lawmakers elected a new Speaker of the House and a leader of the Senate on the first day of the state’s annual legislative session — without the kind of fights recently seen on the House floor in Washington.Host Lisa Rayam checks in with Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Gainesville's WDUN talk show host Martha Zoller, in for Republican Strategist Brian Robinson -- who's celebrating the Georgia Bulldog's win. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Lawmakers gather for their 40 days session, so WABE's politics reporter Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas share their insights with politics editor Susanna Capelouto in this legislative pop-up podcast from Political Breakfast. We also welcome Jill Nolin, who covers the legislature for the Georgia Recorder. The team talks about what new leadership in the State House and Senate means for the session and which issues are likely to get top billing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political Breakfast is back! The first edition of the year is live with host Lisa Rayam, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Atlanta Civic Circle Executive Director Saba Long, who's filling-in for Democratic strategist Brian Robinson. In the lineup is a paid advertisement Atlanta city councilwomen published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution over the weekend, that calls out council president Doug Shipman for not appointing Black women to key leadership positions.  Plus, Robinson and Long discuss the transcript of Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer's testimony to the January 6 House panel. It centers on what was happening in Georgia after President Biden's win in 2020, and on meetings to organize fake electors.And Georgia state legislators are preparing to convene next week. What political news is grinding the gears of the 2023 session? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia has been the center of the political universe this year. Again. Will the Peach State fade from view, or will there be ripe headlines in 2023?  Political Breakfast host Lisa Rayam and strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson reflect on the most meaningful and dramatic moments of the year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Political Breakfast, Democrat Stacey Abrams' campaign manager put out a 52-tweet thread last Wednesday, claiming that Abrams paved the way for U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock's runoff win. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson weigh in.  In a Buckhead gated community, a 77-year-old grandmother was stabbed to death in her home. Atlanta police say the suspect is now in custody. Now the controversial Buckhead cityhood movement is once again gaining momentum, as its supporters citing the tragedy as part of the reason for leaving the city.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's live edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Brian Robinson weigh in on Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock's narrow win over Herschel Walker.   Walker lost by less than 3 percent, and as returns came in, there were moments when the former UGA football star had a lead over Warnock. With a record-high turnout on Election Day, combined with such narrow margins, host Lisa Rayam asks Tharon and Brian if Georgia's seen the last of Walker. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Fulton County Assistant District Attorney Tanya Miller reflects on the recent deadly shooting at Atlantic Station that left at least one child dead and several other children injured. Miller joins host Lisa Rayam, and strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson to discuss citywide solutions, youth gun violence and Georgia's loosened gun legislation.   Plus, as Georgia's U.S. Senate race nears its final days of early voting ahead of the runoff election, U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock pounced on his Republican opponent Herschel Walker in an interview with Lisa Rayam on Morning Edition this week.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donald Trump's plan to run for President again is resonating with Republican Strategists Brian Robinson and Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson. Both express MAJOR concerns.  On this edition, The Political Breakfast team ponders:   *How will the Trump announcement impact Georgia's current U.S. Senate race that remains in limbo until a December 6th runoff?  *Will senate candidate Herschel Walker play up or play down his years-long friendship with Trump?  *Can Senator Raphael Warnock's campaign use this as an opportunity to attract disenfranchised republicans?   The Political Breakfast Team also talks about the LACK of Saturday early voting ahead of the U-S Senate runoff. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political Breakfast goes live as Georgia's midterm election results continue to trickle in. Stacey Abrams lost to GOP incumbent Governor Brian Kemp by about 10 points. What happened with the Abrams campaign? Where does Georgia's Democratic party go from here? Plus, the U.S. Senate race is likely going into a runoff. With voter fatigue building around the holidays, will that runoff work in one candidate's favor? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock has a new Thanksgiving ad – where he shows concern about the very likely possibility that he’s heading into a runoff with GOP challenger Herschel Walker. Both are neck-and-neck in the polls.  Plus, Governor Brian Kemp and Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams clashed over abortion in the final gubernatorial debate on Sunday before the state’s Nov. 8 election. Kemp avoided promising to not sign further abortion restrictions in Georgia – currently a woman can get an abortion up to six weeks into a pregnancy. What influence does this issue truly have over Georgia women voters?  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia's early voting turnout numbers keep breaking records. We get a temperature check of what issues are driving rural Georgians, women, and people of color to the polls. Plus, reports that the voting rights non-profit Fair Fight Action -- founded by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams -- spent millions over the last two years on legal fees. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia candidates sparred in some high-stakes debates this week, including the governor's race that features the rematch between Democrat Stacey Abrams against incumbent Republican Brian Kemp. But Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson also hash out one surprising standout, Libertarian candidate Shane HazelPlus, a recap of Friday night's debate between U.S. Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and GOP challenger Herschel Walker in Savannah. Then we get more on a series of Atlanta Press Club debates moderated by some of WABE's news team. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Herschel Walker’s campaign has been fighting fires the last few weeks but the polls have Walker and Warnock neck-and-neck. A few GOP U.S. Senators travel to Georgia to support Walker as he preps for his first debate against incumbent Raphael Warnock. Also, how Democrats and Republicans are mobilizing on the ground to seal votes just weeks ahead of the midterm elections.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's been nearly a week since a federal judge ruled that Georgia's election law does not violate voter's constitutional rights. State Republicans are celebrating the win against Fair Fight Action, the voting rights group aligned with gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Will this ruling galvanize voters? Plus, GOP U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker has made it clear his position on abortion is "no exception." Now Walker is denying reports that he paid for an abortion for his girlfriend in 2009." But the former football star's son -- Christian Walker -- says his father is lying.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The closer we get to the Georgia midterm elections, the more money candidates are throwing into campaign attack ads. You've probably seen or heard them playing in your home, at the airport, at bowling alleys, and even on the homepage of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It's hard to escape them. So this week on Political Breakfast, we take a closer look at yet another ad involving the high-profile U.S. Senate Race between Republican Herschel Walker and the Incumbent, Democrat Raphael Warnock.Plus, Republicans attack what they call "identity politics." The Atlanta Braves visited the White House this week for a ceremony celebrating the team's 2021 World Series Championship win. The team also faced a question from the Biden Administration over rebranding the Braves, while including more Native American voices in the conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With fewer than seven weeks left before the mid-term election, WABE presents this bonus episode from our Georgia Votes 2022 podcast. WABE Deputy Managing Editor Susanna Capelouto, Politics Reporters Sam Gringlas and Raul Bali, and Reporter Emma Hurt of Axios break down these final weeks and what to watch.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hundreds of WABE fans joined us for a live broadcast from Georgia State University -- about 7 weeks out from Georgia's midterms. One race that's in a statistical dead heat in the polls is for the U.S. Senate seat between incumbent Raphael Warnock and his GOP challenger, former NFL and University of Georgia football star Herschel Walker. Plus, the power of negative campaign ads. And what is the real influence of the 18 through 29-year-old voting block?  That’s on this week's episode of Political Breakfast, live from Georgia State University.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What, if any, are the political ramifications of Governor Kemp asking President Biden, to cancel the student loan forgiveness plan just weeks before the election? Plus Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams says she's on Kemp's heels, and is closing the gap.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Georgia judge has said Governor Brian Kemp must testify before the Fulton special grand jury, but he can wait until after the November election. Meanwhile some are praising President Biden’s decision to forgive $10,000 in student loans for most borrowers, but others aren’t so sure. In Columbus, Democrats hold a joint campaign event to share their platforms. And we remember Georgia’s former first lady Sandra Deal, who leaves a lasting legacy in the wake of her recent passing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tensions are high between the offices of Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, as Willis seeks to compel testimony on attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, while Kemp's team says it's a political move. And how effective is a new campaign ad from Herschel Walker calling out Senator Warnock's use of a particular canine in the democrat's last run for office? That and more on this week's episode of political breakfast, available now on your favorite podcast app and at WABE dot org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams says she’s working to address the challenges of Black men because if they vote for her like she knows they can, she can win the Georgia Governor’s race… but is it enough to outweigh Governor Brian Kemp’s strong economic message and track record of appointing Black officials? Meanwhile, how will Black voters navigate the racial politics as things get heated between Republican Herschel Walker and Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political rhetoric or possible reality? California Governor Gavin Newsom wants Georgia's billion-dollar film and TV industry to move to HIS state. Why? Newsom says California is free of controversial, conservative, and restrictive abortion laws like the one active in Georgia. Martha Zoller fills in for Brian RobinsonThe team also talks about Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens' diligent effort to crack down on illegal guns used to commit a recent rash of violent crimes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What will the political and economic ramifications be after organizers canceled the annual Music Midtown festival, reportedly due to Georgia’s lax gun laws? Will Stacey Abrams be able to build up enough momentum in the governor’s race ahead of November to overcome a gap in the polls? And what does it mean that one commentator said Herschel Walker is ‘what Republicans want from their Negroes?’ Saba Long fills in for Tharon Johnson to discuss that and more, on this week’s episode of Political Breakfast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is finding out which high-profile GOP lawmakers she can, and cannot, subpoena as part of the grand jury investigation into attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. And senate candidate Herschel Walker has not confirmed whether he will participate in the October 16, Atlanta Press Club debate with incumbent Senator Raphael Warnock, but he says he’s ready and working out the details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Money is pouring into Georgia ahead of the November general election, but is it going where it’s most needed? What chance does a Democrat have at unseating Marjorie Taylor Greene, and how would Charlie Bailey lead a Republican-majority state senate if elected Lieutenant Governor? These questions, and an update on Fulton County special grand jury investigation, on this week’s episode of Political Breakfast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the debate over abortion remains top of mind for many Georgia voters, advocates on either side of the issue are rallying their base, but also trying to find ways to best help women in the state. Former Planned Parenthood president and CEO Staci Fox and Georgia Life Alliance Leadership Director Elizabeth Reed join Political Breakfast to discuss how their supporters are receiving the news and how the organizations are responding.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that the Supreme Court has rolled back Roe V. Wade and sent the decision back to the states, will it galvanize Democrats and how will Republicans push back? Conservative commentator Martha Zoller fills in for Brian Robinson to give her analysis of how each side arrived at this point, as well as to discuss last week’s runoff elections.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

   The Political Breakfast Team talks about Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's re-election campaign. His appearance before the US House Select Committee investigating the insurrection at the Capitol launched him front and center, just months ahead of the November general election.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson don't hold back when analyzing comments made by some of the high-profile candidates running for office.   Democratic candidate for Governor, Stacey Abrams and Republican candidate for Senate, Herchel Walker are some of those being called on to explain certain statements made on and off the campaign trail. The team also discusses the U.S. House Select Committee hearings on the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and how all the Georgia connections help paint a clearer picture as to what unfolded that day.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Rep. Bee Nguyen and former State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler joined Political Breakfast a day after taking the debate stage to make their case to voters. With two weeks left until the primary runoff, they both took shots at Republican opponent incumbent Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger as they tried to set themselves apart.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the primary over and the runoff still a few weeks away, the candidates at the top of the ticket are already gearing up for the November general election. How will strategies change now that the candidates know their opponents and must appeal to a broader voter base? Will Herschel Walker be driven to speak up more? Will Warnock emulate his winning strategy from 2020? And what does Gov. Brian Kemp's sizeable margin of victory mean for the Georgia GOP?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia’s primary election saw wins for several frontrunners, including incumbent Republican Governor Brian Kemp, fellow Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and Democratic Congresswoman Lucy McBath. But many Trump-backed candidates didn’t fare well against their Republican opponents, with Herschel Walker the only big name remaining with the former president’s endorsement. On this live episode, we look at how the primary wins and losses set up both parties to do in the general election.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

**Disclaimer**: This episode contains language some may not find suitable for all listeners.As the country is still reeling from the racially motivated mass shooting in Buffalo, people on both sides of the aisle are processing how to think about this latest tragedy. Meanwhile early voting numbers in the final week before the primary reveal thousands who previously cast Democratic ballots are voting in the Republican primary.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With less than two weeks to go before the Republican primary for Georgia governor, former U-S Senator David Perdue is lagging far behind incumbent Governor Brian Kemp in fundraising and spending. Will he be able to force Kemp into a runoff? And they're both behind Democratic fundraising powerhouse Stacey Abrams as she uses an uncontested primary to prepare for what's sure to be a tight general election. Lastly, how much is the fight over Roe versus Wade likely to come up during this election season?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How will the U.S. Supreme Court's potential decision overturning legalized abortions in many states affect the upcoming elections as early voting gets underway? And what drove the DeKalb School Board to abruptly fire former Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

False claims of voter fraud loomed large in the first of three debates between Governor Brian Kemp and former U.S. Senator David Perdue leading up to the highly contentious Republican gubernatorial primary to decide who will face the presumptive Democratic nominee, Stacey Abrams. Political Breakfast hosts a live on-air edition to go over the takeaways. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia has significantly fewer new voter registrations and absentee ballot requests, Marjorie Taylor Greene faces a legal challenge to her candidacy, and a recent Politico article backs-up what Brian Robinson's been saying about Georgia's voting law.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A recent poll shows incumbent Senator Raphael Warnock trailing a few points behind likely Republican nominee Herschel Walker, but what will it take for this to hold until the November general election? And an internal poll from the campaign of Governor Brian Kemp shows him with a strong lead over his main opponent, former Senator David Perdue. How much should voters read into the numbers?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers passed several bills on the final day of the 2022 legislative session that will appeal to many Republican voters ahead of elections: a bill clearing the way for transgender children to be banned from sports teams, another giving the GBI investigative authority over elections, and a 4.99% flat tax rate. The legislature also passed a $30.2 billion dollar budget and major mental health care reform. Martha Zoller fills in for Brian Robinson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia's conservative state leadership got most of what they wanted out of the 2022 legislative session. WABE's politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk with editor Susanna Capelouto about what they will be able to take onto the campaign trail in coming months. This is the last episode of the 2022 Gold Dome Scramble as April 4th is the final day of the session. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson join Lisa Rayam on Morning Edition for a live edition of Political Breakfast to assess the impact of Donald Trump’s Georgia visit. Will his endorsement be enough to bolster David Perdue’s lagging campaign? And how significant is former House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s endorsement?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia's bi-partisan mental health overhaul bill is getting push back from right-wing fringe advocates including gun rights activists. WABE's Politics Reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk with Editor Susanna Capelouto about challenges to this and other bills still in limbo with just about a week to go in the 2022 legislative session. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former president Donald Trump has a rally planned this weekend in Commerce, but will it be enough to give former Senator David Perdue and the other candidates he’s backing a boost in the polls? And the Rabun County GOP issued a resolution bashing any candidate that refuses to take the debate stage, which Republican senate candidate Herschel Walker has done.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With only two weeks to go in the 2022 session controversial proposals on gambling, guns, abortion, education and voting are getting a lot of attention. WABE's Rahul Bali, Sam Gringlas and Susanna Capelouto talk about what's at stake. They also have updates on the big bi-partisan mental health reform bill. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stacey Abrams kicked off her campaign this week with a rally in Atlanta at which she called Governor Brian Kemp's response to the pandemic 'lazy' or 'inept.' And Georgia Republican party chair David Shafer drew criticism from his own party after quoting a tweet that's been called Russian propaganda. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers consider eliminating the state gasoline tax and Republicans continue to pass laws affecting elections in Georgia. WABE's Politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk with Editor Susanna Capelouto about these and other topics, including Georgia's mental health overhaul bill and the official start of the 2022 campaign season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week was a hectic one under Georgia's Gold Dome as current and aspiring lawmakers filed the paperwork needed to qualify for a run for office.  Three candidates caught the eye of the Political Breakfast Team--Herschel Walker, Raphael Warnock and Marjorie Taylor Greene-- all for different reasons.Strategists Brian Robinson, Tharon Johnson and Host Lisa Rayam take a deep dive into what a run for each of these candidates may imply about the state of politics in Georgia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Georgia politicians who want to run for office have to register with their respective parties as many incumbents have seen their districts change for the 2022 election. WABE's Susanna Capelouto speaks with politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas about what's at stake for candidates. They also discuss important legislation moving forward, including controversial education bills and a major mental health reform package. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political Breakfast is joined by Atlanta Civic Circle Director Saba Long, filling in for Tharon Johnson, to discuss the far-reaching impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the surrounding political rhetoric. Later in the episode, special guest Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid joins the show to talk about the county’s achievements and challenges – namely four potential cityhood referendums.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Several divisive education bills are moving ahead in the state legislature including banning trans students from sports teams and allowing parents not to mask their kids despite a mask mandate. Politics Editor Susanna Capelouto talks with WABE Education Reporter Martha Dalton and Politics Reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas about several controversial education bills, as well as updates on redistricting fights, a major mental health bill and upcoming gun legislation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part two of Political Breakfast’s examination of the debate around Critical Race Theory, Atlanta Public Schools board member and former chair Jason Esteves critiques the argument from conservatives that certain concepts about race have no place in the classroom. And Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced a series of events this week meant to foster peace and community to stem the rising tide of violent crime.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia's massive bi-partisan mental health overhaul has people hopeful, but Republicans are flexing their muscle in drawing political boundaries to their party's benefit. WABE's politics team of Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk about these and other bills, including controversial education measures, that are moving forward during this legislative session. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Rep. Will Wade (R-Dawsonville) joins Political Breakfast to discuss school masking policies in the wake of legislation proposed by Gov. Brian Kemp that would allow parents to opt out of mask mandates. And Rep. Wade makes the case for legislation he’s sponsored as a member of the House Committee on Education that would limit the teaching of certain race-based concepts in schools, as well as give parents a framework for filing complaints.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bills dealing with divisive issues in education are taking the bulk of the legislative energy at the state capitol this session. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali talk about the progression of bills that deal with whether transgender kids can participate in sports, what materials should be banned from libraries and how race and racism should be taught in the classroom.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia Democrats and Republicans engage in renewed debate over masking requirements after Stacey Abrams’ campaign posts a controversial photo of the candidate in a classroom without her mask. Vernon Jones drops out of the race for governor and declares his intent to run for Georgia’s 10th congressional district, leaving former Sen. David Perdue and Gov. Brian Kemp to go head-to-head in the Republican primary. And the question of cityhood looms large in Cobb County where four different movements are underway; what is driving the push for independence?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia legislators take up bills on transgender kids and sports, a parents' bill of rights, permitless weapons carry and how Gwinnett County residents pick their leaders. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali break the bills down with WABE's Emil Moffatt. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recent polls show Vernon Jones attracting only a slim percentage of voters in Georgia's Republican gubernatorial primary, especially after Trump-endorsed David Perdue entered the race. Will he stay in the running, possibly siphoning votes from Perdue, or drop out to consider a run for U.S. Congress? And multiple bills currently before the General Assembly would limit what could be taught in Georgia schools with regard to race. Are these teachings further dividing us or trying to deliver a complete picture of our country's history?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia lawmakers want to control how schools teach race and racism with a list of definitions they call "divisive concepts". WABE Politics editor Susanna Capelouto talks with reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas about the effort by Republicans to set rules about what can be taught about race and racism in classrooms. They also tackle bills about mental health reform and partisan school board elections. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Andre Dickens received a standing ovation and a lot of support from state legislators, but then he gets a tough test on violent crime when a 6-month-old is shot and killed during a drive by shooting in the city.  We’ll look at how this latest tragedy could shed more light on the Buckhead City movement.The Constitutional Amendment to ban "noncitizen voting" fails on a party line vote in the Senate but will it remain a hot topic during the 2022 election cycle? The crew shares thoughts on how Fulton County's District Attorney was given clearance to request a special grand jury to investigate former President Donald Trump's efforts to interfere in Georgia's 2020 presidential election.Saba Long from the Atlanta Civic Circle sits in for Tharon Johnson and the crew tackles a very busy week in Georgia politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia's state agency heads complain about massive turnover, but it's not clear a $5,000 dollar jump in pay will help. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk with editor Susanna Capelouto about the great resignation among state employees. They also look ahead to an expected mental health reform proposal and some controversial bills that will spill onto the 2022 campaign trail. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just a week into the 2022 legislative session voting rights are back on the table in Georgia, where many politicians used the national Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday to draw attention to the issue that was highly important to the civil rights icon. Republican state senator Brian Strickland is chairman of the judiciary committee where he could oversee the passing of some controversial bills this session, as well as further his own legislative priorities of criminal justice reform and improving the state’s technical college system.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's budget hearing week at the Georgia state capitol where lawmakers will hear from members of the executive branch about how they want to spend money in the coming year. WABE Politics Editor Susanna Capelouto talks with Politics Reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas about the details in Governor Brian Kemp's record spending proposal that comes in an important election year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia’s 2022 legislative session began Monday with many hot-button issues on the table for lawmakers to consider, including voting, gambling and Medicaid expansion, among others. On the same day the the Georgia Chamber of Commerce holds its annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast to lay out he business community’s priorities for the session, Lisa Rayam, Tharon Johnson, and Brian Robinson host a live episode of Political Breakfast to discuss where the most talked-about issues stand and the politics of getting these bills through the state legislature.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 40 day Georgia legislative session starts this week. WABE politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk with politics editor Susanna Capelouto about what's ahead. Some state leaders already signaled they will loosen gun laws and take up crime fighting bills as Republicans try to prove their conservative credentials ahead of contentious May primaries. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

   On this week’s Political Breakfast podcast, host Lisa Rayam along with strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson discuss the latest move by some Georgia school districts to protect students against the spread of the Omicron variant. Will a week of on-line learning have a severe impact on kids and schools? Brian and Tharon weigh in on both sides of the issue. Plus, the role unsubstantiated claims continue to play in the pandemic. Georgia U-S Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is banned from Twitter because of false comments she made linking the Covid 19 vaccine to death. In addition, The Political Breakfast crew will sort through Atlanta Mayor Andre Dicken’s plan to tackle The Buckhead City Movement now that he has officially taken office.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former U.S. Sen. “Johnny” Isakson passed away earlier this month at the age of 76 after a long, accomplished political career. Brian Robinson hosts a special tribute episode featuring three former chiefs of staff and friends of the late Georgia lawmaker: Attorney General Chris Carr, along with political strategists Joan Carr and Heath Garrett.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Outgoing Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms talks candidly about Atlanta's crime rate, the ongoing federal investigation involving the previous regime, her rift with Governor Brian Kemp over his handling of the pandemic, and if her future aspirations include a role in President Biden's Administration. The Political Breakfast crew also discusses the race for Georgia Governor. Recent polls show former Senator David Perdue edging past fellow Republican Brian Kemp. Will Trump's endorsement of Perdue cost Kemp the primary?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former U.S. Senator David Perdue says he’s running for governor of Georgia in order to save the state and the Republican party. Incumbent governor and fellow Republican Brian Kemp, who is running for re-election says the move is egotistical and a way for Perdue to redeem himself after losing his U.S Senate seat in 2020. Does Democrat Stacey Abrams stand to gain from the divisiveness? And, what impact is a very vocal former President Donald Trump is having on the race?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a resounding win for Atlanta Mayor-elect Andre Dickens. His opponent, Felicia Moore. says now that the race is over she will support him 100%.During this live Political Breakfast, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson sort through the runoff election results with Morning Edition host Lisa Rayam.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hours after state lawmakers sent the newly approved GOP-favored district maps to Governor Brian Kemp's desk for signature, 6th District Congresswoman Lucy McBath proclaimed that she "refuses to stand down" and announced a run for the newly created Democratic District 7. McBath vows to fight Republicans every step of the way.In addition, a new GOP poll suggests Governor Brian Kemp would be in trouble in a Republican primary should former Senator David Perdue decide to run. When pollsters presented Perdue as a candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, he jumped ahead of Kemp 41-to-34 percent.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Atlanta Mayoral Candidate Andre Dickens shares his views on crime, affordable housing and the proposed Buckhead City movement. He says his stance on all three issues is what sets him apart from his opponent, Council President Felicia Moore. Dickens also breaks down why serving as the city’s CEO would allow him to foster unity across party lines. Also, Governor Kemp launches a new television ad that’s one minute long. Some wonder if he jumped the gun, long before the gubernatorial election by reacting to the rumblings that another GOP may soon enter the race—former U.S. Senator David Perdue.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Atlanta Mayoral runoff is just weeks away and candidate Felicia Moore stops by Political Breakfast to share what makes her stand out from her opponent, Andre Dickens. Moore talks about crime and how a key component to getting the rising rates under control is to show officers some appreciation. In addition, she talks about the City of Buckhead movement. Moore did especially well in the affluent suburb in the municipal election, but although she plans to be tough on the crime that’s worrying residents, she says she won’t support cityhood. In addition, the Political Breakfast team pays homage to the voice for Veterans everywhere, Max Cleland. Cleland was a former State and US senator for Georgia as well as former head of the Veteran’s Administration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Atlanta’s mayoral race was THE closely watched race. 14 candidates in all, yet only three landed near the top. Just two make it into the November 30 runoff. What direction did the undecideds move in when they finally made it to the polls? Also, State lawmakers tackle redistricting. It stands to be a contentious fight that will likely end up in court.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The President of the Atlanta NAACP apologizes for publicly renouncing Kasim Reed for Mayor. This is after the National President cried foul and ordered Richard Rose to retract his statements. Also, some say Governor Brian Kemp played politics with the World Series. Did he use the Braves shining moment to revisit the state's new voting law and spin why Georgia missed out on the All Star Game?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stacey Abrams campaigns for a fellow Democrat running for Governor in Virginia. While there, she tells a crowd she wasn’t in a position to “inherit” the Governor’s job in Georgia.  That comment alone has some wondering IF she will announce another run for the job soon or is she implying that ship has sailed. In addition, Charlie Bailey is running for Attorney General. He stops by to talk about his campaign, the Ahmaud Arbery case , the controversial new voting law and the heartbeat bill.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fulton County's Elections Department remains under the microscope as early voting gets underway. Two workers are accused of shredding voter registration applications.  What this could mean for the Director whose job has been in jeopardy for months now. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger calls for a Justice Department Investigation but also has time to write an op-ed for a national news outlet. HE says Stacey Abrams and Donald Trump play politics on the same team.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump loyalists within the Cobb County GOP are making moves to derail Governor Brian Kemp’s re-election campaign. Attorney General Chris Carr responds as well as tackle other issues like SB 202 and human trafficking.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new survey conducted by the Atlanta business leaders grade city council/mayoral candidates. Some are considered excellent leaders, others not so excellent. Plus, AJC reporter Greg Bluestein talks about his new book Flipped. It covers how last year’s Senate Races launched Georgia in the national political forum. He also addressed How all that will that play into the next election cycle. Law enforcement officers and other emergency personal get a $100 bonus in federal stimulus dollars from Governor Kemp. Is it a nice gesture, a very good deed or a political ploy???See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young talks about how the city should get tougher on crime. He also weighs in on a recent poll that indicates most residents are not impressed with the way current mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has handled tough issues like crime, affordable housing and traffic congestion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new AJC poll shows the Atlanta mayoral race is tight and getting tighter. Former Mayor Kasim Reed and City Council President Felicia Moore appear to be in a statistical dead heat. Another poll commissioned by those who want Buckhead to become a city...indicates it would thrive financially as a stand alone. If true, How would Atlanta handle the loss? And Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan discusses his book about the controversial 2020 Presidential election d and how it's stands to pave the way for a new and improved Republican Party.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lisa and Tharon are joined by conservative strategist Martha Zoller to talk about the race for mayor in Atlanta. The election is less than eight weeks away and it appears the recent Demographic and political shifts generated by the census.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia’s legislature is about to hold a special session to redraw district boundaries, and that could affect who goes to Capitol Hill or the Georgia State Capitol. Dr. Charles Bullock, the Richard B. Russell Chair in Political Science at UGA, joins Lisa, Tharon and Brian to discuss the redistricting process. Republicans control the process and Democrats are already crying foul. Plus, hear what Dr. Bullock thinks about UGA alumni Herschel Walker’s run for U.S. Senate.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many call him the Turnaround Expert. Dekalb CEO Michael Thurmond talks with Lisa, Brian and Tharon about boosting the county's Covid 19 vaccination rates by offering incentives. And the CEO reacts to Governor Brian Kemp's latest order protecting businesses from enforcing mask restrictions. Also, a look at former UGA star Herschel Walker’s recent move to Buckhead and why that may indicate he's running for U-S Senate.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger getting "Trumped" by the former president during his run for reelection? There are hurdles in the way, many put in place by his own Republican Party. What is Raffensperger’s strategy for clearing those obstacles? Plus, the Buckhead City movement. A new poll suggests there's strong support for the General Assembly to put the creation of a new Buckhead City up for a vote on the November 2022 ballot.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Atlantans are soon to elect a new mayor BUT a recent poll shows many are still undecided. And Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker emerges as the possible GOP candidate to challenge Raphael Warnock's Senate seat, even though the former Georgia Bulldogs star hasn’t declared a run or said a word. Plus, Georgia State Representative and candidate for Secretary of State Bee Nguyen joins as a special guest to weigh in on hate crimes, infrastructure, and gerrymandering.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Like the game of chess, some Georgia Senators make the first strategic move to replace Fulton County's election board with one run by the state. But Democrats may be contemplating moves of their own. Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts and State Senator Brandon Beach are special guests.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More Georgia Republicans are calling for election reform in Fulton County. The ultimate goal is to push out county officials in favor of complete state control. Is this a practical move after the controversial presidential election or potentially a huge bust? Also, how mask mandates may become political fodder on the campaign trail.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms plans to create an office of violence reduction to address rising crime in the city, while Governor Brian Kemp wants Georgia lawmakers to pass anti-crime bills during this fall’s special legislative session.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia governor Brian Kemp announced his reelection campaign, and says he'll be "running scared and hard.” Is he mainly concerned about the lingering ire of Donald Trump, or potential Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams? And the legal wrangling over Georgia’s new voting laws continues, now that the US Justice Department has sued the state. Plus, two Republican candidates in their 30’s announce plans to challenge Democratic incumbent Lucy McBath in the 6th Congressional district next year. Can they capitalize on a surge of youth voters in Georgia?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The fight over how we vote, when we can vote, and who can vote has only intensified in the half a year since the 2020 elections and the Senate runoffs in Georgia. But to understand how we got here, it’s a good idea to look at those 2020 campaigns again, with fresh eyes and perhaps some information we didn’t have at the time. In a special live broadcast edition—his final one as host of the Political Breakfast—WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer welcomed a couple of special guests who know a lot about the 2020 campaigns from the inside: former Biden Georgia communications director Jaclyn Rothenberg and veteran Republican strategist Heath Garrett. They joined our regulars: Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many of us in Georgia are moving away from talking about COVID-19, but the nation’s Democratic vice president and Georgia’s Republican governor haven’t finished—though they look at things differently. Meanwhile, a former Atlanta U.S. Attorney is at the center of new revelations about the Trump administration’s efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election. And a former Atlanta city administration’s spending habits are the subject of an audit—just in time for this year’s mayoral race. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer gets into it all—and more—with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did someone say, “summer vacation?” Around here, politics will not take a summer vacation. From a governor who faced loud booing from a faction of his own party, to a former Atlanta mayor who wants the job again, to state hearings on Atlanta’s violent crime problem—it’s already a hot summer, with no vacation from politics. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer talks it over with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The fight in Congress over a national voting rights bill intensifies in Washington, with Georgia as one of the main exhibits. Meanwhile, right here, lawsuits are flying on both sides. Looking to the elections this year and next, one familiar name could end up in a new contest, while another talks about why she passed up a bid for another term. And Georgia’s COVID-19 restrictions continue to disappear, but the fight over the state’s response will continue for a long time. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer digs into all of it with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It has now been one year since the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis. And the often-heated debates about race continue, around the nation and here in Georgia: from a decision on changes to the Stone Mountain memorial, to arguments about critical race theory, to votes on how to respond to the killings of Asian-Americans here in Atlanta, to the increasing furor over a Georgia congresswoman’s remarks on the Holocaust. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer talks it over with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist and former congressional candidate Nabilah Islam, who’s filling in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve now got two election years rolled into just one. Republican governor Brian Kemp launched his re-election campaign; so did GOP secretary of state Brad Raffensperger. Meanwhile, Republican lieutenant governor Geoff Duncan opened a scramble for his job, when he said he won’t run again; he’ll be working to build a GOP not tied to Donald Trump. And more candidates jumped into this fall’s race to succeed Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, even as she confronted another weekend of deadly violence. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer gets into it all with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and former Cobb County Democratic chairman Michael Owens, who’s filling in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While some Georgians rushed to the gas pumps, folks in Atlanta politics were scrambling to figure out what happens, now that Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has decided not to run again this fall. Among those mulling it over: a name familiar to Political Breakfast listeners. Meanwhile, Governor Kemp signs a bunch of bills that will probably be part of next year’s elections. And one candidate’s decision about next year could affect a lot of others. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer talks it all over with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A white Atlanta police officer who killed an African-American man nearly a year ago is reinstated to his job. And another weekend of deadly violence in the city takes the life of yet another young girl. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms tries to find answers amid mounting criticisms of her administration. Meanwhile, Georgia Republicans are still heading in different directions when Donald Trump calls to them. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer talks it all over with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard, who fills in this time for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Of all the places he could have gone, President Joe Biden chose Georgia to visit as he marked his 100th day in office. But it wasn’t because of our lovely spring weather. Meanwhile, Georgia Republicans continue to wonder about possible challengers to new Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock. And there are now Federal hate crime charges against the three suspects in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick.  Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson give their insights on all of it, with WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The guilty verdicts for Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd produced a lot of relief in Georgia, but they re-opened the debate about police reform in the state. Meanwhile, after postponing for a while, faith leaders re-opened their call for a boycott of The Home Depot over Georgia’s new voting law—and the Governor fired back in a hurry. And the state’s effort to track Coronavirus cases might get some much-needed new momentum, with help from Uncle Sam.  Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson are back, with WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The top U.S. Senate Republican told the corporate community to stay out of politics—something in which it’s been involved for eons—but some of Georgia’s big corporations are still walking a tightrope over Georgia’s new voting law, even as a big movie star pulls his new production out of here. The state’s GOP governor thunders at the law’s opponents, and gets a standing ovation from one county’s Republicans, but that’s not good enough for party leaders in two others, who censured him anyway. A couple of Democrats are already facing off for the chance to challenge the Republican attorney general. And a big Korean company praises the Republican governor and a new Democratic senator their roles in a deal to save a big Georgia factory. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson sort through it all with WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In most years, the final gavel in the Georgia Legislature means at least a brief period of calm, and a chance to figure out how all those bills will affect everyone. But this year, things just got noisier—with the loss of baseball’s All-Star Game over the new voting law, and even fierce disagreements about what that law says. This special edition, which was broadcast live on 90.1 WABE and on Facebook, features our regulars: WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson. They analyze the escalating clash, with a couple of guests: Republican House Speaker David Ralston, and Senate Democratic Leader Gloria Butler.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the final day of this year’s legislative session in Georgia, major companies like Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola, and others blasted the state’s new voting law, after it had already been passed and signed. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson join WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer to sift through the debris of “Sine Die” —with some help from WABE political reporter Emma Hurt. They also got into the Governor’s decision to lift most of the state’s Coronavirus restrictions, and the State of the City address by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 2021 General Assembly finished, but not before passing a controversial voting law, a state budget and a lot of other bills. In this virtual live event Host Lisa Rayam is joined by politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt as well as education reporter Martha Dalton, environment reporter Molly Samuel and health reporter Sam Whitehead. They also take audience questions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A controversial voting bill sparks at least one lawsuit in the final days of the 2021 Georgia legislative session. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about the fallout and about other bills that are still awaiting action this week including the state budget and police funding. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was the announcement many Georgians had been anticipating for months: every adult in the state can now get a COVID-19 vaccine. Now, if only Georgia can do as well as other states in getting the available shots into people’s arms. Meanwhile, the pre-adjournment frenzy is on under the Gold Dome as lawmakers battle over several key issues—including sports betting, citizens’ arrest, and a response to the recent mass killing in Atlanta. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson get into it all with WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia Lawmakers will consider yet another voting bill this week and as the legislative session winds down a lucrative federal Medicaid expansion proposal is too large to ignore. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE politics reporter Emil Moffatt and politics editor Susanna Capelouto about these proposals and other important bills still in play in the 2021 session.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia political leaders, already engaged in fights with each other over voting—and sometimes together against a deadly virus—are confronted with another foe that has often gone unseen: the rise in harassment and violence against Asian-Americans, here in Georgia and around the nation. While investigators work to determine the individual motive that drove a man who killed eight people, the wider problem remains. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson are back with WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As controversial voting bills await more action in the legislature, Georgia's business community is expressing concern. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE politics reporter Emma Hurt and education reporter Martha Dalton. They're also discussing the fate of controversial school voucher proposals that would use state funds to help pay tuition at private schools. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A year after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a pandemic, Georgia is finally seeing signs of spring in more ways than one. The pool of Georgians eligible for a coronavirus vaccine is expanding, case numbers are dropping and so are the numbers of deaths. But the all-out war at the State Capitol over voting bills is only intensifying. And the voice of the man who pushed those efforts—former president Donald Trump—has returned, in yet another recording of him applying pressure to state officials after the November election. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer sorts through it all with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard, filling in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson on this edition.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Crossover Day in the Georgia legislature is when bills must pass in either the House or the Senate to stay alive. Several controversial voting bills "crossed over". Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about which bills survived and which got cut.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Governor Kemp highlights the opening of new mass COVID-19 vaccination centers and his plans to expand vaccine eligibility, some data analyses put the state at or near the bottom for distributing the vaccines it has on hand. In the legislature, the voting overhaul fight has only gotten more intense, as the state mourns the loss of a native son who became a civil rights giant. And Atlanta’s spike in violent crime gets an unexpected moment of national attention. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson get into it all with WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia Democrats have very little power to stop Republican voting bills in the legislature, but they're leveraging their recent statewide success to try to limit efforts to restrict ballot box access. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about the voting bill fight as well as efforts to legalize sports betting in Georgia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While the state scrambles to address weather-related supply problems with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the pool of people eligible to receive shots is set to expand. Meanwhile, the field of possible Republican Senate candidates for next year is likely to expand a lot after one very significant withdrawal. And, how much will your voting options change? Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson break it down with WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More voting bills are popping up and Governor Brian Kemp tries to get more teachers with incentives. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE reporters Martha Dalton, Christopher Alston and Emil Moffatt about these and other bills before the state legislature, including sports betting and allowing home school students to join public school sports teams.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

And you thought the 2020 election battles were brutal. So far, months before the next elections, the 2021 fights are just as ugly—and even more confusing. From Fulton County, to the State Capitol, to inside the state Republican party, the long knives are out. This at a time when the state and the nation struggle to put together a unified battle plan against the COVID-19 pandemic. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson are back with WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Changes to Georgia's citizen's arrest law are underway nearly a year after the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick. WABE Senior Editor Susanna Capelouto is guest hosting and talks with politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt. They also tackle voting and street racing bills.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia’s tenure at the center of the political universe continues, with part of the impeachment case focused on the state, and a criminal investigation into former president Donald Trump now underway. Also continuing is the debate over how and when to safely open schools in the pandemic. And what could be an extended fight for the future of the state Republican party is just starting. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson get into all these issues and more with WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Republicans have introduced a wide variety of election bills ranging from extra ID's for absentee voting to restricting drop boxes saying it's all meant to make voting more secure. Democrats say Republicans want to restrict voting access. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE reporters Emma Hurt, Emil Moffatt and Christopher Alston about which proposals may actually pass Georgia's Republican controlled legislature. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the fight against the deadly coronavirus, Georgia has now given out more than a million vaccines—but there still aren’t enough to go around, and there are questions about whether the state could have done better with the supply it does have. Meanwhile, questions about what to do with a single new member of Congress continue to divide Georgia Republicans. And two of Atlanta’s most controversial policing cases from last year have taken new turns in the new year. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson join WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mid-year budget and a voter ID bill move forward in the 2021 legislative session that's beset by Covid-19 worries. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about the latest efforts to pass legislation and a state budget during a pandemic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just as the COVID-19 pandemic shows its first signs of levelling off in Georgia, a new and more contagious strain appears, further intensifying the race to vaccinate, along with the debate over whether the state can do more for its public health department. Meanwhile, a brand-new Georgia congresswoman is under increasing scrutiny. We’ll navigate all this and more in this edition of the Political Breakfast. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson join WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Brian Kemp presented at $27 billion dollar budget to lawmakers who will now get a chance to make minor changes. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt as well as education reporter Martha Dalton and health reporter Sam Whitehead about what made it into the spending plan and what was left out.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s a new president in the White House, two new Georgia Senators at the U.S. Capitol, and a new legislative session underway at the Georgia Capitol. But the problems they face are not new--especially the spiraling numbers of COVID-19 cases, and the struggles to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic and its economic fallout. We’ll look at the chances for new hope on this edition of the Political Breakfast. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson join WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia's legislative session has started with Republicans still in control of all branches of state government, but Democrats are making their new found statewide election power known. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE Politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about the first week of the 2021 legislative session.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that the United States House has voted to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time, does this mark the beginning of a new era in American politics—or the continuation of the toxicity of the last four years? Georgia and its leaders played a prominent role in the historic process. But Georgia also faces a health-care crisis, as the state tries to get COVID-19 vaccines distributed, while hospitals are stretched to the limit. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer welcomes Republican strategist Brian Robinson and former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard, filling in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Following the pivotal Jan. 5 Senate runoff elections in Georgia, in which Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff beat incumbent GOP Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, a deep dive into whether Georgia is now a "50/50" state, or just plain "blue."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we approach the end of 2020, a year of pandemic that is unprecedented and challenging in so many ways, there are also signs of light and hope. We’ll explore the nuances in this edition of the podcast. One of the major stories of 2020 continues into 2021 as many voters head to the polls in Georgia’s critical U.S. Senate runoffs. And as the City of Atlanta prepares for its own election year, leaders are already caught in a fierce debate about how to respond to the spike in deadly violence the city is seeing. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson dig into these issues and more with WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal stimulus funds will soon be coming to many Georgians, but the flow of political campaign advertising money this year hasn't stopped—and neither have the visits from the very top ranks of both the Democratic and Republican parties. As they battle for both of Georgia’s Senate seats in January, some House Republicans continue to try to undo the last election. All this as the coronavirus surge poses big challenges for the health-care system. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer talks it all over with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the last few weeks, Georgia has welcomed an outgoing president, a president-elect, an outgoing vice president, teams of outside lawyers and their conspiracy theories, and hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising cash for the two Senate runoffs on Jan. 5. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer welcomes Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, along with our guest for this special live edition: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was a week of risings around here. The sharply rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in Georgia, the rising political heat brought by outgoing president Donald Trump on rising numbers of state political leaders, and the staggering rises in the dollars spent by the campaigns—and their outside support groups—on the two January 5th Senate runoffs. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer gets some insight into all of it from Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As President Donald Trump continues to make baseless claims of a rigged election, and plans to campaign in Georgia in advance of the Jan. 5 Senate runoff elections, a Georgia elections official angrily pleaded with the president to speak out against death threats directed at election workers. Meanwhile, there are warnings the state's hospitals face staffing shortages, just as case numbers are rising again. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer gets into all of it with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the national election—or the voting part at least—behind us, Georgia took its place at center stage in the political universe. And it immediately used that stage to produce tons of drama: threats of legal action, charges of incompetence, countercharges of interference—and that was just among Republicans. This, at a time when health authorities were warning folks around here to pay a little more attention to stopping the Coronavirus from killing people. Did we expect 2020 to end any other way? WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer tries to make sense of it all with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's a hand recount underway of the 5 million ballots in Georgia’s presidential race. And two Republican U.S. Senators, who’d just been pushed into runoffs, attacked the Republican Secretary of State who supervised Georgia's elections. Other GOP members of Congress joined in—with a letter that misspelled the name of the state. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer navigates it all with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The morning after Election Day 2020, there was still a lot of uncertainty in Georgia. The presidential race hinged on some uncounted absentee ballots; one Senate race was headed to a runoff and it was not clear if the second one would, too. And there were some close contests for the U.S. House and the state legislature. But there were some trends to follow, and lessons to learn. In a live special broadcast edition of the Political Breakfast, WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer welcomed back our regulars: Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson. Also joining for this edition: Emory University political scientist Dr. Andra Gillespie; WABE political reporter Emma Hurt; and Gabe Sterling from the Georgia Secretary of State's office.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve had some great guests on the Political Breakfast; they were most welcome. Zeta was not welcome, but the storm barged in, anyway—delaying production of this edition for a few days. But it’s here—just in time for some thoughts on the final frenzied days of campaigning, and what Election 2020 might bring. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer is your host, joined this time by Republican strategist Brian Robinson and former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The early voting surge continued this week in Georgia—and there was another wave of visits by folks at the top of the presidential campaigns. Unfortunately, while there hasn’t been a surge in new Coronavirus cases, they haven’t dropped lately, either. And in some places, schools are telling students and parents it’s still not safe to go back to in-person learning. It’s another full menu for this Political Breakfast. Our regulars—Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson—are both doing paid work on campaigns that are the subjects of this edition. Filling in for them: former Republican Georgia Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, and Nabilah Islam, a former Democratic congressional candidate in Georgia’s 7th District. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer is your host.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everyone expected Georgia voters would jump at the chance, but the first few days of early voting were overwhelming--and sometimes not in a good way, when it came to long waiting times and glitches in the state’s new voting system. The COVID-19 numbers grew, too, as the White House continued to urge the state to do more to slow them down. But there was no slowing down for candidates—including the presidential ones—in some very tight contests in Georgia. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer wades through it all with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and former Cobb County Democratic chairman Michael Owens, who’s filling in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With early voting underway in Georgia, host Lisa Rayam and WABE Elections Reporter Emil Moffat break down the big questions about how, when and where to vote in Georgia. They're at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta, which serves as the largest early voting site in the state. Still haven't gotten your mail-in ballot? Emil will tell you how to track it. Don't know where to go vote? Emil will explain your options. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WABE politics and state house reporter Emma Hurt talks with Gold Dome Scramble host Lisa Rayam about competitive state house and state senate races in the November election. Many of the tight races that could shift the power under Georgia's gold domed capitol are in Metro Atlanta, where demographic shifts are changing the political landscape.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Early voting is about to begin in Georgia, but how we’ll vote in this historic election is still the subject of legal battles. Meanwhile, President Trump’s Coronavirus diagnosis, and his response, have changed the landscape in many of the contests on the ballot. And Atlanta marked the passing of a police chief who made history. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer looks into all of it—and more—with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard, who’s filling in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can Georgia Republicans hold the state for President Trump after his burn-it-all-down debate performance? Can Georgia Democrats rely on polls that show them tied or leading in the race for the White House and both Senate seats? Meanwhile, the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control tries to send out consistent COVID-19 prevention messages, amid a lot of public and political pressure. Filling in for Demoratic strategist Tharon Johnson this time: former 7th District Democratic congressional candidate Nabilah Islam. Substituting for Republican strategist Brian Robinson: Heath Garrett, former chief of staff for Senator Johnny Isakson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve heard for months Georgia could be in play in the presidential race. A visit from President Trump is the latest evidence of that. So, what are the best battle plans for the campaigns? The state makes slow progress in the Coronavirus battle, but Federal health officials say we could do more. And the Governor mounts a last-minute public push to get all Georgians counted. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer welcomes Republican strategist Brian Robinson, and former Cobb County Democratic chair Michael Owens, who’s filling in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The allegations were appalling, and denied by those accused. But the accusations that women at a Georgia immigration detention center were subjected to hysterectomies without consent have raised a new election issue for candidates in both parties. Meanwhile, those candidates with enough money have flooded all kinds of media with messages they hope will actually reach voters still struggling with a pandemic. And a man who helped re-shape downtown Atlanta is leaving the institution where he made that happen. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer digs into it all with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard, who’s filling in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Presidential politics and public health collided as never before, when journalist Bob Woodward released audio, in which President Trump says he deliberately played down the threat of the Coronavirus. With less than two months before election day, candidates stepped up their get-out-the-vote efforts. And speaking of votes, the Secretary of State said about a thousand people voted twice in this year’s primary elections. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer welcomes Republican strategist Brian Robinson and former 7th Congressional District Democratic candidate Nabilah Islam, who’s filling in for Democratic strategist Brian Robinson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgians found themselves bombarded by lots of numbers in the last week--coming from everyone from public health officials, to economists, to political pollsters. But much of that information might only create a more muddled picture of where we’re headed. It’s very 2020. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer sorts it out with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and former Cobb County Democratic chairman Michael Owens, who’s filling in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia no longer has the nation’s highest rate of new Coronavirus cases--but it's in second place, despite some other more encouraging signs. Uncertainty continues over the best path forward for Georgia's public schools ad universities. Renewed protests around the nation—including Atlanta—were one of the themes of the Republican Convention. And the state’s top elections official, who’s a Republican, walked a tightrope with GOP members of Congress about mail-in absentee voting.  WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer digs into it all with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard, who’s filling in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia’s governors like to say this state is the number 1 place to do business. But the current governor pushed back when the White House task force branded Georgia as number one for its rate of new Coronavirus cases. The debate over school and college re-openings intensified as case clusters emerged in those places. And polling shows the state’s two U.S. Senate races are, at least for now, quite different when it comes to how competitive the parties are with each other. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer explores it all with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was a week that saw several different kinds of unprecedented things: of course, Kamala Harris became the first African-American woman—and first South Asian woman—to be selected as the vice presidential candidate for a major American party. Here in Georgia, for the first time, a candidate who has endorsed a conspiracy theory called QAnon is likely headed to Congress. And the daily death toll from COVID-19 in Georgia reached new record highs. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer gets some insights from Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Schools are opening in Georgia, but the often-emotional debate about whether—and how—to do it safely is already well underway. And the toll in COVID-19 cases, rates of positive tests, and deaths continues to rise. Governor Kemp signs a controversial police protection bill. And while President Trump trashes mail-in absentee voting—except in Florida—there’s a growing dispute between the state’s top elections official and one Atlanta area county. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson are back, with WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With coronavirus cases still extremely high, hospitals in many parts of Georgia sounded the call for intensive care for themselves. Schools and colleges struggled to figure out how and when to reopen, with the calendar--and the virus--not on their side. And voters in the late Congressman John Lewis’s district will get to choose his successor—even if that person might only serve for a few weeks. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer delves into it all with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After it took almost four months to reach to 75,000, Georgia’s number of confirmed Coronavirus cases doubled in less than a month. With hospitals in many parts of the state under stress, and people still facing long delays in getting their test results, the political and legal crossfire continued, too. The only pause came when Georgians paid tribute to two giants of the civil rights movement, who continued to lead to the very end. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer got some thoughts from Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A united Georgia response to the Coronavirus might be a fond wish, but it’s not happening—even as case numbers spike and hospitals are stretched. The governor and Atlanta’s mayor traded shots; the governor again banned local governments from requiring masks—even as more cities did just that; and some school districts decided to open with online learning, despite funding cutoff threats from the president. Meanwhile, Georgia’s controversial new abortion law was blocked in Federal court. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer looks into all of it, with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and former Atlanta City Council president Cathy Woolard, who’s filling in for Tharon Johnson this time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was a week of mourning in Georgia: over lives lost in a weekend of gun violence--including that of an 8-year-old girl—and the lives lost to a Coronavirus outbreak that has worsened after the state re-opened. Georgia’s governor faced what one might call a masked rebellion in several cities, and called the National Guard into Atlanta. Meanwhile, school students, teachers, staffers and parents struggled to understand what this fall will be like in classrooms and on campus, while the Trump administration pressured schools to put kids back in front of teachers. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer again welcomes Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Georgia’s COVID-19 case numbers continue to soar, the warnings from public health leaders here continue to darken. But the debate over how best to keep from getting there has intensified—with leaders in some cities publicly confronting Governor Brian Kemp. Meanwhile, the governor and officials at every level in the state try to figure out how to adjust to state budget cuts that will affect us all. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer talks it over with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia lawmakers ended their 40 day session, but not before passing a tight budget, allowing liquor delivery and making history with a hate crimes bill. Host Lisa Rayam talks with Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about the end of the 2020 Georgia legislative session. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After resisting the idea for years, Georgia lawmakers suddenly moved fast to pass a hate crimes bill. Meanwhile, some grim Coronavirus numbers raised the question of whether the state re-opened too fast. And the Secretary of State promised some fixes that will speed up the long voting lines in some counties—but there’s a battle over reaching absentee voters who don’t want to stand in line. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer wades into it all with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A much anticipated hate crimes bill now includes police as a protected class in Georgia. It's a hurdle lawmakers have to tackle while also cutting 11 percent from the state budget. In this Coronavirus remote edition, host Lisa Rayam talks with Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about these and other issues that are getting attention at the state legislature.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After the Fulton County District Attorney announced charges against two Atlanta police officers involved in the killing of Rayshard Brooks, the debate over new rules for law enforcement continued, while the Atlanta department saw an outbreak of blue flu. Meanwhile, the Coronavirus served notice to Georgia that it hasn’t gone anywhere, and there’s a new chapter in the fight for one of Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson join WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer for this edition of the Political Breakfast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State lawmakers return to the Georgia State Capitol for 11 days to finish the 2020 legislative session amidst protests, voting problems and renewed calls for a hate crimes law. Covid-19 had put the session on hold. WABE's Susanna Capelouto guest hosts this episode and talks with politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about what to expect this week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Primary election day turned into primary election week, as vote counting continued. But with runoffs and November looming, the scramble to fix this week’s mess is on. The surviving campaigns check the numbers and plan for more battle, while the battle against the Coronavirus isn’t over—and those numbers could change everything again, even as the Legislature returns tries to figure out how much the state has to spend. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer talks it all over with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Primary day in Georgia was unlike any other. But even those trading blame for all the problems agree on one thing: they don't want anything like this to happen again. This bonus edition of the Political Breakfast looks into the delays, glitches, and frustration that confronted so many voters. It originally aired live on 90.1 WABE on June 10, 2020. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer welcomed Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Brian Robinson, along with University of Georgia political scientist Charles Bullock; Gabriel Sterling from the Secretary of State's office; and WABE reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After an extraordinary and wrenching week in Atlanta and the rest of Georgia, the question now is: Where do all of us go from here on, in addressing the disease of racism? Meanwhile, a much more recent disease, COVID-19, is still with us, and the recent events have made confronting it a potentially much more complicated thing. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer explores some of the thinking with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Brian Kemp again lifts some Coronavirus restrictions, while keeping some others. But he’s making a pitch for the Republican National Convention later this summer, and the numbers for the pandemic in Georgia still don’t give a clear picture of where it’s heading. Meanwhile, Georgia’s law enforcement and political leaders are again examining the relationship between police and African-American communities, after the video-recorded death of an unarmed black man at the hands of police in Minneapolis. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer talks it all over with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to your health, there’s a saying you might have heard: "Know your numbers." Georgia’s COVID-19 numbers have been the subject of a lot of scrutiny lately. Meanwhile, some new polling numbers, if they’re right, forecast a real fight up and down the state ballot in November, while the people who run elections here worry about how to safely handle the numbers of voters who show up in person. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer again welcomes Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just days after Georgia’s attorney general announced a state investigation of how local authorities responded to the February killing of an unarmed young black man near Brunswick, two suspects are in custody; the U.S. Justice Department is called in; and some top state leaders are getting behind a hate crimes bill. Meanwhile, Governor Kemp extends some pandemic response measures, and partially lifts others. And some Republican polling predicts close battles with Democrats in the November elections. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer sorts through it all with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Georgia slowly re-opens, the Coronavirus continues to spread. And so does the debate about the right things to do, and the possible cost in more lives lost. At the Georgia Capitol, lawmakers start to figure out what the cost will be in services the state can provide. Meanwhile, Georgia again gets the nation’s attention--this time for the killing of an unarmed young black man near Brunswick. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer talks it all over with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While everyone holds out hope that an experimental drug tested here in Atlanta might help COVID-19 patients, Governor Brian Kemp is conducting a trial of his own, as he lifts more restrictions on businesses in the state. Meanwhile, schools, students and parents are trying to get some idea of what the coming school year will be like. And there are still plenty of questions about whether there’s enough good information to make any of those decisions. And Senate candidates in both parties face some tough strategic decisions of their own. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer talks it over with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the Georgia lab! No, not the state’s COVID testing lab (we’re still working on getting more of those up and running). The entire state is a now a lab--and we’re all the subjects. Governor Brian Kemp finds support from some government leaders and pushback from others--including President Trump--on his plan to partially re-open the state for business. On that subject, business folks, workers, and state and local governments struggle to adjust to life amid pandemic. And a familiar and controversial politician is getting out of that business--at least for now. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer digs into all of it with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While President Trump suggests that the nation is past the peak of the Coronavirus outbreak, Georgia certainly is not. And the state continues scrambling for enough tests to tell us exactly where we are. Meanwhile, in electoral politics, there were parades of endorsements and reports of campaign cash in the contests for president and U.S. Senate. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer explored those issues--and more--with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Despite a few hopeful signs, the terrible Coronavirus toll in Georgia continued. Governor Brian Kemp extended the statewide shutdown, but a shortage of data--and supplies for frontline healthcare workers--continued to hinder the effort to fight the disease. Meanwhile, Georgia’s new GOP senator fought back against questions about her stock trades, and the names of Georgia Democratic women keep coming up as possible vice presidential contenders. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer again welcomes Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It might be hard to remember now, but this was supposed to be the week when Georgia Democrats would have their say in the presidential battle. Instead, because of the Coronavirus, the voting will wait until May 19th at least; Georgia’s governor closes schools until April 27th at least; and the debate continues over whether he’s done at least enough to keep people from passing the virus around. Meanwhile, the Feds promise states will soon get relief money, and the internal GOP war heats up in a U.S. Senate race. For a look at all of that, and more, WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer again welcomes Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Faced with a frightening jump in the number of Georgia Coronavirus cases and deaths, Governor Brian Kemp orders a statewide shutdown, but then faces a blast of criticism for the timing of it, and the reason he gave for it. Meanwhile, local government leaders felt some push-back for the decisions they made or didn’t make. And the storm over a Georgia Senator’s financial transactions intensified. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer talks it all over with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a Georgia state senator tested positive for Covid19, hundreds of his fellow lawmakers went into quarantine. But not before giving governor Brian Kemp emergency executive powers. Lisa Rayam talks with WABE politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffat, who themselves are in quarantine as they spent a lot of time at the state captiol. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Coronavirus, and Georgia’s response dominate this edition of the Political Breakfast. It's about putting the political part of the public health story into context for you. And we’ll look at a bit of other political news, too--from the new stage in the Democratic presidential contest, to the scrambles for both of Georgia's Senate seats (a production note: this episode was taped in the hours before reports about stock trades by Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler). WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, and Republican strategist Brian Robinson got together digitally, via different lines of communication, from their homes and offices.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State leaders have suspended the Georgia legislature indefinitely as the coronavirus keeps spreading and the state gets ready for more testing. Guest host and WABE health reporter Sam Whitehead talks with politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about the state's response to the crisis and the bills that passed before things shut down at the gold dome. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With astonishing and frightening speed, Coronavirus has reshaped life in Georgia, at least for now. State leaders are trying to shape a unified response, amid unpredictable signals from the administration in Washington. Meanwhile, the predicted internal Republican Senate fight continues to intensify, while a Democratic mayor finds her prediction in the presidential race is looking pretty good right now. Just some of what's on the table for this edition of the Political Breakfast. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson talk it over with WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Crossover day is this week, which means time is running out for some bills to become law. Lisa Rayam talks with WABE's Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about what still need to pass either the Georgia House or Senate to stay alive. Meanwhile, the Coronavirus is having  politicians keeping their hands to themselves. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia used to be just a fundraising pit stop for presidential campaigns, but this year national Democrats promise they’re going to pump resources into the Peach State. President Trump is opening what he calls a Black Voices for Trump Community Center. With all this attention and energy aimed at Georgia voters, how come some of them just stay home. And will the state's new voting machines pass their big test?  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia lawmakers wrangle over hands-free driving fines and Uber/Lyft fees in committees as the legislature reaches its half-way point in this year's session. Lisa Rayam talks with WABE's Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt. Environment reporter Molly Samuel also pays a visit to talk about coal ash bills. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia's governor and state lawmakers were already arguing about the budget and tax cuts, but then something new and potentially serious complicated things further: the coronavirus. At the same time, Georgia Democrats are waiting to get their their say in the presidential race. But how many of their party’s candidates will still be around by then? And there's more in this serving of the Political Breakfast. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer again welcomes Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers are marred in budget battles as they move forward on surprise medical billing and foster care legislation. Also, the idea of digital billboards makes a quick appearance. Lisa Rayam talks with politics reporter Emil Moffatt and WABE health reporter Sam Whitehead. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hard to believe, but in just about a month, Georgia Democratic voters will have a say in the still-crowded presidential race. Republican voters will cast ballots, too, but there’s not quite as much suspense there. What we don’t know is how Georgia's rapidly changing voter demographics will affect the outcome. Plus, a look at the ongoing state capitol budget battles, and the push for affordable housing in Atlanta.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agony over the state budget continues as Georgia lawmakers figure out how to pay for proposed teacher pay raises pushed by Governor Brian Kemp. WABE's Lisa Rayam talks with politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about the nuances in the struggle over state dollars. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lots of unity talk, but not much evidence of it in both major political parties as their big internal showdowns get closer. Loeffler, Collins, Warnock, Tomlinson, Riggs Amico, Ossoff, and Abrams are just a few of the names you’ll hear on what you might call an endorsement edition of the Political Breakfast. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer is back with our highly-endorsed political strategists. Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal; Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Policy-making comes to a screeching halt so that Georgia's legislature can figure out the state's money woes. Plus, President Trump promises to get involved in a Georgia senate race. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE's Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about these and other issues, including a look at Georgia's lucrative film tax credit, which got some scrutiny from lawmakers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the Georgia legislative session rolls along, we look at Governor Kemp's proposed crackdown on gang-related activity, and his push for a Medicaid waiver expansion program. Also, a high-profile retirement in Gwinnett could be a sign of how the county's political base is changing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Brian Kemp's pick for the U.S. Senate, Kelly Loeffler, gets some unwanted competition as Republican Doug Collins jumps into the race. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE political reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about the drama surrounding the open Senate race, which now also includes prominent Democrat Rev. Raphael Warnock. We also talk about gambling, adoption, and foster care proposals. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It finally happened: a couple of high-profile potential Senate candidates decided to realize that potential—one right after the other. So, Georgia Republicans are again learning what happens when you’re the majority party: you fight internal battles. Meanwhile, Georgia Democrats are working with some Republicans in one of those fights. But right now, the toughest fights of all are over where the state budget axe will fall. It’s a giant buffet set for you on this edition of the Political Breakfast! WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer is back, with two very busy political strategists. Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal; Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers are struggling with the reality of tough budget cuts to Education, Health, Agriculture and other state agencies. Politics Reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt and Health Reporter Sam Whitehead join host Lisa Rayam to bring insight and context to the numbers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Democratic presidential candidates might be in Iowa, New Hampshire, and other cold places up north right now, but Georgia will be on their minds sooner than any of us might think. And after the presidential race leaves Georgia, the state will still be dealing with some difficult issues of health, life and death.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hearings at the Georgia State Capitol this week will tackle a tight budget to find ways to give teachers the full $5,000 pay raise promised by Governor Brian Kemp during his campaign in 2018. Education Reporter Martha Dalton and Politics Reporter Emma Hurt Join host Lisa Rayam this week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all expected 2020 to be crazy busy in politics from the start, and it’s certainly fulfilled that promise. So, let’s do the sensible thing, and jump right in with a new Political Breakfast! This edition is the first on our new weekly schedule--twice the heaping helpings from now on! We’ve got big stuff going on from the nation’s capital, to the State Capitol, to Atlanta’s City Hall and beyond. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer, again welcomes our regulars, who are well rested--at least for now: Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal; Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WABE reporters Emil Moffatt and Emma Hurt join host Lisa Rayam for a look ahead to the week in the Georgia General Assembly.  They discuss the expected fight over a shrinking state budget and possible changes to Georgia’s lucrative film and television production tax credit.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the 2020 legislative session gets underway in Georgia, WABE has a new podcast to keep you in the know. “Gold Dome Scramble” is a pop-up podcast from "Political Breakfast." Every Monday morning, host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE reporters about the big issues that may become state law – from casino gambling to expanded gun rights. It’s your chance to learn about what’s happening in the Georgia legislative session. We’ll make it fun. We’ll make it informative. And we’ll keep it short.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2020 will be a huge political year in Georgia, of course. Many of the upcoming big stories are obvious: impeachment; elections; and--at the state Capitol--a push to legalize gambling (in some form, at least) in Georgia. But there's a lot more ahead in 2020, and we get your ready for it with some inside information from our regulars on the Political Breakfast. Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign; Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer is your host.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What a way to end 2019!  An historic impeachment vote in the U.S. House; Georgia’s Senator-to-be continues meeting her new colleagues--and new questions about what kind of Senator she’ll be. And what could be a major turning point in the decades-long legal war over how all of us in Georgia use water. It's a holiday party edition of the Political Breakfast. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer welcomes our two unimpeachable sources. Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal; Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson is a public affairs and government consultant and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Brian Kemp has chosen Georgia's next U.S. Senator. But is this just the start, instead of the end, of the sharp elbows among Republicans? After all, some of them got into a Twitter war with each other over who wears jean shorts. Meanwhile, both major parties get their ballots together for the upcoming presidential primary, and the numbers keep flying in the debate over health care in the state. It's another full menu for the Political Breakfast. Joining WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer for this edition: Bianca Keaton and Brian Robinson. Bianca is the chair of the Gwinnett County Democrats, and she's filling in for Tharon Johnson this time. Brian is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the political world, there used to be something called the Thanksgiving break. But there’s little evidence of that this year. Georgia Democrats push the national party for more resources in 2020; Georgia Republicans throw a few elbows in the maneuvering to succeed Senator Johnny Isakson. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s transit makeover continues to take shape. It’s another overstuffed buffet for the Political Breakfast! WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer again welcomes our regulars: Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson is a public affairs and government consultant and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign. Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political analysts say the big message from this week's elections in Kentucky and Virginia is that Republicans are losing support in the suburbs. How might that play out in Georgia during the 2020 Senate and Presidential races?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s still more than a year before the presidential election, but we’re less than three months away from the first caucuses in Iowa. And Georgia takes center stage in a month, with the next Democratic debate, and the rapidly-changing events in Washington and overseas could have a big effect on the plans for both major parties here. Meanwhile, a new look at what our region will look like in the next 30 years might change the decisions our political leaders make now. And speaking of decisions, what are the odds Georgia voters will face a yes-or-no on gambling?  It's another Political Breakfast!  Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson is back; he’s a public affairs and government consultant and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign. Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal. Working across the aisle: WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s football season now, but the real head-knocking is happening in politics--where some of the players are going after each other without helmets. Meanwhile, the state’s strict new abortion law ran into a block in Federal court, and it’s a blitz of candidates who want to succeed Johnny Isakson in the U.S. Senate. We’ve got great seats for you in this edition of the Political Breakfast. Brian Robinson is back; he's a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson is away; former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard is filling in. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer is in the middle of it all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Got your resume up to date? Then you, too, can apply for the soon-to-be open job of U.S. Senator from Georgia! But President Trump might be reading that resume, and pass on his thoughts to the Governor who’ll make the decision. Meanwhile, the race for the other Georgia Senate seat got a high-profile new contestant. And the Atlanta school system has to figure out what next, after the superintendent’s contract was not renewed. So there's a whole smorgasbord in this serving of the Political Breakfast. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer is back--along with our regulars: Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign. Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2020 was already forecast to be a very windy political year in Georgia. Then Senator Johnny Isakson’s resignation announcement guaranteed it’ll be a category 5! There’s also a continuing storm over hazardous emissions at a Cobb County chemical plant. And it hasn’t exactly been calm at Atlanta’s City Hall, either. So much to dive into on this edition of the Political Breakfast. And we finally have both of our regulars on hand at the same time. Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign. Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer tries to keep the whole thing on the rails.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia's senior U.S. Senator, Republican Johnny Isakson, is speaking about his resignation, and what he wants to do before he leaves the Senate at the end of the year. Isakson made the announcement on Wednesday, August 28. The three-term Senator, who began his political career in 1974, cited increasing health problems as the reason for his resignation. Isakson suffers from Parkinson's Disease, and recently had a growth removed from his kidney. He spoke by phone on August 30 with Political Breakfast host Denis O'Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s something in the late summer air--and it’s got a lot of Georgia folks concerned, along with the people who ask for their votes. Speaking of voting, the timer is running on the state’s new elections system, even as a legal fight continues. Meanwhile, the legal battle lines are more clearly drawn in the showdown over the state’s new abortion laws. There's all that and more in this helping of the Political Breakfast! WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer welcomes Republican strategist Brian Robinson, a communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal, and--filling in for Tharon Johnson this time--Gwinnett County Democratic chair Bianca Keaton.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s August, but the folks who run things in Georgia are not getting much of a vacation. They face some very serious questions: Does this state needs tougher gun laws? What to do about hazardous chemicals in the air near some Atlanta area neighborhoods? Should Governor Kemp finally expand the state’s Medicaid program for low-income Georgians? And how can lawmakers do all of this when the Governor is warning state agencies that funding cuts are coming? We get into all of that in this serving of the Political Breakfast. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson is back; he’s a public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign. Republican strategist Brian Robinson is away. Filling in this time: former Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens, a Republican who’s also a former chair of the Cobb County Commission. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer hosts the proceedings.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that Robert Mueller has spoken to Congress about Russian interference in the last presidential election, what’s being done here in Georgia to ensure the security of the next one? And it’s not just the 2020 presidential contest that’s stirring things up around here; there are quite a few would-be members of Congress in both parties. And a former Georgia governor has been busy lately in his new job as Agriculture Secretary. Those are just a few of the items on the bill of fare for this Political Breakfast, and we’ve got a place waiting for you! WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer returns with Tharon Johnson, who is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign. Republican strategist Brian Robinson is away; filling in this time: former Georgia Republican Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, who knows a thing or two about high-profile hearings. During his time in Congress, he was a member of the House Intelligence Committee and the Select Committee on Benghazi. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Georgia Republican Senator David Perdue builds his re-election war chest, another Georgia Democrat jumps into the race to challenge him. But is the party waiting and hoping for someone else? Meanwhile, the new child sex trafficking charges against Jeffrey Epstein in New York have brought new focus to Georgia’s efforts to fight sex trafficking. And, if Georgia and some other states win their lawsuit against Obamacare, do Republican leaders have a plan for what next for patients here? A lot to think about on this Political Breakfast! WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer serves it up--with the help of some very bright political minds. Tharon Johnson is back; he’s a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign. Republican strategist Brian Robinson is away. Filling in this time: former Georgia Republican Party chairman Chuck Clay, now with the law firm Hall, Booth, Smith.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While the Democratic presidential candidates debated in Miami, we’ll see if local Democrats need to focus on a different battle here, Meanwhile, Atlanta’s mayor unveiled an affordable housing plan, which critics argue isn’t very specific. And the Supreme Court blocked a census citizenship question, while Atlanta’s immigrant community waits to see if President Trump’s threatened raids will actually happen. All that and more is on the table for this Political Breakfast. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer welcomes Brian Robinson, a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff to former Governor Nathan Deal. Our other regular, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, is away this time. Filling in: Gwinnett County Democratic chair Bianca Keaton. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Could it be the presidential campaigns will actually treat Georgia as more than just a cash machine? Democratic candidates made all the right noises during their recent visits. But do they have the keys to winning the state? Meanwhile, the state’s Republican governor makes some key appointments by selecting African-American and Hispanic candidates--and Stacey Abrams goes to Hollywood. It’s a big and varied menu for this edition of the Political Breakfast, which also includes the possible role of African-American sororities in the Georgia Democratic presidential primary. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer sits down again with our regulars: Brian Robinson, a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff to former Governor Nathan Deal, and Tharon Johnson, a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia’s new abortion law is signed into law, but the fight may only be starting. Meanwhile, Georgia political types in both parties try to navigate the ongoing turbulence from the Russia probe and Robert Mueller’s invitation to Congress. And while Stacey Abrams ponders her next move, state ethics regulators move in on her, starting another battle. So let’s dig in to a Political Breakfast! Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff to former Governor Nathan Deal; Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign. At the serving table: WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are some political storms on Georgia’s summer radar: an indictment for the state’s insurance commissioner; a potential landmark fight over the new abortion law; and Democrats and Republicans are trying to figure out how to navigate all the 2020 turbulence and uncertainty. But you can fortify yourself with a nourishing Political Breakfast. Our regulars are back for this one. Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff to former Governor Nathan Deal; Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign. They talked it all over with WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re just over a quarter of the way through 2019, but the mad scramble for 2020 is already on. With a single "no, thanks" from Stacey Abrams, Democrats are lining up to run for a Georgia seat in the U.S. Senate, while would-be members of the House are piling up in both parties. A retiring state Supreme Court justice opens the way for another high-profile battle, and a sitting state attorney general opens a probe into years of sex abuse by some members of Georgia's Catholic clergy. It's all in this edition of the Political Breakfast. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer welcomes Brian Robinson, a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff to former Governor Nathan Deal. And filling in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson this time: former Georgia Democratic congressman Buddy Darden.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Kemp gets out his pen to sign or veto bills the Legislature sent him in the past few months. But some of those new laws mean he’s got some major future homework. Meanwhile some other Republicans and quite a few Democrats are already thinking about their political futures. And…oh, yes...there was that Tiger guy and his win for the ages in Augusta. It's tee time for another Political Breakfast! WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer returns with Brian Robinson, a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff to former Governor Nathan Deal. And coming back from a really nice vacation: Tharon Johnson, a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director of the Obama 2012 campaign.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia’s legislature lurched to its close for the year. So, as the old saying goes, it’s all over but the shouting. But there’s plenty of shouting--about everything from abortion, to the new election machines, to medical marijuana. And the Gold Dome isn’t even the only place where voices are raised, so we bring some calmer ones to serve up this edition of the Political Breakfast. Brian Robinson is back: he is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff to former Governor Nathan Deal. Tharon Johnson is off this time. Filling in is Michael Owens, who is the immediate past chairman of the Cobb County Democrats. The man in the middle is WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gwinnett County voters opted not to get on board the MARTA train. So what’s next for the traffic-smothered county? Meanwhile, at the State Capitol, big fights over abortion and an airport takeover headed into their final rounds. And on a visit home from the U.S. Capitol, Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson went after President Trump for his continued attacks on the late Senator John McCain. Those are just a few of the selections on the menu for this Political Breakfast. Our regulars are back: Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff to former Governor Nathan Deal; Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign. The man in the middle is WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world under Georgia’s Gold Dome right now--even more than usual. It’s that crossover time of year, when bills hit a critical deadline. One of them, the proposed state takeover of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, made it through the Senate ahead of the deadline. And it happened just as a new indictment was handed down in the investigation of corruption at Atlanta's City Hall. And it’s voting time, too, at least in Gwinnett County, even though it’s not November. But the stakes are just as big, with transit on the line, so to speak. And some bills favored by GOP conservatives ran into big hurdles under the Gold Dome. It's all on the menu for another Political Breakfast. Our regulars, Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson, are both involved in the Gwinnett County transit campaign, so they are sitting out this time. Joining WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer: Democrat Cathy Woolard, a former Atlanta City Council president, and most recently, a candidate for Mayor. Also along for this ride: Lynn Westmoreland, a former Georgia Republican Congressman, and before that, the GOP leader in the Georgia State House.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

That slow start to 2019 in Georgia politics didn't last long. Midway through the legislative session, there's plenty of sound and fury at the state Capitol--over how to change the state's voting machines and rules; a lawsuit over the current voting system and the 2018 election; a bid to for a state takeover of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport; and the debate over House Speaker David Ralston's use of a rule allowing lawyer-lawmakers to get cases delayed so they can attend to their legislative duties. So, there's a lot on the Political Breakfast table this time. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer welcomed our regulars: Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson is a public affairs and government conusltant and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign; Republican strategist Brian Robinson is a communications consultant and former deputy chief of staff for former Governor Nathan Deal. And we had lots of company this time! The podcast was taped before a wonderful live audience at the 28th annual Georgia Bar, Media & Judiciary Conference, at State Bar headquarters in downtown Atlanta.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that all those Super Bowl visitors have left, Georgia political leaders have to get back to the task of hashing out our own homegrown issues--you know, the ones we didn’t want all those strangers to know about. There are some difficult negotiations to be had on everything from casino gambling, to Medicaid expansion, to proposed rules for new hospitals (and some of those issues could get thrown together!) Then, there's talk of a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the top of Stone Mountain, and a big bank from out of state is buying one of Atlanta's iconic financial institutions. It all makes for a big, crunchy Political Breakfast. Our regulars are back with us again: Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director of the Obama 2012 campaign; Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal. WABE political consultant Denis O'Hayer is the person in the middle.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia starts 2019 with a new Governor, a new Legislature, some new members of Congress, a new transit agency for the Atlanta area--but coming to town for Atlanta’s Super Bowl, the same old Patriots. You remember them. Suddenly, that other team with its new old home in LA has a whole lot of new fans in the ATL! Meanwhile, Democrats and Republicans continue their old no-gain scrimmage in DC. At least the Saints are staying in New Orleans (even though their billboards aren’t), and we can enjoy a new Political Breakfast. Who dat joining us? Our regulars, of course! Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director of the Obama 2012 campaign. Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal. And trying to steer it all is WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New lawmakers are coming to the Gold Dome, including governor-elect Brian Kemp. How will shrinking Republican margins in the legislature affect this year's priorities? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s the end of 2018 already! But we in Georgia managed to jam a whole lot of political news into just 365 days. So what did we learn this year? And which of the happenings from this year will be affecting us in 2019—and maybe even beyond? Settle back with the holiday beverage of your choice and explore it all with us on a special edition of the Political Breakfast! WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer is back; so are Tharon Johnson, a Democratic strategist and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign, and Brian Robinson a Republican strategist, public affairs consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia had a little earthquake recently, but apparently that's not going to keep Nick Ayers from leaving the Trump administration--and a very big job offer--to come back home. Meanwhile, Norfolk Southern will soon call Atlanta home; Governor-elect Brian Kemp makes his first major speech (without anything exploding behind him) a few days after he paid a peacemaking visit to Atlanta's City Hall and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. And who would have guessed a couple of years ago that a wildly popular soccer team would be the one to break Atlanta's long championship drought? That's just some of what's on the menu in this edition of the Political Breakfast. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer welcomes Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we hurtle toward the winter solstice, we’re still not finished with the fall elections! But the state is getting ready for a new tenant in the Governor’s mansion, while the candidate who came very close is launching what could be a long winter’s legal fight. That's just some of what’s on the menu for a new Political Breakfast, hosted by WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer. For this edition, Brian Robinson is back with us; he’s a Republican strategist, public affairs consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson is away for this edition. Filling in this time: former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard, who’s also a public affairs consultant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that Amazon won't be getting a private MARTA car, maybe we can reserve one for the Political Breakfast! While we wait for that, we bid you welcome to another un-subsidized edition. It’s a sumptuous feast this time, to say the least: the continuing legal and political war over the governor’s race; runoffs for a couple of other top posts; a special session of the legislature; and--oh, yes--that "thanks-but-no-thanks" from Amazon, followed by the delivery of the sweeteners Georgia was ready to offer the giant company. WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer welcomes a couple of folks who know a lot about all this: Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, public affairs consultant and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal; Michael Owens is the chairman of the Cobb County Democrats (he's filling in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, who is away for this edition).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson join host Denis O'Hayer on stage before a crowd of hundreds at Emory University's School of Law. As the midterm election draws near, heavy hitters like Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, Mike Pence and Donald Trump head to Georgia to campaign for gubernatorial candidates Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s getting toward the end of October; scary people will soon be knocking at your door--and then there are the trick-or-treaters! Yes, the political campaigns have launched their ground games, with volunteers trying to visit as many homes as possible--perhaps even yours. But, with polls showing a neck-and-neck race for governor, what else will it take to win?That question--and a lot more--are on the menu for another Political Breakfast! Our regulars, Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson, both got to-go orders this time. Joining WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer for this edition: former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard, and former State Senator and former state Republican chairman Chuck Clay, who is now with the law firm of Hall Booth Smith.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the number 14 hipster city in the United States, it's an oh-so-hip edition of the Political Breakfast!According to new polling, the Georgia governor’s race remains virtually tied, while outside help pours in to both major party candidates. We’ll check to see if the fight over Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination will affect how Georgians cast their ballots. And a couple of streets with old Confederate names got new ones.WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer is your host. Joining us again: Brian Robinson, a Republican strategist, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson is back, too. He’s a former national southern regional director of the Obama 2012 campaign.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While the U.S. Senate was fighting over how to handle allegations against a Supreme Court nominee, here in Georgia there was a court fight on paper--paper ballots, that is.Meanwhile, the people on the November ballot for governor—which won’t be on paper—tried to figure out which messages will convince voters who haven’t made up their minds already. In Atlanta, the Gulch will stay the Gulch—at least for now, and some state lawmakers go public with their fears that the nuclear power plant expansion has run into a gulch of its own. It’s all on the buffet for this Political Breakfast.Joining WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer:  Brian Robinson, a Republican strategist, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal, and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, who is a former national southern regional director of the Obama 2012 campaign.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s been another couple of weeks of “we’ve never seen anything like this before” in politics at the local and national levels.A new book and an anonymous White House official describe President Trump as off the rails, even as he blasts his own attorney general for the indictments of two of his supporters in Congress. More progressives have joined Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams in the re-shaping of the national Democratic Party. Federal investigators are demanding travel and expense reports for former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s entire time in office.So much for the quiet end-of-summer news cycle.Brian Robinson, a Republican strategist, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal, and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, former national southern regional director of the Obama 2012 campaign, join host Denis O'Hayer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the coming years, when you catch a flight from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which has been owned by the City of Atlanta, will someone else be in charge?In fact, “who’s in charge here?” is a pretty good question about a lot of what’s gone on politically in these parts lately.The two major party candidates for governor accused each other of failing to be in charge of their own finances; a school superintendent appeared to go on a racist rant; Georgia Tech’s president felt compelled to promise he'll work really, really hard to stop financial abuse at the Institute.That's just some of the giant buffet for this edition of the Political Breakfast. And we’ve got the band back together! After weeks of sitting on the sidelines, Brian Robinson is back. He is a Republican strategist, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson is on hand, too. He is a former national southern regional director of the Obama 2012 campaign.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's back to school time! And today's lesson is: Don't get yourself indicted on corruption charges. We saw that happen to a sitting member of Congress in Washington, D.C.--and to a former top aide in the Reed administration in Atlanta. We'll look at the local implications from both of those events. Meanwhile, Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp are launching their general election battle; we'll check out their strategies. And, a stunning story from Pro Publica alleges some Mar-a-Lago friends of President Trump have outsized--and secret--influence in the Veterans Administration. That poses a challenge for Georgia GOP Senator Johnny Isakson, who chairs the Veterans Affairs Committee. In this episode, WABE Political Contributor Denis O'Hayer talks with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, former national southern regional director of the Obama 2012 campaign, and Chuck Clay, a former Georgia state senator, and former chairman of the state GOP. He is now with the law firm Hall, Booth, Smith.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a brief summer hiatus, we’re back! And what a few weeks it’s been.The primary runoffs have come and gone and November’s general election contests are finally shaping up; the federal corruption investigation into Atlanta City Hall has expanded; the Trump Administration's trade fights continue to make waves in Georgia. All that and more on this week's menu.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson (@TharonJohnson) and Georgia Republican Party chair Chuck Clay join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summer has officially started, but the political news hasn’t slowed down one bit!The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to opine on Georgia’s fight over water and rivers with Florida as Justice Anthony Kennedy announces his retirement; with less than a month until the primary runoffs, we check in on the races; and we’ll consider what a surprise primary result in New York could mean for Georgia. All that and more on this week's menu.Former Atlanta City Council President, Democrat Cathy Woolard (@CathyWoolard) and former U.S. Congressman, Republican Lynn Westmoreland (@Westmoreland_GA) join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's been the fallout from the secret recording of Lieutenant Governor Cagle, one of two candidates left in the Republican primary runoff for governor? A look at that question a week after the tape's release; Democrats deal with runoffs of their own in the suburbs north of Atlanta; Cobb County tries to resolve a $30 million budget shortfall; and Atlanta could help host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All that and more on this week's menu.Cobb County Democratic Pary Chair Michael Owens and former Georgia Republican Party chair Chuck Clay join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who will come out on top in the Republican gubernatorial primary? A look at that race with still weeks to go before the runoff; Democrats look for some party unity for their unified ticket; Fulton County homeowners cope with a property tax spike; all that and more on this week's menu.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson (@TharonJohnson) and former Georgia Republican Party chair Chuck Clay join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With just days to go before next week’s primary elections, we’ll look at how the race for Georgia governor is shaping up; the fallout from former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed's decision to withhold information about a federal subpoena from city council and the public; a major credit rating agency has weighed in on what could happen if voters decide to create the new city of Eagle's Landing from the city of Stockbridge. All of that and more on this week's menu.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson (@TharonJohnson) and former U.S. Congressman, Republican Lynn Westmoreland (@Westmoreland_GA) join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With just a few weeks to go before the May 22nd primary elections, we’ll look at how the races are shaping up; Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms addresses the state of the city after a tough first 100 days in office; and time is running out for Governor Nathan Deal to make decisions on which bills to sign or veto. All of that and more on this week's menu.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson (@TharonJohnson) and former U.S. Congressman, Republican Lynn Westmoreland (@Westmoreland_GA) join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation. Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

UPDATE: In the time since this interview was recorded, Marc Urbach announced he'd ended his campaign.This is it! The final interview in our series of conversations with all the major party candidates running in contested races for Georgia governor in the May 22nd primary elections.Republican Marc Urbach is an historical writer and speaker who lives in Dunwoody. He’s a former public school teacher in Gwinnett County and ran for president in 2016 as a write-in candidate.Check the feed Wednesdays and Fridays in the weeks leading up to the primaries for more interviews.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're just under a month away from the May 22nd primary elections!This bonus episode of Political Breakfast continues our series of interviews with all the major party candidates for Georgia governor running in those elections.Republican Hunter Hill is a former state senator and was elected to represent a district in Fulton and Cobb counties in 2012. He resigned to run for governor last year and currently heads a leadership development company.Check the feed Wednesdays and Fridays in the weeks leading up to the primaries for more interviews.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

November's midterm elections are months away, but the primary elections are right around the corner.This bonus episode of Political Breakfast continues our series of interviews with all the major party candidates for Georgia governor running in the May 22nd primaries.Republican Clay Tippens a former Navy SEAL and tech company executive.Check the feed Wednesdays and Fridays in the weeks leading up to the primaries for more interviews.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are a lot of candidates vying to win their party's nomination to run for Georgia governor.This bonus episode of Political Breakfast continues our series of interviews with all the major party candidates in competitive races for that office in the May 22nd primaries.Republican Michael Williams is a certified public accountant and has represented a district in Forsyth County in the state senate for the past four years.Check the feed Wednesdays and Fridays in the weeks leading up to the primaries for more interviews.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's just over a month left until the May 22nd primary elections. This bonus episode of Political Breakfast continues our series of interviews with all the major party candidates for Georgia governor in those elections.Republican Casey Cagle was elected as lieutenant governor in 2006. Prior to that he was a state senator from the Gainesville area for 12 years.Check the feed Wednesdays and Fridays in the weeks leading up to the primaries for more interviews.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is shaking up her cabinet as she closes out her first 100 days in office; Governor Nathan Deal considers a bill that could change how new cities are created; what will Georgia's next governor do about Medicaid expansion? All of that and more on this week's menu.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson (@TharonJohnson) and Republican strategist Brian Robinson (@LordTinsdale) join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation. Taped in front of a live audience at the Georgia Tech School of Public Policy.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now, it's time for the Republicans! This bonus episode of Political Breakfast continues our series of interviews with all the major party candidates for Georgia governor running in the May 22nd primaries.Republican Brian Kemp has been Georgia’s Secretary of State for the past eight years. Prior to that he served four years in the state senate representing a district in the Athens area.Check the feed Wednesdays and Fridays in the weeks leading up to the primaries for more interviews.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's primary time! On May 22nd, Georgians will go to the polls to pick the candidates running for governor. This bonus episode of Political Breakfast continues our series of interviews with all the major party candidates.Democrat Stacey Evans is a former state representative from Cobb County, first elected in 2010. She is an attorney who has done much of her work in business litigation.Check the feed Wednesdays and Fridays in the weeks leading up to the primaries for more interviews.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This bonus episode of Political Breakfast kicks off our series of interviews with all the major party candidates for Georgia governor running in the May 22nd primaries.Democrat Stacey Abrams is the former state House Minority Leader, and was first elected to the House from an Atlanta district in 2006. Prior to that, she was a deputy Atlanta City attorney.Check the feed Wednesdays and Fridays in the weeks leading up to the primaries for more interviews.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city of Atlanta is still in recovery mode after a cyber attack last week crippled its computer systems; what passed and what didn’t in the 2018 state legislative session; and remembering former Georgia governor and U.S. Senator Zell Miller. All of that and more on this week's menu.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson (@TharonJohnson) and Republican strategist Brian Robinson (@LordTinsdale) join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State lawmakers rush to get bills passed as the clock ticks down on this year’s legislative session; what a special Congressional election in Pennsylvania could mean for the midterms in Georgia; the lasting impacts of the school walkout protest against gun violence. All of that and more on this week's menu.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson (@TharonJohnson) and Republican strategist Brian Robinson (@LordTinsdale) join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia lawmakers take aim at a tax break for Delta Air Lines after the carrier’s decision to end a discount for members of the National Rifle Association; five Republican state lawmakers abandon their seats in one of Georgia’s most diverse counties; and could DeKalb County’s C.E.O.-led form of government get an overhaul? All of that and more on this week's menu.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson (@TharonJohnson) and Republican strategist Brian Robinson (@LordTinsdale) join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia lawmakers are trying again to come up with a regional solution for Atlanta’s traffic; Governor Nathan Deal doesn’t want to be caught with billions of dollars in additional state taxes on his hands; will state lawmakers get between you and a Sunday morning mimosa? All of that and more on this week's menu.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson (@TharonJohnson) and Republican strategist Brian Robinson (@LordTinsdale) join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson (@TharonJohnson) and Republican strategist Brian Robinson (@LordTinsdale) join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation.On the menu this week: how Georgia elected officials should respond to the secret memo prepared by the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee; a look back at President Trump’s first State of the Union address; Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms shares her vision for Atlanta with a part of the city that didn’t vote for her; and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport continues to be a political football.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson (@TharonJohnson) and Republican strategist Brian Robinson (@LordTinsdale) join Denis O'Hayer (@denisohayer) for a wide-ranging political conversation.On the menu this week: Georgia’s Senators’ different responses to President Trump’s reported comments about Haiti and African nations; how Atlantans think Trump is faring one year into his term; the Georgia Governor’s race heats up on the Democratic side; Atlanta’s new mayor comes into office and reaches a major settlement with the city’s school system; and winter weather strangles operations at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport.Produced by Sam Whitehead (@sclaudwhitehead).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Denis O’Hayer invites strategists from the right and the left for some food for thought.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.