Political Rewind

Tuesday on Political Rewind, there are many uncertainties as the pandemic continues. One eventuality is certain, however; the state budget will be hit hard. The cost of the response, in addition to decreased tax revenue from the lockdown, could sprain an already strained bottom-line for the state government. What is the plan for officials? We discussed the budget today with Terry England (R-Auburn...

Monday on Political Rewind, developments in the case of Ahmaud Arbery over the weekend. State Attorney General Chris Carr formally requested the Department of Justice investigate the handling of the Arbery case. We discussed the latest with former Attorney General Sam Olens and DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond.

Friday on Political Rewind, a brief look at the two month timeline that led up to murder charges this week in the case of Ahmaud Arbery. New developments draw into question decision-making at the local level. And, reports that the Trump administration shelved CDC guidance designed to give benchmarks for opening the country up. Panelists: Jim Galloway – Lead Political Writer, The Atlanta Journal-Co...

Thursday on Political Rewind, a metric that gives fresh perspective on how to view Kemp’s decision to reopen the state. The number of new people infected by each person infected by COVID-19 went down during shelter-in-place orders in Georgia. How do the experts expect this rate to change now that restrictions have been partially lifted?

Wednesday on Political Rewind, the coronavirus pandemic is complicating an already arduous budget in Georgia. The continuing cost of the state response, in addition to a loss of revenue and economic activity, has led Gov. Brian Kemp to last week call for significant cuts to all state agencies.

Tuesday on Political Rewind, though the next meeting of the state legislature is still a topic of debate, the main topic representatives will be discussing is almost certain; the budget. Gov. Brian Kemp and legislative leaders told state agencies last week to plan on a 14% cut in their budgets.

Monday on Political Rewind, the challenges of holding elections amidst a public health crisis. We spoke to the current and former secretaries of state who joined us to talk about managing this year's elections amid the dangers of coronavirus.

Friday on Political Rewind, Gov. Brian Kemp lifts a shelter-in-place order for many Georgians across the state. His press secretary joins us to discuss the decision. Also, what will the political fallout look like for officials across the country as multiple states begin easing restrictions?

Thursday on Political Rewind, food banks are struggling to feed the hungry as the pandemic continues. As food networks are disrupted, farmers, grocers and food banks collaborate in an effort to improve access. We talk to some of the leading food banks in Georgia to see how they are meeting the crisis.

Wednesday on Political Rewind, the mental toll of COVID-19. We're joined by Dr. Raymond Kotwicki, the chief medical officer at Skyland Trail, one of the premiere non-profit mental health treatment centers in the Southeast.

Tuesday on Political Rewind, small businesses weather the storm during the coronavirus crisis. How are Georgia’s stores, bars, restaurants, cinemas and bookstores handling the current situation?

Monday on Political Rewind, we discussed the upcoming 2020 elections, and how campaigns are handling the shelter-in-place conditions found across the state and the country. More than 830,000 people have applied for absentee ballots for the 2020 combined primary so far. That represents a huge increase in applications over 2016’s primary, and reflects efforts by officials and the public to avoid the...

Friday on Political Rewind, mayors from across the state discuss how they are handling the coronavirus pandemic. How are municipal leaders responding to Gov. Brian Kemp’s latest move and how do they think their constituency will respond?

Thursday on Political Rewind, the governor says his decision to reopen the state is driven by data. What will be the consequences of Georgians going out and attempting to resume life as normal? We’ll ask two public health experts for their opinions.

Wednesday on Political Rewind, the political consequences of the pandemic. The governor’s recent decision to slowly re-open businesses in Georgia has drawn criticism and national attention. How will voters respond to the public health efforts of elected officials at all levels of governments in this crucial election year?

Tuesday on Political Rewind, Gov. Brian Kemp announced gyms, salons, bowling alleys and other specific indoor facilities will be able to reopen by Friday, with restaurants and theaters able to reopen next week. The move has drawn sharp criticism from elected leaders and commentators who say the move comes too soon and is not backed by enough data.

Today on Political Rewind, Georgia agriculture takes a hit from the coronavirus. Farmers face concerns over exposure to the virus and uncertain retailers cutting demand. We heard from Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black on how the ongoing public health crisis is affecting the state’s farming businesses.

Friday on Political Rewind, the primary has been postponed to June 9 in an attempt by officials to protect poll workers and voters during the coronavirus pandemic. But political campaigns for state and congressional positions on the ballot have not stopped. So how are candidates campaigning under these challenging circumstances?

Thursday on Political Rewind, the ongoing public health crisis has given doctors, public officials and many Georgians a series of challenging decisions as society grapples with an unprecedented situation. On our show today, we discuss how somber decisions regarding public health are being made; decisions regarding who gets ventilators or an ICU bed, or how vaccines are tested.

Wednesday on Political Rewind, the pandemic reveals fault lines of unequal access in our society. Health care and community leaders are highlighting a disproportionate impact of the public health crisis on black and African American communities. We look at the contributing factors in Georgia and across the country.

Today on Political Rewind, president of the American Medical Association Dr. Patrice Harris joined us to discuss her observations on how medical professionals are faring as they fight the virus.

Today on Political Rewind, reports that medical facilities are not releasing enough information on coronavirus. What information is missing, and what does this mean for the public?

Friday on Political Rewind, the restaurant and hospitality industry is being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic in Georgia and across the nation. How are owners, managers and staff operating in this environment, and how are customers adjusting to take-out or delivery orders instead of in-house dining?

Thursday on Political Rewind, a global pandemic reaches into southwest Georgia where limited medical resources strain under new demand. Our show was joined by officials from the hospital at the center of it all in Dougherty county. Tune in to hear the latest on the unfolding situation there.

Wednesday on Political Rewind, statewide elections in Wisconsin last night provide an interesting case study of elections under lockdown. How did the public health crisis surrounding COVID-19 impact elections there, and what can that tell us about Georgia’s upcoming elections just a month away?