As pro-Palestinian demonstrations roil

several Georgia college campuses, including confrontations with police at two

and a number of arrests, the podcast today welcomes four Atlanta-area

students to get their perspective on what’s happening at schools in the state

and beyond. The students are:

• Braxton Broady, who attends Morehouse College, where tension already exists over the school's invitation to President Joe Biden to give the commencement speech there in mid-May.

• Mozn Shora, a graduating senior at Spelman College who attended protests at Emory University.

• Talia Segal, a senior at Georgia Tech and the outgoing president of the school's chapter of the Jewish campus organization Hillel.

• Daniella Hobbs, a doctoral student at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She was one of a small group of students who occupied the theology school briefly last week.

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.” 

CREDITS  

Executive Producer- Shane Backler 

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall 

Engineer- Matt McWiliams  

Editor- Devan Kortan 

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State Rep. Ruwa Romman, the Georgia Legislature’s only Palestinian American lawmaker, weighs in on recent protests on college campuses over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Romman has spoken out about the arrests of several demonstrators on Emory University’s campus. Speaking to the hosts of “Politically Georgia,” she said, “We owe it to students to teach them, not repress them.” 

But first up, former U.S. Rep. John Barrow joins the show. Barrow is running against incumbent Justice Andrew Pinson for a seat on the Georgia Supreme Court. Barrow explains his position on abortion and has a fiery reaction to our interview with Pinson on Wednesday’s edition of “Politically Georgia.” 

Plus, it’s bill signing season for Gov. Brian Kemp as the clock runs out for him to sign or veto bills from the legislative session. The hosts talk about immigration and cash bail bills Kemp signed into law.  

Links to topics  

Georgia’s only Palestinian American state legislator defends campus protesters 

We owe it to students to teach them, not repress them 

A rare Georgia Supreme Court race could hinge on abortion rights 

Kemp signs bill requiring Georgia sheriffs to enforce federal immigration law 

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.” 

CREDITS  

Executive Producer- Shane Backler 

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall 

Engineer- Matt McWiliams  

Editor- Devan Kortan 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast welcomes Dov Wilker, Southern regional director of the American Jewish Committee, who responds to student demonstrations taking place on campuses in Georgia and across the country. 

Wilker says the protests are not “pro-Palestinian” but rather “anti-Israel,” and he says Israel’s response to the barbaric attacks by Hamas militants on Oct. 7 is appropriate to assure the country is safe from future attacks. 

But first, the hosts discuss breaking news: U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tells reporters she will “absolutely” call for a vote to remove Mike Johnson from his role as U.S. House speaker “next week.” 

Then, Georgia Supreme Court Justice Andrew Pinson talks with the hosts about his race to retain his seat on the state’s high court. He responds to questions about why he chose not to participate in the Atlanta Press Club debate with his opponent John Barrow. 

Link to topics 

Tia Mitchell: MTG will call for ouster of Speaker Mike Johnson next week 

Greg Bluestein: How campus protests have created divisions among Democrats 

Patricia Murphy: Empty lecterns for Press Club debates 

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.” 

CREDITS  

Executive Producer- Shane Backler 

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall 

Engineer- Matt McWiliams  

Editor- Matt Owen 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First up, the hosts welcome Republican consultant Brian Robinson to discuss how the widespread pro-Palestinian protests on campuses in Georgia and across the country may be making an impact on voters in this election year. 

Then, AJC Athens bureau chief Fletcher Page gives the panel a close-up look at the anti-Israel protests that have taken place at the University of Georgia over the past two days. 

Plus, the podcast welcomes Democratic state Rep. Billy Mitchell to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Atlanta to promote economic opportunities for Black men.  

Links to topics 

NY Times: Three questions about protests 

Fletcher Page reporting on UGA protests 

Bluestein reporting on VP Harris visit to Atlanta 

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.” 

CREDITS  

Executive Producer- Shane Backler 

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall 

Engineer- Matt McWiliams  

Editor- Matt Owen 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut are joined by Morehouse College Provost Dr. Kendrick Brown to discuss how the school plans to handle possible protests over the Israel-Hamas war and prepare students for President Joe Biden’s visit to the campus when he gives the commencement speech in mid-May.  

Then, Carlos Trujillo, who was the U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States under then-President Donald Trump, joins the hosts to discuss what he believes is Trump’s appeal to Latino voters. 

Plus, the AJC’s Greg Bluestein gives the podcast a preview of Vice President Kamala Harris’s 12th visit to Georgia today. She’ll talk about the Biden administration’s work to provide better economic opportunities for Black men. 

Links to topics: 

Morehouse president addresses anger among some students about Biden visit 

Examining Trump support in Latino community 

Trump promised to flip Black and Latino voters. Is it happening? 

VP Harris kicks off economic tour in Atlanta 

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.” 

CREDITS  

Executive Producer- Shane Backler 

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall 

Engineer- Matt McWiliams  

Editor- Matt Owen 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former U.S. Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux told the Politically Georgia podcast that the Israel-Hamas war poses a dire threat to President Joe Biden’s reelection bid. 

The Democrat, who represented a Gwinnett-based district for a term in Congress, said Democrats shouldn’t underestimate the deep divide in the party over the White House’s handling of the conflict. 

She called it a potential “dagger at the heart of the Democratic coalition” that helped Biden eke out a narrow 2020 victory in Georgia. She also discussed her thoughts on why it could take a “miracle” for Biden to recapture the state in November, and why she thinks Biden’s campaign is struggling to reinvigorate voters.  

But first up, AJC reporter Martha Dalton joins the podcast to give her first-hand account of the clash between law enforcement officers and pro-Palestinian protestors who attempted to occupy the Emory University’s central quad on Thursday – and the ongoing tensions on campus.  

Plus, the hosts answer questions from the listener mailbag and share their choices for who’s up and who’s down for the week. 

Links to topics: 

Bourdeaux: Democrats won't win Georgia on their own merits  

Police confront pro-Palestinian protestors at Emory University 

Protestors, police back at Emory hours after arrests 

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.” 

CREDITS  

Executive Producer- Shane Backler 

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall 

Engineer- Matt McWiliams  

Editor- Devan Kortan 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has more company in her pursuit of election interference charges against former President Donald Trump’s allies. Prosecutors in Arizona brought charges Wednesday against GOP electors deployed by the Trump campaign after Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. 

But first, a number of Georgia incumbents have apparently rejected invitations to participate in debates sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club that are scheduled for this weekend. The hosts talk to the club’s debate organizer, Lauri Strauss, about how U.S. Reps. Lucy McBath and David Scott, as well as a number of down-ticket incumbents, are ignoring the time-honored tradition of facing off against their opponents.  

Then, Democratic state Rep. Saira Draper joins the podcast to discuss her concerns about a Georgia voting bill that would open the door wider for mass challenges of voter registrations. And she explains a new technology that could make it much easier than the current process to file challenges against voters. Greg Bluestein points out that Gov. Brian Kemp has yet to sign the measure into law and may be reluctant to do so. 

Links to topics 

Arizona case against Trump allies echoes Georgia case 

Patricia Murphy: More incumbents are declining debates 

Voter challenge bill explained 

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.” 

CREDITS  

Executive Producer- Shane Backler 

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall 

Editor- Devan Kortan 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Veteran political consultant Rick Dent weighs in on President Joe Biden’s upcoming graduation speech at Morehouse College. Biden’s visit is aimed at bolstering Black voters, but could it be overshadowed by protesters opposed to his support for Israel? The hosts look at potential disruptions that could cause trouble on campus. 

But first, AJC columnist Maureen Downey joins us after Gov. Brian Kemp signed the most far-reaching school voucher bill in state history. Downey discusses the impact the measure will have on families, students and public schools across the state. 

Plus, Tia Mitchell explains how members of Georgia’s congressional delegation voted on aid for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. 

Links to topics 

Kemp signs voucher bill proclaiming 'education is great equalizer' 

U.S.education secretary says vouchers will create system of haves and have-nots. 

Will Biden Morehouse speech be a plus or minus for his bid for reelection? 

Georgia delegation party lines were scrambled in military aid votes 

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.” 

CREDITS  

Executive Producer- Shane Backler 

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall 

Engineer- Matt McWilliams 

Editor- Matt Owen 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democratic state Rep. Scott Holcomb joins the podcast first to offer an emotional perspective on the Legislature’s failure to pass his Wrongful Conviction Compensation Act, which would provide those whose convictions are overturned with state financial aid to build a new life. 

And Holcomb responds to Gov. Brian Kemp’s declaration on our show that he will never support a full expansion of Medicaid. 

Then, the podcast welcomes Robert Schwartz, leader of the Haley Voters for Biden effort. 

Plus, the hosts discuss the AJC’s exclusive story reporting that President Joe Biden will give the commencement speech at Morehouse College in mid-May. It’s an appearance that has potential benefits as well as downsides. 

Links to topics 

Last-ditch effort to pass wrongful conviction compensation fails 

Gov. Brian Kemp on 'Politically Georgia': 'I'm in the "no" camp on Medicaid expansion' 

Morehouse leaders wrestle with potential criticisms of president's speech to grads 

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.” 

CREDITS  

Executive Producer- Shane Backler 

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall 

Engineer- Matt McWilliams 

Editor- Matt Owen 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It will be a big week for news about former President Donald Trump. As his hush money trial begins in earnest today in a Manhattan courtroom, the podcast welcomes Anthony Michael Kreis to discuss what to expect from both prosecutors and defense attorneys. Who will be the first witnesses for the prosecution? How will Trump's lawyers counter testimony from his former lawyer Michael Cohen. Kreis also looks ahead to Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court hearing that will determine whether the former president is immune from prosecution for actions he took while in office. 

Then, "Weekend Edition Sunday" host Ayesha Rascoe talks about her time covering the Trump White House and her book on historically Black colleges and universities: “HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience.” 

Plus, Marjorie Taylor Greene is facing backlash from conservative media for her efforts to oust Speaker Mike Johnson for pushing a vote on Ukraine funding. 

And Tia reports on Sen. Raphael Warnock’s private audience with the pope at the Vatican. 

Links to topics 

Politico: Will jury buy prosecution charge that Trump hush money was election interference? 

Dave Wickert: Trump's immunity argument could scuttle or delay Georgia prosecution 

Ayesha Rascoe discusses her book on the HBCU experience 

Ayesha Rascoe bio 

MTG faces backlash for effort to oust Speaker Johnson 

Tia Mitchell talks with Warnock about audience with Pope Francis 

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.” 

CREDITS  

Executive Producer- Shane Backler 

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall 

Engineer- Matt McWilliams 

Editor- Matt Owen 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s edition of “Politically Georgia,” the hosts travel to Athens, where they tape a live show on the University of Georgia’s campus.

First, the crew sits down with Gov. Brian Kemp for a wide-ranging interview about what bills he’ll sign following the legislative session that ended last month, the Okefenokee Swamp and who he’ll vote for come November. 

Then, the hosts answer questions from our audience members about all things Georgia politics.

Links to topics 

Kemp backs $6,500 school voucher bill 

A surprise bill to expand Medicaid narrowly fails 

Kemp says growing up in Athens led him to race for governor 

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.” 

CREDITS  

Executive Producer- Shane Backler 

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall 

Engineer- Matt McWilliams 

Editor- Devan Kortan 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices