The Georgia Politics Podcast

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Qualifying week was last week for legislative races and your regular crew is here to hit the highlights.

But first, let’s talk about the State of the Union. President Biden offered an optimistic, though at times loud and forceful vision for America’s future. These speeches have unto themselves become far more political and certainly theatrical than days bygone. Craig and Preston talk about their utility and what they got out of last week’s edition.

Then, they get into qualifying week under the gold dome, with a few surprises but mostly a ho hum slate of races that should be largely predictable this November. There are no statewide races to drive out turnout for either party, though certainly Biden v. Trump Round 2 should have an effect.

Craig also does his bi-annual tradition of analyzing some of the candidates’ listed profession, which are always good for a laugh and a head scratch or two.

Then, we get into the bizarre happenings in Catoosa County involving party officials refusing to qualify candidates that they deem unworthy of the Republican label, and the judge who has had quite enough of the shenanigans. It is wild, and Craig is here to break it down for us.

Overhyped/Underhyped, Play-Along-At-Home and much more on today’s jam packed episode. 

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Rep. Scott Hilton joins the show to discuss the halfway point of the 2024 Georgia legislative session.

Crossover Day marks the midway point of the legislative session, which means that it is the last day for bills to pass out of one chamber (either the House or the Senate) to remain eligible for consideration during that legislative session. If a bill fails to pass its chamber of origin by Crossover Day, it typically cannot proceed further in the legislative process during that session.

Rep. Hilton discusses some of the notable bills that did and did not make it from one chamber to the next and where we go from here.

Connect with Rep. Hilton on Twitter @ScottHiltonGA

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! You asked, we delivered. I know you’ve wanted our hot takes on the effort to have Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis and prosecutor Nathan Wade removed from the Fulton County Trump case, but we’ve been waiting for more details to emerge. Well, on February 15^th we got a truckload of details and now we have a few things to say.

The misconduct hearing concerning Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis's potential disqualification from the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump took place 10 days ago and included plenty of fireworks.

Defense attorneys scrutinized the credibility of Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade, but faced setbacks when Wade's former law partner invoked attorney-client privilege.

The hearing primarily focused on whether Willis and Wade's romantic involvement began before his appointment as special prosecutor. Willis then provided unexpected testimony about cash reimbursements for trips with Wade. The outcome of the hearing carries significant implications for the prosecution of Trump and his co-defendants.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On today’s special episode we take a look back in history to examine the Top 9 most untimely deaths in American politics.

It’s a bit morbid sounding, we know, but it is a fascinating discussion involving some of the most consequential leaders our country saw after 1900. From Martin Luther King to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, we’ve compiled a list of 9 people that had untimely death, be that the very nature of their deaths or the circumstances surrounding it.

How did we do? Did we leave anyone out?

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On today’s show, Fulton County DA Fani Willis responds to misconduct allegations, Governor Kemp visits Texas and sports betting in Georgia clears a hurdle.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis had remained relatively mum after one of the defendants her office is prosecuting alleged she was having an improper relationship with an attorney on her team. That changed last week when she filed a response acknowledging a sexual relationship, but denying an improper professional relationship. Where do we go from here?

Also, Governor Brian Kemp flew to Texas to stand alongside dozens of other GOP governors in solidarity with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who is in a stand off with the federal government over border practices. Preston makes the argument that these are not the actions of a term limited governor with no political aspirations. What do you think?

In the state legislature, sports betting in Georgia cleared a major hurdle when it passed the Senate 35-15. There is, however, one major caveat that could eventually doom any chances of it becoming law.

Overhyped/Underhyped, Play-Along-At-Home and much more on today’s jam packed episode. 

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We are back with Part 2 of our interview with Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond to discuss the legacy of his father, Julian Bond, a longtime civil rights activist and Georgia State Senator.

In Part 2, we will focus on his 1986 run for Congress against the eventual winner John Lewis, but we will also touch on his run for President in 1976, his time as Chair of the NAACP, and what he was like as a father.

First up, we have to talk about Bond’s run for President of the United States in 1976 as a candidate for the Democratic nomination. While his campaign was largely symbolic, aiming to bring attention to issues of racial and social justice, his candidacy marked an important moment in American politics, emphasizing the intersection of civil rights activism and electoral engagement.

Then, in the 1986 Democratic primary for Georgia's 5th Congressional District, Julian Bond and John Lewis faced off for the nomination. The race was significant as it pitted two titans of the civil rights movement against each other. Councilman Bond also talks about how it was particularly hard because Lewis was a close family friend and his godfather.

The primary was highly competitive, with both candidates having strong support within the African American community and among progressive voters. Ultimately, John Lewis emerged victorious and went on to win the general election, continuing his impactful career in Congress. The race highlighted the evolution of civil rights leaders into mainstream political figures, contributing to the ongoing narrative of their dedication to public service.

In addition to his continued commitment to teaching and education, Bond would go on to serve as Chairman of the NAACP from 1998 to 2010, the longest serving Chairman for the 114-year-old organization focused on civil rights. Bond, a charismatic leader and veteran of the civil rights movement, revitalized the organization, focusing on voter registration, economic equality, and education.

Connect with Councilman Michael Julian Bond on Twitter @Michael_J_Bond

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Is it just us, or does it seem like the more things change, the more they stay the same?

A new poll published by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution shows that at least 57% of Georgians are at least somewhat confident the presidential election will be fair and accurate. You wouldn’t know that though if you were watching this year’s legislative session.

Lawmakers recently grilled Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger over QR codes on paper ballots, and they didn’t get answers they liked. Raffensperger said there is not enough time to have them removed before this year’s elections. A Senate panel OK’d Senate Bill 358 anyways, that would allow the State Election Board to investigate Raffensperger. Governor Kemp signaled he isn’t on board, but if signed into law, the bill would also remove Raffensperger as a non-voting member of the state’s election board.

Also in the legislature, the Senate passed an antisemitism bill 44-6 and it was quickly approved by the House and sent to the Governor’s desk for his approval. The bill would the measure 44-6, followed by a quick 129-5 vote in the House. The proposed law would incorporate antisemitism into the state's current hate crimes legislation which enables more severe criminal consequences for individuals found guilty of crimes motivated by prejudice.

By now you have probably heard about the blowback Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is receiving from her alleged romantic relationship with one of her prosecuting attorneys in the Donald Trump election subversion case. Preston and Craig talk about the different dynamics at play and why they think that ultimately it won’t have much of an impact on the Trump trial – but Craig suggest it may well have an impact on Willis’s future in politics.

Lastly, former President Trump won the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire primary. Now, the only person left standing in his way his former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Will she make it to Georgia?

All that and more on this jam packed episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast.

Underhyped/Overhyped, Play-Along-At-Home and much, much more on today’s episode!

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On today's special episode, Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond joins Craig to talk about the legacy of his late father, civil rights leader Julian Bond.

Julian Bond was a prominent American civil rights activist, scholar, and politician. Bond became a key figure in the struggle for civil rights during the 1960s. He co-founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and played a crucial role in organizing protests against segregation and discrimination.

Bond's commitment to justice extended beyond activism; he served in the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate for over two decades, making history as the first African American to be nominated for Vice President of the United States by a major party in 1968.

As a professor, Bond taught at various institutions, including the University of Virginia and Harvard University. Throughout his life, Julian Bond remained a tireless advocate for equality, leaving an indelible mark on the civil rights movement and American history. His legacy continues to inspire future generations in the ongoing pursuit of social justice.

Connect with Councilman Michael Julian Bond on Twitter @Michael_J_Bond

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome BACK to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We begin Season 5 of the podcast with Governor Kemp’s State of the State address and the kickoff to this year’s legislative session.

But first, we want to wish Megan a fond farewell as she departs the show to focus more on her health and career. We wish her all our very best and thank her for her years of contributions to this podcast. We will miss her, but hopefully she will be able to make an appearance from time to time to offer her perspective on current events.

We begin the show today with a recap of Governor Brian Kemp’s State of the State address and touch on all the highlights. There was some Washington bashing, but we also got a preview of what we might expect from this year’s legislative session. School vouchers appears to be near the top of the list. Craig and Preston offer their thoughts and predictions on what Georgians should expect in the next few weeks.

You can watch Governor Kemp’s State of the State here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKQwh1xnXLY

Underhyped/Overhyped, Play-Along-At-Home and much, much more on today’s episode!

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast and Merry Christmas! On today’s episode we are joined by two members of the Georgia House to talk about the upcoming session and what bills they expect to get attention from legislators.

Representatives Chuck Martin (R-49) and Scott Hilton (R-48) join Craig in studio to give listeners a sense of what they expect the 2024 session to look like. The Governor has made clear he wants to prioritize a tax cut, but there are other lesser known efforts that both legislators expect to also get traction.

Find out what they are, how bills that didn’t get signed into law last session may still be alive, and of course some fun Christmas related questions to cap the show.

Thanks for listening to the podcast in 2023. We hope you’ve enjoyed it and learned some things! We look forward to getting back in your feeds in the new year.

Connect with Rep. Chuck Martin on Twitter @Martin4GA

Connect with Rep. Scott Hilton on Twitter @ScottHiltonGA

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Megan Gordon on Twitter @meganlaneg

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On this special episode we discuss Homeowners Associations and the similarities they have with today’s politics.

Michael Crew, Owner and CEO of Homeowner Management Services, joins Craig in studio to talk about what an HOA is, how they work, and what they can and cannot do.

A Homeowners Association (HOA) is a private governing body established within a residential community to enforce and manage certain rules and regulations. Typically, HOAs maintain common areas, such as parks or pools, ensuring they are well-kept and enhancing property values. They administer architectural guidelines to maintain aesthetic standards and regulate property modifications. Additionally, HOAs collect fees from homeowners to fund communal services and amenities. Acting as a mediator, an HOA resolves disputes among residents and facilitates community cohesion.

Through these functions, HOAs aim to preserve property values, foster a harmonious living environment, and uphold a sense of community within the neighborhood.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Megan Gordon on Twitter @meganlaneg

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this special episode, we shine a spotlight on the City of Milton, which recently transitioned its local elections from Fulton County to an in-house process this year.

Joining Craig in studio to discuss are Steve Krokoff, Milton City Manager, Stacey Inglis, Deputy City Manager, and Judy Burds, who took on the role of Milton’s Poll Manager.

Craig and crew discuss the origin for the idea, the many steps it took to get operational over the course of many months, the costs and lastly, how everything fared on election day.

Krokoff and Inglis also offer advice for other municipalities who may be considering making a similar change in future elections.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Megan Gordon on Twitter @meganlaneg

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to another special episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast! Craig is joined by three guests to discuss how elected officials connect with constituents, voter turnout, and what issues drive engagement.

It’s a tale as old as time: voters turn out for the big elections, specifically for President and then for their state’s Governor, but turnout drops off a cliff for local races. In many cases these are the races that touch issues closer to home, so what gives?

Craig is joined by Eamon Keegan, President of New Prospect Strategies, Johns Creek City Councilwoman Stacy Skinner, and Lynne Riley, President of the Georgia Student Finance Commission, for a comprehensive discussion on these matters and more.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Megan Gordon on Twitter @meganlaneg

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On today’s special episode, we commemorate the 160th anniversary of one of the most profound speeches in American history—the Gettysburg Address.

Spoken by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, amidst the hallowed grounds of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, these immortal words resonate through the corridors of time, reminding us of the enduring principles that bind a nation.

In the crucible of the Civil War, with the nation torn asunder by conflict, President Lincoln delivered a concise yet powerful address that transcended the immediate battleground. In a mere 272 words, he articulated the essence of democracy, exalting the idea that a government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.

Today, as we reflect upon the significance of the Gettysburg Address, its relevance endures. The call for a "new birth of freedom" and the dedication to a government that serves the common good reverberate through the annals of history, inspiring generations to strive for unity and justice.

The sacrifices made on the battlefield and the eloquence of Lincoln's words remind us that a nation's strength lies not only in its victories but in its commitment to the principles of liberty and equality. As we honor the memory of those who fought and perished at Gettysburg, let us also renew our commitment to the ideals that bind us together as a people.

May the echoes of the Gettysburg Address continue to resonate in the hearts of all Americans, serving as a timeless beacon that guides us toward a more perfect union. In commemorating this 160th anniversary, let us reflect on the enduring words that have shaped the course of our nation and strive to uphold the principles that define the American spirit.

On today’s special episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, Jason Shepherd joins the show to talk about last Tuesday’s election results and the passing of long time AJC conservative columnist Jim Wooten.

On Tuesday, Republicans suffered a set of defeats in Kentucky, Virginia and Ohio and narrowly won the governors race in Mississippi. This, after a lackluster result in 2022 and a series of defeats in special elections and ballot referenda since then. What gives? Are there issues with the candidates? Messages? Or is there something more fundamentally flawed with the Republican platform? Kennesaw State assistant professor and former chair of the Cobb County GOP joins the show to discuss.

Also, Jim Wooten, a respected journalist and military veteran, passed away on October 29th. A University of Georgia graduate, he served in the U.S. Army and had a distinguished career at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Beyond his career, Wooten and his wife renovated the historic home of former Georgia governor Eugene Talmadge and he remained active in GOP politics across the state.

Connect with Jason on Twitter @JasonShepherd

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Megan Gordon on Twitter @meganlaneg

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Hello loyal listeners!

We wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that we are taking a bit of a break from the panel episodes to catch up on some sleep, enjoy the holiday season, and re-tool the show to create a more educational and entertaining experience. 

Craig plans to continue his special episodes highlighting moments and people in political history, but the panel show is going on break.

We have been in your podcast feeds on regular basis now for over 5 years (!) now and it's time to take a step back and look at lessons learned and how we can do better in the next 5 years.

So, we are not going anywhere and we hope you don't either! We'll be back soon and look forward to talking more about all the latest Georgia political shenanigans under the gold dome and in Washington. 

Much love,

Preston, Megan, Craig & Hans

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On today’s show Craig and Professor Stone discuss the legacy of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein of California.

Senator Feinstein, born on June 22, 1933, in San Francisco, California, enjoyed a distinguished career in American politics. After earning her degree in history from Stanford University in 1955, she delved into public service, first at the local level.

Feinstein's career began in the early 1960s when she worked in local government, ultimately being appointed to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1970. Her advocacy for social justice and gun control quickly gained her recognition. Tragically, in 1978, she discovered the bodies of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk after their assassination, a traumatic event that reinforced her commitment to public service.

In 1978, Feinstein became the first female mayor of San Francisco, focusing on housing, education, and economic development during her tenure. She was re-elected in 1983.

Her ascent continued in 1992 when she was elected to the United States Senate, representing California. Feinstein has championed progressive causes, from gun control to healthcare reform and environmental protection, consistently aligning with the Democratic Party. She has served on influential committees, including the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

Throughout her career, Dianne Feinstein's dedication to public service and advocacy for a better society left an indelible mark on American politics.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Megan Gordon on Twitter @meganlaneg

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to another episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast! On today’s show, we discuss Israel and Gaza through the prism of Georgia in addition to updates on the Fulton County elections case against former President Donald Trump.

We are not going to attempt to solve middle east peace on today’s show. Instead, we are going to stay in our lane and talk about the political reaction in Georgia, where there are divisions, and what electoral implications exist or could emerge.

Next up, Fani Willis has now negotiated plea agreements with 3 of the original 19 defendants in her case against Donald Trump. What does this tell us, and what has been the Republican reaction thus far to the updates in the case?

Lastly, we touch on Rep. Austin Scott’s surprise bid to be Speaker of the U.S. House. Could he actually find the votes to make it happen? Who knows? Certainly not us.

Underhyped/Overhyped, Play-Along-At-Home and much, much more on today’s episode!

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Megan Gordon on Twitter @meganlaneg

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to another special episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we turn our focus to the storied history of the Speakers of the House, a pivotal and often unsung role in the world of politics.

Craig and Professor Stone cover the early days of the United States, with the first Speaker of the House, Frederick Muhlenberg, whose gavel-wielding presence in Congress laid the foundation for this prestigious office. We'll delve into the dynamic personalities and pivotal moments that have defined the role throughout history. From Henry Clay's legendary tenure during the "Era of Good Feelings" to Sam Rayburn's unmatched leadership during turbulent times, we'll explore the key figures who have shaped the Speakership and, by extension, the nation itself.

But it's not just about politics; the Speakers of the House have been at the forefront of major historical milestones. Discover how Joseph Gurney Cannon, with his iron grip on power, changed the rules of Congress, and how Tip O'Neill's legendary camaraderie with President Ronald Reagan transcended partisan politics.

Our journey through history wouldn't be complete without exploring the groundbreaking moments led by groundbreaking individuals. What impact did Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the House, have during her tenure? How did John Boehner navigate the tumultuous waters of the Tea Party movement, and what can we learn from his leadership style?

Join us as we examine the power, influence, and challenges faced by these remarkable men and women who have held the Speaker's gavel. Along the way, we'll uncover the fascinating stories, anecdotes, and controversies that have made the Speakers of the House integral to the fabric of American democracy.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Megan Gordon on Twitter @meganlaneg

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On today’s show the crew gets into Kevin McCarthy getting voted out, the State Senate investigating Fulton County Jail and Colton Moore getting ousted from the GOP caucus.

We all knew it was coming. Some thought it would happen sooner, but we all knew it would happen: Matt Gaetz made a motion to vacate the Speaker’s chair and it them democrats and a handful of disgruntled Republicans made it happen. How did we get here? Where do we go from here?

Also, the Republicans in the State Senate have decided to launch an investigation into Fulton County Jail. What should we expect from the committee?

Lastly, State Senator Colton Moore has been ejected from the GOP caucus over his theatrics surrounded Fulton County DA Fani Willis and the resulting threats that colleagues of Sen. Moore received as a result. Craig gets the stage for this one.

Underhyped/Overhyped, Play-Along-At-Home and much, much more on today’s episode!

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Megan Gordon on Twitter @meganlaneg

Preston Thompson on Twitter @pston3

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol