Episodes

  • Politically Georgia Live: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on Trump’s agenda, media powerhouses and Doug Collins’ VA leadership

    Politically Georgia Live: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on Trump’s agenda, media powerhouses and Doug Collins’ VA leadership
    Feb 7 2025
    In this special Politically Georgia episode, recorded live in front of an audience in Washington, D.C., hosts Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein, and Patricia Murphy take the show on the road for an inside look at President Donald Trump’s second term. First, we’re joined by Rome-based Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene to hear her perspective on what she’s seeing from Trump’s return to the White House and how it’s reshaping the political landscape. Then, we turn to top journalists for their insights on covering the Trump administration a second time around. CNN’s Dana Bash and Kasie Hunt, along with NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe, discuss the evolving dynamics of political journalism in this new era. Finally, we sit down with former Georgia Congressman Doug Collins just days after his confirmation as Secretary of Veterans Affairs in Trump’s cabinet. Collins shares his vision for the VA and how he plans to tackle the challenges ahead. Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Georgia leaders back Trump’s transgender athlete ban, immigration priorities and Black History Month

    Georgia leaders back Trump’s transgender athlete ban, immigration priorities and Black History Month
    Feb 6 2025
    Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns traveled to Washington to stand alongside President Donald Trump as he signed a national ban on transgender athletes participating in women’s sports. Today, the Georgia Senate will vote on a similar statewide ban. On Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the political implications and what’s next for the legislation. Then, we hear from Congressman Mike Collins, who shares his thoughts on the Laken Riley Act and what further steps he wants to see the Trump administration take on immigration policy. Plus, senior AJC reporter Ernie Suggs joins the show to discuss this year’s Black History Month series, Atlanta Unveiled, and how it highlights the city’s deep cultural and historical roots. Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Doug Collins confirmed, Senate Democrat on life in the minority and Georgia’s budget battle

    Doug Collins confirmed, Senate Democrat on life in the minority and Georgia’s budget battle
    Feb 5 2025
    President Donald Trump’s cabinet continues to take shape as the Senate confirms former Georgia Congressman Doug Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein discuss Collins’ new role and explore which other Georgia politicians could be tapped to join the Trump administration. Then, Greg sits down with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, a veteran Democrat who has spent nearly three decades in Congress. With his party now in the minority, Wyden shares his insights on how Democrats should navigate the political landscape under a second Trump term. Finally, we turn to Georgia’s budget battle. With lawmakers debating the state’s $40 billion spending plan, we speak with State Senator Blake Tillery, chairman of the appropriations committee, about his top priorities for the budget and where negotiations stand. Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Georgia’s girls’ sports debate, Medicaid expansion blocked and Trump’s tariffs

    Georgia’s girls’ sports debate, Medicaid expansion blocked and Trump’s tariffs
    Feb 4 2025
    State Senator Kim Jackson has introduced Senate Bill 41, a measure she says would ensure real fairness in girls’ sports. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy speak with the Stone Mountain Democrat about the details of the bill and what it could mean for student-athletes in Georgia. Then, we turn to Georgia’s healthcare system. Governor Brian Kemp has ruled out Medicaid expansion, leaving hospitals and healthcare advocates searching for solutions. Caylee Noggle of the Georgia Hospital Association joins us to discuss what’s next for healthcare access in the state. Finally, Georgians could soon feel the effects of President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Chinese imports. AJC Business Editor Scott Trubey breaks down when and where consumers and businesses might experience the economic squeeze. Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Kemp’s tort reform fight, SB1’s impact, and a DNC leadership shake-up

    Kemp’s tort reform fight, SB1’s impact, and a DNC leadership shake-up
    Feb 3 2025
    Governor Brian Kemp is making tort reform his top legislative priority this session, aiming to curb large jury awards and lower insurance rates. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell speak with Kemp’s top adviser, Cody Hall, about what it will take to get the measure across the finish line—and how it could shape Kemp’s political future. Then, we sit down with Senator Nikki Merritt, the newly elected chair of Georgia’s Legislative Black Caucus, to discuss SB1, a measure that seeks to ban transgender athletes from competing against women in high school and college sports. Merritt shares her perspective on the bill and how it could impact students across the state. Finally, there’s a major leadership shake-up at the Democratic National Committee as Minnesota’s Ken Martin is elected chair. Notably absent from the leadership ballot was Georgia’s own Rep. Nikema Williams, who withdrew her bid for vice chair. We’ll explore why Williams stepped aside and what it means for the party’s future. Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • James Carville on the future of Democrats and Bill Nigut’s farewell

    James Carville on the future of Democrats and Bill Nigut’s farewell
    Jan 31 2025
    On today’s special episode of Politically Georgia, we sit down with legendary Democratic strategist James Carville. Carville, who once predicted Kamala Harris would win the White House, recently wrote a New York Times essay explaining why he was wrong—and he shares his advice on how Democrats can find their way back to power. We also ask Carville about Georgia’s shifting political landscape. He was instrumental in helping Zell Miller become governor in 1990, but since then, Republicans have dominated the governor’s mansion for seven consecutive election cycles. What does Carville think it will take for Democrats to flip the state once again? And finally, today marks the end of an era—Bill Nigut steps down from Politically Georgia and retires after a remarkable five-decade career covering politics. Bill shares his reflections on his time in journalism and a few final thoughts as he signs off. Links to today’s topics: James Carville: I was wrong about the 2024 election Bill Nigut: Saying goodbye after four decades in Georgia politics Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Kemp’s fight for tort reform, Trump’s executive orders and Senate confirmation clashes

    Kemp’s fight for tort reform, Trump’s executive orders and Senate confirmation clashes
    Jan 30 2025
    Governor Brian Kemp’s push to limit large jury awards is getting a major financial boost, with a company pledging $1 million in ads to help pass the measure this session. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the high-stakes fight over legal reform. State Senator Josh McLaurin, a lawyer and vocal opponent of the bill, explains why he believes the proposal favors businesses over everyday Georgians. We are also joined by Georgia ACLU’s Chris Bruce to examine President Trump’s latest executive orders and how the newest wave of federal immigration operations is impacting communities across the state. Plus, tensions flared in the Senate as Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. clashed over Kennedy’s past statements on the CDC. And we take a look at the confirmation of former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler. Links to today’s topics: Brian Kemp’s aim to limit some large jury awards gets a seven-figure boost Trump unveils executive orders that could reshape education Senator Warnock grills Robert F Kennedy Jr. on CDC "Nazi" comparisons Kelly Loeffler is on the verge of joining Donald Trump’s inner White House circle Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • Laken Riley Act to become law, Trump’s use of power and Georgia voter trends

    Laken Riley Act to become law, Trump’s use of power and Georgia voter trends
    Jan 29 2025
    The White House is preparing for President Donald Trump to sign the Laken Riley Act this afternoon. The measure, named for the Georgia nursing student murdered in Athens by an undocumented immigrant, requires local law enforcement to turn over immigrants to ICE for even minor offenses. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz about the new law and its impact on communities. Later, we turn to UGA political science professor Charles Bullock, who weighs in on Trump’s first week in office and whether any president in modern history has exerted executive power as forcefully as Trump has so far. Finally, we talk to representatives from Keep Our Republic, an organization focused on election integrity. They share insights from a focus group in Baldwin County, where voters—who had backed Democratic presidential candidates for 20 years—flipped and gave Trump a majority in 2024. Links to today’s topics: Laken Riley Act: What does the immigration bill actually do? Here’s what we know – and don’t know – about Trump’s federal funding freeze in Georgia Trump’s executive orders are already beginning to change Georgia policy Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins