Political Breakfast from WABE

With a little more than a month left until election day, Georgia's State Election Board has approved several last-minute changes to the election process, despite opposition from Republican state officials and local election officials. Tensions on the board are growing as Republican members hint that their work is not done and criticize those who question their motives. On this week's episode of "P...

On this week's Political Breakfast, we start with former president Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance stumping in Georgia this week. The pair are traveling separately to cover more ground.  Plus, more political theater from Georgia's GOP.  Text messages surface that were sent by Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. The texts from Jones, a Trump ally, show he had no problem criticizi...

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a point this week and further cuts are expected between now and the end of next year. Mortgage rates have already started coming down in anticipation of the rate cuts, making it easier for many to buy a home, but home ownership still remains out of reach for millions of Americans. On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," p...

On the latest edition of Political Breakfast, we hone-in on the role of women voters in Georgia, and the issues that will sway them. A recent Gallup analysis found that women aged 18 to 29 are more liberal than young women in the past on specific issues, particularly abortion and the environment.  All this as Vice President Kamala Harris has recently doubled-down on GOP candidate Donald Trump...

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team talks about the second assassination attempt on the life of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. What is this saying about the overall political climate?   Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam reminisce on a tumultuous time during the 1960s. Plus both applaud what Georgia s...

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump debated Tuesday for the first and possibly the only time before Election Day. On this week’s episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," the team shares their stories of watching the debate. Plus, an update on the fight to keep or remove third-party and independent presidential candidates on Georgia's ballot and a rundown of rece...

On this week's Political Breakfast, the gang is live soon after the first high-stakes presidential debate between Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. We know that debates don't necessarily win elections. But many surveys of voters nationwide, including undecided swing voters, suggest that Harris won the debate.  Still, the latest polls show Trump and Harris are still neck-and-neck...

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team talks about a renewed push for gun safety after the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam address the role Georgia legislators are bound to play. Plus, they ponder the question: Is a gun buyback program a viable solution? This after Georgia U.S. Senator Raphael Wa...

Two students and two teachers are dead after a 14-year-old student opened fire inside a Barrow County high school on Wednesday. The student, and his 54-year-old father, are now facing multiple charges. In this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how elected officials are responding to the deadliest school shooting in Georgia histor...

Vice President Kamala Harris wrapped up a campaign swing in coastal Georgia with a Savannah rally on Thursday. Harris, along with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, visited a marching band practice and a barbecue restaurant, among other local stops. The goal, campaign strategists say, is to show Democrats are serious about winning votes outside of Metro Atlanta, as political reporters...

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team discusses how influential Georgia Republicans are still conflicted when it comes to supporting former president Donald Trump.  Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's tense relationship with Donald Trump appears to be fading. He's now attending a fundraiser for Trump in Atlanta.   How can this be a win/win for both? Plus former GOP Lieutenant G...

In this edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson's take of the Democratic National Convention. He was there in Chicago and spent time on the convention floor. Plus Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and Tharon both share their take on the stumping that will be ramping-up in the battleground state of Georgia with host Lisa Rayam. Hear why they say spending time in...

Vice President Kamala Harris has officially accepted her party's historic nomination for president. Atlanta may have missed out on hosting the Democratic National Convention this year, but the city's culture was prominently on display. In this week’s episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss what happened at the DNC and introduce listeners to s...

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team talks about the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock took center stage and ignited the crowd with a fiery speech. Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and The Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long provide insight on Warnock's time at the podium. Plus the moment some call bittersweet for President J...

Georgia’s maternal mortality rate is among the worst in the nation and health officials say the vast majority of pregnancy related deaths in the state are preventable. WABE Health Reporter Jess Mador has been reporting on the crisis and potential solutions. She joined WABE’s Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali for this week’s episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast." See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

On this week's second edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her new running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, postponed a visit to Georgia due to Tropical Storm Debby. But their Honeymoon has not waned. Will it? And if so, when? Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long talk with host Lisa Rayam about the pr...

On this edition of Political Breakfast, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp makes it clear that he supports the GOP presidential ticket, even though Donald Trump continues to attack him personally. Why is the Governor becoming more and more vocal about his stance now? Republican strategist Brian Robinson and the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long share their thoughts with host Lisa Rayam. Plus, the charges...

A new rule approved by the Georgia State Election Board could open the door for local election boards to refuse to certify election results. The measure will go into effect ahead of the November presidential election. On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," political reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss the new rule, which is just one sentence long, and how oppone...

On this week's Political Breakfast, how former Presdent Donald Trump is once again taking aim at Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. Kemp was his target at a recent rally in Atlanta.  Is this good or bad politics for the GOP presidential nominee? Host Lisa Rayam asks that question of Republican strategist Brian Robinson and the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long. What do they make of more Republi...

Thirty-three days after President Joe Biden’s ill-fated debate in Atlanta, Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Atlanta this week as the new presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. On this week’s edition of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," Reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how Harris is trying to muster the coalition of voters of color, independents and disaffected Republ...

On this edition of Political Breakfast, more talk about the very fluid presidential race that's all-encompassing here in the battleground state of Georgia.  Republican Strategist Brian Robinson, the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long and host Lisa Rayam sort through the aftermath of Donald Trump's tense on-stage appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago.&...

Vice President and now-presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is coming to stump in Atlanta.  It's Harris' first Georgia visit since becoming the likely Democratic nominee for president, and her 15th this year alone.  The team talks about how this latest visit may serve as a wake-up call for the Georgia GOP, which has been unusually silent in recent days.  Saba Lo...

It's been yet another historic week in the 2024 presidential race as President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid and backed Vice President Kamala Harris in his place. On this week’s edition of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," politics reporter Rahul Bali and photographer Matthew Pearson gauge political reactions in Georgia to the change at the top of the Democratic ticket. Plus a conversati...

On this week's live edition of Political Breakfast, it continues to be a historic week in politics.  President Joe Biden officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the November presidential race, in a first farewell speech to the nation from the Oval Office.  Now there's reports that Harris will be back in Atlanta on Tuesday, signaling how important Georgia is this November. Ho...

On this week's live edition of Political Breakfast: The team talks about what's next for both Democrats and Republicans now that President Joe Biden has dropped-out of the 2024 presidential race.  Biden and top Democrats, nationally and here in Georgia, are endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the new nominee. Are enough Democrats on board with Harris? Republican strategist Brian Robinso...