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 the...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 wh...
Feb 06, 2025•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Feb 05, 2025•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Ca...
Feb 04, 2025•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 discus...
Feb 03, 2025•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 domi...
Jan 31, 2025•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 30, 2025•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 C...
Jan 29, 2025•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast President Donald Trump’s increased deportation efforts are drawing reactions across Georgia, including from Governor Brian Kemp. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut explore how these immigration actions are impacting the state. AJC crime and safety reporter Joszef Papp joins us to talk about his visit to a poultry farm in Gainesville. He shares what he learned about the community’s response and the perspectives of the local immigrant po...
Jan 28, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast We begin today with breaking news: immigration raids were carried out in Georgia and several other states yesterday. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell examine the impact of these actions and what they signal for immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration. Next, President Trump has issued an executive order temporarily halting communications from federal public health agencies, including the Atlanta-based CDC, to the public and among ...
Jan 27, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued sweeping executive orders that could significantly alter U.S. immigration policy. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with immigration attorney Chuck Kuck to analyze the implications of Trump’s decisions and what might come next. The, the the AJC’s Zachary Hansen joins the podcast to explore how Trump’s promise to end what he calls Biden’s electric vehicle mandate could affect Georgia’s boomi...
Jan 24, 2025•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast A new challenger has stepped up in Georgia politics. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut speak with Democratic state Senator Emanuel Jones, who has filed paperwork to challenge veteran Congressman David Scott in the 2026 race. Jones shares his vision and why he jumped into the race early. We also sit down with Republican state Senator Jason Anavitarte, who provides his firsthand perspective on President Trump’s inauguration and weighs i...
Jan 23, 2025•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast On the day after President Donald Trump issued executive orders granting reprieves to as many as 1,600 individuals convicted in the January 6th riots, federal judges have begun releasing those convicted and dismissing pending cases. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis about the sweeping pardons and the growing use of executive orders by presidents of both parties. We are also joined b...
Jan 22, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast President Donald Trump is back in the Oval Office and has already issued a wave of executive orders, including pardoning January 6th defendants. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell, and Bill Nigut examine what’s next for Trump’s first 100 days and how his agenda could impact Georgia. We also hear from Jason Carter, grandson of the late President Jimmy Carter, who provides updates on his family and reflects on the potential effects of the...
Jan 21, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Bill Nigut and Patricia Murphy cover the historic convergence of Donald Trump’s return to the White House on the same day as the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. We discuss what to expect as President-elect Trump begins his term with a series of executive orders, including action on immigration and the expected pardoning of January 6th defendants. We also analyze the Geor...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Governor Brian Kemp made it clear in his State of the State address that his top priority for the 2025 legislative session is passing a bill to limit civil lawsuits and cap massive jury awards. Kemp even hinted he’s prepared to call a special session if lawmakers don’t pass the measure before sine die. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein analyze the highlights of Kemp’s speech and what it means for the session ahead. Before Kemp’s speech, ...
Jan 17, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Governor Brian Kemp is set to deliver his annual State of the State address, where he’s expected to highlight his push for limits on civil lawsuit awards and reveal more details on a proposed $1 billion investment in Georgia’s infrastructure. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, Bill Nigut and Riley Bunch preview Kemp’s legislative priorities for the 2025 session. We’ll also explore how Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ collaborative relationship with Gove...
Jan 16, 2025•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast As the 2025 Georgia legislative session begins, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution conducted an exclusive poll to gauge how Georgians feel about the major issues lawmakers are set to debate. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell analyze the poll results with the AJC’s Maya T Prabhu and discuss what they reveal about voter priorities for this session. Plus, the U.S. Senate is preparing to take up the Laken Riley Act, named after the Georgia nursing student tra...
Jan 15, 2025•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast As Georgia’s legislative session continues, business leaders gathered at the annual Eggs & Issues breakfast to hear from Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, and House Speaker Jon Burns. Politically Georgia’s Greg Bluestein checks in with hosts Bill Nigut and Patricia Murphy with highlights from the event and the key priorities lawmakers are setting this year. Meanwhile, the Georgia Senate has voted to extend the special committee investigating Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willi...
Jan 14, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Georgia’s lawmakers are back under the Gold Dome for the start of the 2024 legislative session, and Politically Georgia is live from the Georgia State Capitol. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy bring you the latest as lawmakers begin 40 days of critical debate. Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones joins the podcast to talk about Democratic priorities this session and how the party plans to recover after November’s tough losses. We also highlight the rising political figures to watch this s...
Jan 13, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast The legislative session kicks off Monday, and Georgia’s politicians are gearing up for another 40-day session under the Gold Dome. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, host Greg Bluestein previews the issues that will dominate the session. First, Greg sits down with House Speaker Jon Burns, who outlines the Republican agenda, including Medicaid, school safety, and IVF protections. Then, Democratic state Representative Michelle Au shares her priori...
Jan 10, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today marks the conclusion of memorial services for Jimmy Carter, the Georgia peanut-farmer-turned-president, as he is laid to rest. On this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell provide coverage of the state funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., where Carter will be eulogized by his grandson Jason Carter and President Joe Biden, with a homily by former UN Ambassador Andrew Young...
Jan 09, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jimmy Carter’s final journey continued yesterday as a horse-drawn caisson carried his remains to the U.S. Capitol. During a moving memorial service in the Rotunda, House and Senate leaders honored the selfless life of service lived by Georgia’s only U.S. president. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy reflect on the day’s tributes and the significance of the event. Tia shares her interviews with t...
Jan 08, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Georgia GOP has unanimously voted to expel former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, barring him from running as a Republican in Georgia. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Bill Nigut and Patricia Murphy speak with Duncan about his response to this decision and what it means for his political future. Later, WABE contributor and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joins us to discuss what Georgians can expect from President-elect D...
Jan 07, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jimmy Carter’s fight against neglected diseases is one of the Carter Center’s most impactful missions. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with Dr. Bill Foege, the Carter Center’s first executive director, about his work with President Carter and the legacy they built together. We also turn to Congress, where Mike Johnson narrowly won the vote to remain speaker. His slim margin of victory suggests a tough r...
Jan 06, 2025•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast As a new session of Congress begins, all eyes are on the slim Republican majority in the U.S. House and whether Mike Johnson can secure re-election as speaker. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with a Georgia GOP congressman to get insights on this first critical test for House Republicans. We also talk with Ernie Suggs, the AJC’s veteran reporter covering the Carter family, about the schedule of events f...
Jan 03, 2025•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Georgians who traveled to New Orleans to celebrate the New Year and cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl found themselves caught in the middle of a deadly terrorist attack. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut speaks with Greg Bluestein, reporting live from New Orleans, about the attack and its impact, including the critical injury of a University of Georgia student. Then, we reflect on the life and legacy of President J...
Jan 02, 2025•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this special year-end edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy reflect on the biggest political stories and questions of 2024 and look ahead to what’s shaping up to be an eventful 2025. What will Donald Trump’s incoming administration mean for Georgia? How will Democrats regroup after their November losses? And how will the midterm elections start to take shape? These are just some of the pressing questions we’ll tackl...
Jan 01, 2025•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut continues our coverage of the passing of Jimmy Carter, the only Georgia-born president of the United States. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Jon Meacham joins the podcast to reflect on President Carter’s remarkable life and enduring legacy. We’ll also bring you the latest updates on tributes and funeral arrangements as the nation honors one of its most extraordinary leaders. Links to...
Dec 31, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Bill Nigut, and Patricia Murphy honor the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter. From his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to his trailblazing political career as governor and U.S. president, and his lifelong humanitarian efforts through The Carter Center, Carter’s impact is profound and enduring. Through archival audio, interviews, and reflections, we explore k...
Dec 29, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
