Political Breakfast from WABE

On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, we're on the heels of a visit from President Donald Trump -- and on the cusp of a visit from former President Barack Obama.  What does each president hope to accomplish by visiting Georgia at this stage of the midterm campaign? What can a former president or a sitting president do for a candidate that the candidate cannot do on their own? E...

On this week's Political Breakfast, we start with President Donald Trump's latest rally in Dalton over the weekend, and another Trump rally set for Saturday in Macon.  Trump keeps saying that voters should pretend like he’s on the ballot when they think about voting in 2026.  This comes as the latest poll from the Atlanta Journal Constitution and the University of Georgia shows Tru...

On another live version of Political Breakfast, our strategists discuss Rick Jackson’s absence Monday during the Atlanta Press Club debate for the Georgia Governor's race. The empty podium left the door wide open for Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms to take advantage of what she called a missed opportunity to explain his positions. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson advises the Bottoms' campa...

Candidates for Georgia Governor and Senate faced off in debates this week ahead of the November election. On Tuesday,  Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson met for what will likely be their only debate before Election Day on Nov. 3. The hourlong matchup between the gubernatorial candidates featured questions from voters on a wide range of issues, including Flock cameras,...

On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, we shift from the Georgia Governor's race, to the highly-anticipated face-off between the candidates for U.S. Senate. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and his Republican challenger Congressman Mike Collins will mull-over the issues Georgians are facing and will likely throw a few jabs. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican s...

On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, our strategists give their unique insight into the first highly-anticipated, town hall-style debate between the final two candidates for Georgia governor: Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson.  We're broadcasting this week's PB just hours ahead of the debate -- one that could be the key to persuading undecided voters. ...

Candidates for Governor talk about their plans after incumbent Brian Kemp suspends the gas tax. The GOP faces questions about their candidate for U.S. Senate as Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff goes on the attack. Plus, one of the most important organizations in the state is getting a new leader and why it matters in Georgia politics. Hear these stories and more on this week's episode of "Plugged I...

On this week's Political Breakfast, we fast-forward past the November midterm elections and land in 2028. Democratic U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock: their names have been tossed around for a possible run for President. Warnock was pressed about it at a recent event. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson interpret his vague answer with host Lisa...

On this week's Political Breakfast, we break down the latest in the Georgia governor's race. It looks like billionaire healthcare CEO and Republican candidate Rick Jackson declined a face-off with former Atlanta Mayor and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. That's as a new poll in the Governor's race gives Jackson a slight edge. Democratic strategist and attorney Anre Washington fills-in for Tharon Joh...

On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, President Donald Trump is now promising to pay American adults $5K each -- IF Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate in this November's midterm elections. Experts say that's a trillion dollar promise -- when the country is already burdened by roughly $40 trillion in debt.  The move would need Congressional approval. Republican stra...

On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, the first-ever Republican midterm convention gets underway in Dallas Wednesday, and two Georgians have been tapped as speakers. GOP Congressmen Mike Collins and Brian Jack are both running for election. Will this national stage boost their numbers in Georgia? Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson sort through t...

On this week's Political Breakfast: There's questions swirling, as to why Georgia's Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has failed to endorse billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson for governor.  Jones lost the Republican primary runoff election to Jackson. The campaign attack ads were intense. The out-of-pocket spending was immense.  There may be some bad blood between the two, but wi...

On this week's Political Breakfast, we talk about a recent exchange between Georgia gubernatorial candidates Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson. It all unfolded in a hotel parking lot, after a Jackson attack ad took aim at Bottoms' husband. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson discuss with host Lisa Rayam how campaigns decide whether to rebut a claim, at...

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team discusses how billionaire businessman and Georgia GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson signed a new contract to provide healthcare services to workers with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health. Much of Jackson's fortune comes from the company he owns: Jackson Healthcare. The trouble is, Jackson said he would shy away from conducting healt...

  This edition of Political Breakfast explores the powerful role money and public perception play in Georgia elections.   Brian, Tharon, and Lisa examine how candidates with larger campaign war chests often gain a significant advantage that can translate into more voter support.  We also discuss how a candidate's reputation can be affected by the company they keep!  ...

  On this episode of Political Breakfast , Polling and Emoting explores the intersection of public opinion and campaign strategy by taking a closer look at the latest polls in Georgia and what they may reveal about the state's political landscape.  In addition, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson, along with host Lisa Rayam, talk about the emotional dynamics of the campaign tra...

On today's Political Breakfast, our Republican strategist Brian Robinson responds to some listener feedback, wondering how his current role of advising the Rick Jackson campaign for Georgia governor, really works in tandem with his job untangling Georgia politics on WABE.  Plus, our Democratic strateigst Tharon Johnson also talks about his past roles as a campaign advisor, for former Atlanta...

On this week's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Anré Washington is filling-in for Tharon Johnson, alongside Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam.  We start with FIFA fever in Atlanta! It's the last week of the 2026 World Cup. England will face Argentina at 3 pm at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Will the soccer culture and spirit stay in Atlanta when the World Cup...

On this week's Political Breakfast: Lately it's been less about politics in our news feed, and all about the FIFA World Cup! As we recorded, Atlanta was getting ready for its second knockout stage match at Mercedes Benz Stadium, with Argentina battling Egypt. In the heat of Atlanta hosting the World Cup, a recent U.S. Census Bureau report estimates Georgia's population has grown by more than a hal...

On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, we're addressing a surprise move during a special session called by Governor Brian Kemp.  The plan was to redraw Georgia's congressional and state legislative districts. That's in response to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gutted a key portion in the Voting Rights Act on redistricting. Now critics say Republican-held states across the S...

After months of candidates stumping for high-profile endorsements, spending millions of dollars on attack ads and traveling across the state, today's the day.  The polls are open for Georgia's primary runoff election.  Some of the most contentious races are on the Republican ballot, including the runoffs for U.S. Senate and Governor.  One race that's gotten some extra attention this...

On this week's Political Breakfast, we're starting off with an increasingly contentious local race ahead of the June primary runoff elections: the race for Fulton County Commission Chair.  Longtime incumbent Robb Pitts is being challenged by former District 4 Commissioner Mo Ivory. Recent debates between the two have been fiery and full of personal attacks.  One issue voters are bringing...

This week on Political Breakfast, we're talking about party unity, and endorsements pouring-in as the dust settles from Georgia's May primary elections.  U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and Georgia's Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Keisha Lance Bottoms, are joining forces ahead of the general election in November.  Is the entire Democratic base united to support the former Atlanta Mayor? If...

On this week's Political Breakfast: The campaign for billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson confirmed with WABE he will NOT be part of Monday's Atlanta Press Club debate, in the battle for the Republican nomination in the Georgia governor's race. His opponent, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, is now prepared to face an empty podium on Monday afternoon at 2:45, and answer questions from a panel of...

On this week's Political Breakfast, we have a quick recap of a critical Election Day for Georgia's 2026 May primary.  A large chunk of undecided Georgia voters showed up to the polls on Tuesday, and completely changed the game. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms dominated in the race for the Democratic nomination for Georgia Governor. She's now free to focus on the November general ele...