Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has announced that he will not run for Senate. Of all the states President Donald Trump won in the 2024 election, only Georgia has a Democratic senator defending their seat. Republicans had seen Kemp as the strongest candidate to challenge incumbent Jon Ossoff. On this week's episode, hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss what the two-term governor's decision to opt out of the race signals about Kemp's political future, the fight for control of the Senate and the ...
May 09, 2025•23 min•Ep. 481
On this week's second edition of Political Breakfast, the gang talks about the plight of federal student loan borrowers who are now expected to start paying them back. That's after being given a reprieve during the Biden Administration. Plus, Georgia Democrats picked former two-time statewide candidate and Atlanta attorney Charlie Bailey to head the party. He replaces Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa R...
May 08, 2025•44 min
On this edition of Political Breakfast, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson join Morning Edition, live, to talk about Governor Brian Kemp's decision not to run for U.S. Senate. The speculation suddenly ended Monday, when the second-term Georgia Governor took to social media, writing: "Being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family." So then, who is the right person to take on incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, who IS runn...
May 06, 2025•7 min
Since taking office for the second time, President Donald Trump has moved swiftly to reshape every facet of government, often testing the boundaries of presidential power, with far-reaching implications for Georgia, the country and the world. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how Trump's first 100 days in office have left a mark on the Peach State. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 02, 2025•23 min•Ep. 478
GOP fringe activists in Georgia are now targeting Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and GOP House Speaker John Burns, trying to ban them from running for office because of their so-called lack of loyalty to Donald Trump. MAGA loyalists in Georgia are rallying in support. Plus, host Lisa Rayam, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson talk, and vent, over parking getting more expensive at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. See omnystudio.com/listen...
May 01, 2025•24 min
On this episode of Political Breakfast, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff answers tough questions from Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam. Senator Ossoff, who's running for re-election in 2026, tackles the issues of child immigration, transgender sports and job losses. The Democratic Senator also shares his viewpoint on what he often refers to as the Trump Administration's hold on America. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 28, 2025•17 min
Over the last few years, state lawmakers in Georgia and across the country have filed hundreds of bills focused on the transgender community. Even as Georgia and other Republican-led states have already passed laws dealing with bathrooms, sports, medical treatment and IDs, the bills keep coming. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a look at what's happening in Georgia and how Democrats are responding. Plus, Georgia Republicans' civil litigation overhaul...
Apr 25, 2025•23 min•Ep. 475
A federal court in Atlanta is deciding whether or not more than 100 international students, including dozens from Georgia, can return to school in the U.S. Or if they will be detained or deported. Lawyers for the students say they abruptly had their immigration status terminated by President Donald Trump’s administration -- some who voiced pro-Palestinian opinions online or during student protests. The Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long, filling-in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson this wee...
Apr 24, 2025•23 min
On this week's Political Breakfast, Georgia State Senator Jason Esteves launched his 2026 gubernatorial campaign. How will he fare among a growing pool of Democrats? Plus, bill signing with Governor Kemp. Tort reform was one of the first to gain his signature. What bills followed? Host Lisa Rayam gets perspective from Republican strategist Brian Robinson and from the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long, who's in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...
Apr 23, 2025•23 min
After more than a decade with the station, Housing Reporter Stephannie Stokes is leaving WABE. Before embarking on new adventures at the end of the month, hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali sit down with the award-winning journalist in this week's episode of "Plugged In" to discuss what she's learned during her time in Atlanta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 18, 2025•23 min•Ep. 472
On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, the dust has settled from Sine Die: the end of the 2025 Legislative Session. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long and host Lisa Rayam are now eyeing future candidates from Georgia, including in the race for Governor and U.S. Senate in 2026. Will Governor Brian Kemp finally throw his hat in the ring against Democratic incumbent, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff? Will Stacey Abrams once again emerge? Plus, Georgia GOP Congres...
Apr 15, 2025•28 min
The 2025 Georgia General Assembly is over. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss some of the major themes from the 40-day session. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 11, 2025•23 min•Ep. 470
On this edition of Political Breakfast, strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson talk about the growing pool of candidates expressing interest in the Georgia Governor's race. One prominent Democrat, a former Atlanta Mayor, is making her intentions extremely clear. In addition, there are murmurings that more from the GOP are preparing to launch gubernatorial campaigns. Plus, Brian and Tharon talk about a conservative group's very expensive ad campaign targeting Senator Jon Ossoff's for a vot...
Apr 09, 2025•26 min
Just days after Georgia Legislators said farewell to the 2024-2025 legislative session, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson are pondering over its early and abrupt ending--at least on the Senate's side. What does that mean for a host of bills left in limbo? Plus, Brian and Tharon share with host Lisa Rayam the big wins this session for Republicans; the major feats for Democrats. In addition, they chat about what bills will more than likely cross the finish line the NEXT legislative ses...
Apr 08, 2025•36 min
Friday, April 4, is Sine Die, the deadline for bills to be passed before the end of this year's legislative session in Georgia. Lawmakers have been scrambling this week to get bills through the House and Senate, and as hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss on this week’s episode of "Plugged In," that has led to some tense moments at the Capitol. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 04, 2025•23 min•Ep. 467
STRATEGISTS THARON JOHNSON AND BRIAN ROBINSON JOIN HOST LISA RAYAM FOR ANOTHER LIVE EDITION OF POLITICAL BREAKFAST. THIS CONVERSATION TAKES PLACE ON THE EVE OF SINE DIE. GEORGIA LEGISLATORS ARE AT WORK SHUFFLING NUMEROUS BILLS BEFORE THE FRIDAY DEADLINE. BUT, PRESIDENT TRUMP 'S TARIFF ACTS ARE DOMINATING THE NEWS CYCLE AND THE QUESTION FOR BRIAN AND THARON IS: HOW IS THE TARIFF TALK AFFECTING WORK THAT NEEDS TO TAKE PLACE UNDER THE GOLD DOME? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 03, 2025•8 min
STRATEGISTS BRIAN ROBINSON AND THARON JOHNSON ALONG WITH HOST LISA RAYAM, SORT THROUGH TWO DEMOCRATIC BOMBSHELLS: CONGRESSWOMAN LUCY MCBATH PUTS HER EXPLORATORY CAMPAIGN FOR GEORGIA GOVERNOR ON HOLD AND CONGRESSWOMAN NIKEMA WILLIAMS STEPS DOWN AS CHAIR OF THE STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY MOVING FORWARD? HOW ARE GEORGIA REPUBLICANS VIEWING THE CHANGES? PLUS, WHAT HAS BRIAN AND THARON'S ATTENTION AS THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION WINDS DOWN. See omnystu...
Apr 01, 2025•8 min
Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff soft launched his reelection campaign at a boisterous rally in Atlanta this week. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how Ossoff and other Democrats are trying to channel frustration and fear about President Donald Trump's moves to slash government and punish political enemies. Plus, lawmakers grapple with the fallout from a contentious vote on Governor Brian Kemp's legislative priority, state lawmakers look to force cities...
Mar 28, 2025•23 min•Ep. 464
Nearly two years before Election Day 2026, Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff held a rally in Atlanta over the weekend, promising his supporters that, “Georgia will bow to no king.” Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson both tell host Lisa Rayam, this will likely be an expensive and competitive Senate race. But their opinions differ on what kind of impression Ossof's event made. Plus, tort reform is headed to Governor Brian Kemp's desk, after passing both the...
Mar 26, 2025•37 min
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's top legislative priority has cleared a major hurdle. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how the effort to curb civil lawsuits narrowly passed in the House. Plus, as this year's legislative session nears its end, lawmakers have been debating possible responses to the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School and the Georgia Supreme Court is weighing whether or not to uphold controversial rules passed by Republicans on the...
Mar 21, 2025•23 min•Ep. 462
This week the Political Breakfast team was pleased to be a guest on the campus of Atlanta's Spelman College. Students at the HBCU peppered the auditorium and engaged with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam. The students navigated through the issues facing both the nation and the state of Georgia. The audience of mostly Black women had pertinent questions. Many asked about the issue of President Donald Trump's Administration attacking po...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Tax dollars supporting gender-affirming surgeries for transgender inmates? In Georgia, it's still a 'tough sell' for the majority of the Democratic electorate in this economy, says Georgia Sen. Elena Parent. The Democrat has been getting some criticism because of her vote, where she stood with Republicans in banning that practice. Parent tells Political Breakfast host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson, that she's defended, and still stands ...
Mar 18, 2025•23 min
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock went live on social media this week where the Georgia Democrat spent roughly 35 minutes answering questions from voters. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss how Warnock and other Democrats are grappling with the flurry of changes coming from Washington. Plus, President Donald Trump's new Secretary of Agriculture visits Georgia and we check in on Governor Brian Kemp's top legislative priority, which is hitting some speed b...
Mar 14, 2025•23 min•Ep. 459
We only have a few weeks left in the Georgia legislative session, and one issue dividing Democrats is if tax dollars should be used to fund gender-affirming surgeries, for transgender inmates in Georgia prisons. Georgia Democratic State Senator Elena Parent is getting some criticism because of her vote where she stood with Republicans, in Senate Bill 185. The bill already passed the state Senate. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson break down this divide...
Mar 13, 2025•23 min
On this week's Political Breakfast, the dust settles now that Georgia lawmakers have officially crossed-over Crossover Day: the sprint for key bills to pass either the state House or Senate. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam talk about issues that did, or did not get over the hump. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 12, 2025•23 min
Georgia lawmakers were working late on Thursday night as they raced to pass dozens of bills before the end of Crossover Day – a deadline for bills to advance out of at least one chamber of the legislature. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at some of the proposals that did and didn’t make it past this key deadline. Also on this week’s episode, a massive school safety bill advances out of the House, the debate shifts on bills affecting tr...
Mar 07, 2025•23 min•Ep. 456
This week on Political Breakfast: Georgia reactions to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance berating Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. That has resulted in Trump pausing all military aid to Ukraine. Georgia Democrats are calling it a disgraceful spectacle. Republicans are mostly backing Trump. Ben Burnett of the Ben Burnett Show is filling-in for Republican strategist Brian Robinson. Also joining host Lisa Rayam is Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson. Plus,...
Mar 05, 2025•36 min
A year ago, President Donald Trump was fighting 13 felony counts in Georgia for trying to overturn the 2020 election. At the time, the prosecutor who charged him, Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis, was seen as a rising star. Now Trump is back in the White House, immune from prosecution for the next four years, and Willis has been rebuked by the courts and is fighting to keep the case alive. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali look into the reversal of for...
Feb 28, 2025•23 min•Ep. 454
On this week's Political Breakfast: We recorded another live episode in-front of a studio audience here at WABE, roughly six weeks into Donald Trump's second presidency. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joined host Lisa Rayam to answer questions from some of our loyal listeners. We discuss Trump's first 6 weeks in office and the political impact on Georgia. That includes mass layoffs at Atlanta's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the so-...
Feb 27, 2025•43 min
Georgia state lawmakers are now halfway through the 40-day legislative session. Between former President Jimmy Carter's funeral, the presidential inauguration and a snow storm, the session got of to a slow start. But now some big ticket items are on the move. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at some of those bills, including one that would compel local governments to help with immigration enforcement and a school safety package respondi...
Feb 21, 2025•25 min•Ep. 452
