In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, host Bill Nigut walks AJC editorial cartoonist through his remarkable career, from selling insurance door-to-door to his long tenure at the AJC, where he’s won two Pulitzer Prizes for his exceptional work. Links to today’s topics: Recent Luckovich cartoons The Luckovich portfolio of cartoons that won the 1995 Pulitzer Prize The Luckovich cartoon portfolio that won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize Have a question or comment...
Dec 27, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this special Christmas edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy reflect on a blockbuster political year and answer your top questions from the listener mailbag. We explore the 2024 election cycle, the state Election Board, and what’s next for the economy. We also look ahead to the next legislative session, President-elect Trump’s goals for his new administration, and the potential contenders for Georgia’s 2026 gubernat...
Dec 23, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast The U.S. House has rejected a second attempt to pass a bill that would keep the government funded until next spring, bringing the nation closer to a partial federal shutdown. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Greg Bluestein discuss what this means for Georgia farmers waiting for Hurricane Helene relief and share Governor Kemp’s pointed reaction to the congressional gridlock. AJC Washington correspondent Tia Mitchell joins u...
Dec 20, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast In breaking news, the Georgia Court of Appeals has ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office should be removed from the 2020 election interference case. This bombshell decision upends the last remaining criminal case against incoming President Donald Trump. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, and Bill Nigut analyze the implications of the ruling and its impact on Georgia politics....
Dec 19, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast What a difference four years make. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell reflect on yesterday’s official meeting of Georgia’s 16 Republican electors at the state Capitol to confirm Donald Trump’s victory. State GOP Chairman Josh McKoon joins us to compare this smooth process to the clandestine alternate electors’ meeting in 2020 that became part of Fulton County’s election conspiracy case. We also bring you the lat...
Dec 18, 2024•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy record from the Georgia State Capitol, where the state’s 16 Republican electors are casting their ballots for Donald Trump. The process cements Georgia’s electoral votes and is expected to proceed smoothly—unlike the contentious events of four years ago. Before that, we sit down with Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King to discuss his political future and wei...
Dec 17, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast With a government shutdown looming, Congress is scrambling to reach a deal before Christmas. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein speak with independent journalist Michael Jones about the weekend’s missed deadline and the prospects for a last-minute agreement. We also turn to the Georgia legislature, where the debate over Medicaid expansion is set to take center stage. Calyee Noggle, president of the Georgia H...
Dec 16, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell discuss the shocking murder of insurance executive Brian Thompson in New York City. While the crime itself has no justification, it has brought national attention to mounting frustrations over health insurance companies and their increasing barriers to claim approvals. Andy Miller, editor and CEO of Georgia Health News, joins us to explore these concerns and what they mean for ...
Dec 13, 2024•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut have an exclusive interview with U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff. The Democrat shares how he plans to navigate the Trump presidency as a member of the Senate minority and discusses his efforts to protect Georgia’s treasured Okefenokee swamp. We then shift from Washington to the state capitol to speak with state Senator Jason Esteves. Esteves outlines what’s next for ...
Dec 12, 2024•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, questions about his impact on the nation and his policy agenda are front and center. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut talk with Rick Wilson, a co-founder of the Lincoln Project and a celebrated political strategist, about the future of the anti-Trump movement and his views on what lies ahead for the nation. Wilson, author of the bestse...
Dec 11, 2024•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick is sparking debate with his call for the U.S. House to reconsider spending on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Bill Nigut speak with Congressman McCormick about his controversial statement and the GOP allies backing potential cuts to these social safety net programs. Next, AJC reporter Mark Niesse joins the show to discuss how...
Dec 10, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Transgender rights have emerged as a key topic in national and state politics, sparking passionate debate on both sides of the aisle. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell explore how transgender issues, including healthcare and participation in sports, are shaping Georgia’s legislative and political landscape. We speak with Dr. Jason Schneider, a metro Atlanta physician who provides gender-affirming care for adult...
Dec 09, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast President-elect Trump has chosen two prominent Georgians—former Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler—to join his administration. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut explore what these appointments mean for Georgia and the political dynamics in Washington. We also turn to Congress, where lawmakers are scrambling to fund the government before the Christmas deadline. Congressman Buddy Carter join...
Dec 06, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast Former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler is heading to Washington to lead the Small Business Administration under the Trump Administration. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut examine what Loeffler’s appointment means for Georgia politics and the 2026 governor’s race. We also speak with state Rep. Tim Fleming about the recently announced $6 billion federal loan that could jumpstart construction on th...
Dec 05, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Georgia Democrats are grappling with the future of their party after Donald Trump’s convincing 120,000-vote win in the state this year. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell speak with Jason Carter, the Democratic nominee for governor a decade ago, about how the party can rebuild and whether he sees himself stepping back into the political arena. The conversation also turns to education policy as Ge...
Dec 04, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast President Joe Biden faces bipartisan criticism for his decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, reversing earlier statements that he wouldn’t intervene. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Bill Nigut are joined by trial lawyer Lester Akin-Tate to break down the legal and political implications of Biden’s controversial move. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump is shaking up his administration as he ...
Dec 03, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock are facing backlash from segments of Georgia’s Jewish community for voting to cut off sales of specific armaments to Israel. Meanwhile, a liberal Jewish organization has defended the senators, arguing that claims of their lack of support for Israel are misplaced. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell examine the complex dynamics surrounding the Israeli war against Hamas with ...
Dec 02, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this special Thanksgiving edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy dig into the listener mailbag to answer your top political questions. We’ll reflect on the biggest moments of a blockbuster political year, including insights into the 2024 election cycle, the state Election Board, and the economic outlook. Looking ahead, we’ll address your questions about the next legislative session, the goals of President-elect Trump...
Nov 27, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Now that special counsel Jack Smith has asked courts to dismiss federal criminal charges against President-elect Donald Trump, what happens to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' election-conspiracy case against Trump and his co-defendants? AJC politics reporter Shannon McCaffrey joins the podcast to discuss this topic. Then, AJC President and Publisher Andrew Morse details how the AJC will cover Trump’s second term as president. Plus, AJC senior food and dining editor Ligaya Figueras t...
Nov 26, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sam Olens and Michael Thurmond discuss what the political landscape in Georgia looks like in the aftermath of President-elect Donald Trump’s convincing victory in Georgia and as candidates on both sides of the aisle prepare to run in the elections of 2026. Then, Emory University professor Andra Gillespie looks at the data showing that Gen-Z men were attracted to the Trump campaign’s emphasis on masculinity. What impact will the bro-centric Trump administration have on White House policies and mo...
Nov 25, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Bill Nigut discusses the early entry of Republican state Attorney General Chris Carr into the 2026 race for governor and other political news making headlines. Then, Democratic state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver joins the podcast to discuss President-elect Donald Trump’s choices for roles in cabinet and high-ranking administration positions. In the aftermath of former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal from his nomination to be U.S. attorney general, Oliver makes the case for why she believes the se...
Nov 22, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Bentley Hudgins, director of the Georgia Human Rights Campaign, and AJC staff writer Maya T. Prabhu discuss the broader impact of the demonization of transgender individuals by Donald Trump's campaign as a weapon against Kamala Harris. And they look at the flap in the U.S. House over which bathroom the first transgender member of Congress should be allowed to use. Plus, they talk about whether any culture wars bills will surface during the legislative session. Then, the podcast welcomes home for...
Nov 21, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler discusses how she’s rebuilt her political profile after losing a runoff election to Raphael Warnock. Loeffler also talks about Greater Georgia, the conservative grassroots political organization she founded. Then she moves on talk about the close ties she’s formed with President-elect Donald Trump, which led to her being named a co-chair of his inaugural committee. She also endorsed Trump’s Cabinet picks, including his selection of former Florida U.S. Rep. Matt Ga...
Nov 20, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast As President-elect Trump’s administration picks continue to divide both Democrats and Republicans, new data sheds light on the coalition that secured his victory. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with Emory University’s Bernard Fraga to analyze the voter trends that propelled Trump back to the White House. LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, joins the podcast to discuss how identity politic...
Nov 19, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast With the election behind us, Georgia lawmakers are preparing to head back to the Gold Dome. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Bill Nigut talk with newly elected House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley about her vision for uniting Georgia Democrats and the legislative priorities she hopes to push forward in 2024. Next, political strategist Heath Garrett joins the show to discuss the legacy of his mentor, t...
Nov 19, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast With the presidential election behind us, Georgia lawmakers are already preparing for the start of the 2024 General Assembly session in January. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell preview the legislative priorities shaping up for both Republicans and Democrats. State Senate GOP Majority Leader Steve Gooch shares insights on the Republican agenda, including passing a state budget and revisiting cu...
Nov 15, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast As former President Trump prepares to return to the White House, some Georgians may be joining him in Washington. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, and Bill Nigut speak with Trump ally and state Senator Brandon Beach to discuss the possibility of his role in the upcoming administration. We also get Beach's perspective on the next legislative session, including whether issues like abortion limits, gun laws,...
Nov 14, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast As the nation braces for President-elect Trump’s second term, his early decisions suggest a tough stance on immigration and a shift in the country’s political landscape. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell examine Trump’s plans, including his campaign pledge to initiate mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Chuck Kuck, a top immigration attorney, joins us to discuss how Trump’s early staffing choices sign...
Nov 13, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast The AJC's Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut analyze Harris’s defeat, Georgia’s GOP strategy, and Democratic challenges Summary: One week after Election Day, the political landscape in Georgia is shifting, with both parties assessing their next moves. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut speak with incoming DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. She shares her insights on Vice P...
Nov 12, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast As Republicans celebrate Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House, the coalition he built is prompting discussions about a shifting political landscape. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with UGA political science professor Audrey Haynes about what Trump’s broad support means for Georgia’s increasingly diverse electorate. We also dive into Kamala Harris’s challenges in energizing Black male voter...
Nov 11, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
