Political Breakfast from WABE

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 Trump's approval ratings remain "underwater" in Georgia. If Georgia’s Republican candidates attach themselves to Trump and MAGA policies, will that help or hurt them with voters? Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson weigh-in with host Lisa Rayam. Plus, former President Barack Obama is coming to town to stump for Keisha Lance Bottoms and U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff. And we're in week 2 of early voting with historically high voter turnout. A note of disclosure: Tharon Johnson is an advisor to the Keisha Lance Bottoms campaign, and Brian Robinson is an advisor for the Rick Jackson campaign. See…

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' campaign. Republican strategist Brian Robinson advises Rick Jackson's. Both joined host Lisa Rayam to discuss why Jackson was absent at the latest debate, which also fell on the first day of early voting across Georgia. Early voting runs through October 30th. What role could early voter turnout play in determining the outcome of the governor’s race? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, healthcare, public safety, and elections. Things got heated on Thursday in the first Ga. Senate debate between incumbent Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff and his challenger, Republican Rep. Mike Collins. Both came out swinging as they answered Atlanta News First/Gray Media reporters' questions about the economy, tariffs, data centers, immigration and more. On this episode of "Plugged Into Politics," host Rahul Bali is joined by WABE colleagues DorMiya Vance and Emily Wu Pearson to discuss the big takeaways from the week's debates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 strategist Brian Robinson join host Lisa Rayam to give a preview. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Republican strategist Brian Robinson advises the Rick Jackson campaign. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson advises former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Into Politics." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Rayam. Plus, the latest with GOP Congressman Mike Collins' campaign for Ossoff's U.S. Senate seat. Can Collins maintain Trump's support while also appealing to Georgia voters who do not identify strongly with Trump? And against the advice of fellow Republicans in Georgia, Trump continues to focus on widespread claims of election fraud. Now Trump and his allies are sparking fears about non-citizen voters influencing the November midterm elections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Johnson, with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam. Plus, how Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is is weighing on the minds of politicians at the local and state level. While AI is a powerful tool that's now part of our culture, images generated by AI can be used to target and slander celebrities and politicians. The latest victims? College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom, and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist and attorney Anré Washington and host Lisa Rayam weigh-in on if this campaign promise is ethical and even legal? Then we'll move to the latest in Georgia's race for U.S. Senate. At the Republican midterm convention, Congressman Mike Collins spoke about his support for the Laken Riley Act, which requires the detention of unauthorized immigrants convicted of theft and violent crimes. It was the first bill that Trump signed into law at the start of his second term. Laken Riley is the nursing student who was murdered on the UGA campus in 2024. The Venezuelan immigrant who was…

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 this with host Lisa Rayam. Plus, the latest election forecast from one of the nation's top statisticians .. focusing on Georgia's Gubernatorial race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 with the November general election months away, is it time to clean the slate? Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson share their thoughts with host Lisa Rayam. Plus, U.S. Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock is calling for a temporary statewide ban on massive data center deals in Georgia. That's in response to a $20 billion dollar project planned for Effingham County, just north of Savannah. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, attack the messenger, or just change the subject. A quick note: Brian advises Rick Jackson and Tharon advises Keisha Lance Bottoms. Plus, Atlanta did not make the final cut to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention. Mayor Andre Dickens did not react kindly to the snub. In a letter to the DNC, Dickens wrote that its leaders "continue to make the wrong choices," that the "road to the White House runs through the South" and they are "once again abandoning Black voters." Plus, as Jackson's campaign promises to crack down on illegal immigration, a lawsuit filed by foreign-born nurses against one of the companies…

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 health business in Georgia if elected. This new contract would expire six months AFTER a new governor takes office. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, who advises the Rick Jackson campaign, Democratic strategist Anre Washington and host Lisa Rayam sort through all the implications. Plus, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff went on the attack at a rally in Atlanta over the weekend, and continued to call out his opponent, GOP U.S. Representative Mike Collins, for his alleged ties to white supremacists. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 trail. They explore whether a candidate's emotional appeal can influence public perception, shape momentum, and ultimately translate into votes on Election Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and others. We also break down the recent Toast on Lenox-Rick Jackson photo controversy. Brian and Tharon talk about Jackson's visit to the Atlanta Black-owned breakfast spot. It's now being subjected to calls for a boycott. And more polls, polls, polls. We breakdown how a new poll released Monday morning and analyzed by the AJC, shows Democrats hold an early advantage in the Georgia Governor's race. BUT the pollsters acknowledge that much of that edge depends on voters who are LESS likely to turn up at the polls, when the race for president is not on the ballot. The poll also acknowledges that…

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 run ends? Plus, more polls are out, a few weeks after the competitive Georgia primary elections. Even though polls don't tell the WHOLE story, our strategists believe they take a pretty good pulse of how Georgia voters are feeling. One from Fox News shows Democrats leading by a significant amount in both the Governor's race and the race for U.S. Senate. But another poll from Wick Research shows both races are deadlocked. Plus, the group reacts to South Carolina Republican Lindsay Graham's death over the weekend, after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” Even though he never represented the Peach State, he…

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 half million people in the past five years, and continues to diversify. The data shows that nonwhite residents account for all of the growth. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam break down how these changing demographics could play an integral role in who get's elected come November. Plus, Republican Rick Jackson has spent 108 million of his own money on his campaign for Georgia Governor. That broke a campaign spending record. And recently we saw Georgia's Democratic nominee for Governor Keisha Lance Bottoms campaign in Savannah with U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff.…

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 South could likely redraw their maps and put seats typically held by Democrats at risk. But yesterday, Republican House leaders wrote a letter to Kemp, and decided that changes to the maps will not happen this summer during the session. They cite the changes should only happen after a deliberative process, providing the public enough time for input. Democrats are celebrating the news. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson is one of them. He, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam break down the news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 week: the race for Democrat Jon Ossoff's U.S. Senate seat. President Donald Trump gave an 11th-hour endorsement of current Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins. But strategists ask: why so late? Trump posted his endorsement on Truth Social at 1 am on Sunday. The runoff election pits Collins against Republican Derek Dooley, a former football coach at the University of Tennessee, who has the support of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. How will the Kemp versus Trump endorsement play-out among voters? Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

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 up is age. Pitts is now in his mid-80s. How does ageism play into these elections -- from the Fulton Commission Chair, all the way up to the Georgia governor's race? Do these attacks on age have merit? Plus, Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is now focusing his campaign for governor on safety concerns for Atlanta MARTA riders. That's after President Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the feds are launching an investigation into how MARTA spends its money. The transit authority has dealt with a series of violent incidents just weeks ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Democratic strategist and attorney Anré Washington…

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 elected, Bottoms would become the first Black woman to take the state's highest office. On the Republican side, unity is dicey. That's as political outsider and billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson and current Lt. Gov. Burt Jones prepare for a June 16th runoff. The winner with face Bottoms in November. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam break all this down. Plus, Republicans are now having mixed feelings about redrawing Georgia's district lines. And Georgia's gas tax suspension has ended. Now Georgians are rushing to fill up their tanks, before those prices at the…

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 journalists alone. He also criticized Jackson for not showing up on social media. Jackson's campaign cited a scheduling conflict: an event with Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. The campaign said in a statement that the APC could not accommodate later dates, so Jackson has accepted Gray TV's invitation to debate on President Trump's birthday, or Flag Day on June 14th, "when runoff voters will be fully engaged and making a decision ahead of Election Day." Meanwhile, Democratic nominee and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms dominated in the May primary with 56 percent of the vote. She will face either Jones or…

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 election, where she'll face the GOP nominee. On the Republican side, billionaire businessman and healthcare CEO Rick Jackson and Lt. Governor Burt Jones will head to a June runoff election. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson both share more insight on the bloodbath ahead with host Lisa Rayam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast, we're in the final stretch of early voting for the May primaries! Early voting ends this Friday. Election Day is May 19th. The Georgia Governor's race has been dominating our conversations on this podcast. Now it's time to turn to the U.S. Senate race. Republican Governor Brian Kemp has endorsed former football coach Derek Dooley in hopes he can flip the seat held by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. Is the Kemp clout working? Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson weigh-in with host Lisa Rayam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team discusses recent polling. Are they spot on or not? Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson share their take with Lisa Rayam. A recent AJC poll on the Democratic Race for Governor is at the center of the conversation. In addition, the team sorts through the recent US Supreme Court Decision regarding the Voting Rights Act and the state of Louisiana. What are the ramifications here in Georgia? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, strategists Tharon Johnson, Brian Robinson, and Host Lisa Rayam talk about the art of debating. The debate season kicks off in Georgia just as early voting gets underway. Do the candidates truly benefit from participating in this long-established routine? Also, the team focuses on the Gubernatorial candidates and what the debate process specifically means for the top two candidates from each party. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast, the team was pleased to record the podcast in front of a live studio audience at the Brookhaven City Centre. More than a hundred listeners showed-up to hear host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson. They started off by discussing the latest in the Georgia Governor's race, GOP infighting and if the top candidates are focused on the needs of ordinary Georgians? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast, the candidates in the Georgia Governor's race are in the final weeks to reach voters -- whether that's through big ad spending, or showing up for public forums and debates. The front-runners are still Republican billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson, and former Democratic Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. The May 19th primary is fast approaching, and polls show there's still a ton of undecided voters. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson tell host Lisa Rayam that the remaining weeks will make a huge difference. Plus, Atlanta leaders say they're deeply troubled by the recent uptick in gun violence. Much of that violence has happened during so-called 'Teen Takeovers' across the metro. The Atlanta Police Department is still investigating many of these shootings, and are urging parents to know where their kids are...or else face charges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast, the final gavel banged on Sine Die. Georgia's 2026 Legislative Session is over. But as the dust settles and bills head to Governor Brian Kemp's desk for his signature, host Lisa Rayam asks Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson about the overall vibe under the Gold Dome. The gang shares that the session ended with more animosity than normal between both chambers, and some hard feelings. That's as lawmakers begin clearing out their desks and refocus on the upcoming elections. Besides major offices like Georgia Governor, Secretary of State and U.S. Senate, all of our state Representatives and Senators are up for re-election this year. Plus, the potential for a special session? State lawmakers failed to pass legislation on the final day of the Georgia General Assembly to tackle a self-imposed July 1st deadline, to end the use of QR codes to count votes. Now they could be summoned back in May or June, to tackle how Georgians will vote in…

On today's Political Breakfast, host Lisa Rayam goes live with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson. That's as some metro Atlanta voters line up to cast their ballots in a special election, to fill the seat of former Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Georgia's 14th Congressional District stretches from the northwest corner of the state down into Cobb County. Voters will decide whether Republican Clay Fuller or Democrat Shawn Harris will represent them in Congress. Greene resigned from her seat in January. She left Congress after a falling-out with her former ally, President Donald Trump. The war in Iran has been one dominating issue on the campaign trail. Fuller, who is endorsed by Trump, backs the Trump Administration's strikes in Iran. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast, we cover majoring bickering between Republicans running for Georgia Governor. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson are on the attack. Jones has accused Jackson's company, Alpharetta-based Jackson Healthcare, of allowing doctors to perform transgender treatment on minors and prison inmates, and placing staff inside Planned Parenthood facilities. Jackson has accused Jones of using corrupt fundraising methods, and being a "stone cold liar." Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson talk with host Lisa Rayam about how that's affecting the other top GOP candidates and the Democrats too. In addition, the team talks about the travel troubles at the nation's airports, including Hartsfield Jackson International in Atlanta. The partisan divide in Congress over voting on funding the Department of Homeland Security, has translated into TSA agents working weeks without a pay check. Many have called it quits -- which means…

On this week's first edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam. All have thoughts about the race to represent Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, formerly held by Marjorie Taylor Greene. Greene resigned in January after a falling-out with her once-ally, President Donald Trump. The top two candidates in a special election last week are now advancing to an April 7th runoff. One, surprisingly, is a Democrat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson are back from spring break -- and are immediately bombarded with political headlines to catch up on. On Tuesday there's a crowded field of candidates vying to fill Georgia's 14th Congressional District seat, left vacant by former Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. One person watching this race closely is MTG's former ally, President Donald Trump. Plus, Brian and Tharon wrap-up 2026 General Election candidate qualifying news, and analyze which bills "crossed over" to the state House or Senate on Crossover Day -- the halfway mark during Georgia's legislative session. What's now getting all the attention under Georgia's Gold Dome? The group also recaps the U.S.-Israeli airstrkes on Iran and the escalating geopolitical conflict in the region. That's spiking gas prices at the pump across Georgia and the nation. The current average price of regular gas in Atlanta is $3.36 cents. It's…

On today's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam and are honing-in on next week's candidate qualifying period for the 2026 General Election cycle. The period runs from next Monday to Friday. Candidates have until then to officially qualify for state races like Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General. All Georgia Senators, Georgia Representatives and U.S. Representatives are up for re-election this year. So is one U.S. Senate seat, held by Democrat Jon Ossoff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

California Governor Gavin Newsom came to town to stump for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the Georgia governor's race over the weekend. He stressed how important it is for voters to mobilize, especially in wake of the recent federal raid on Fulton County's election office. But some comments Newsom made alongside moderator and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens sparked controversy -- and parts of his speech, edited and shared without full context, are being amplified by MAGA media and some Republican lawmakers, including President Trump himself. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson calls it rage bait. Republican strategist Brian Robinson says, it's all part of politics. Both break down this viral Newsom video with host Lisa Rayam. Plus, a federal judge just ruled against Republican Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, deciding that Jones can no longer raise millions for his campaign through a special fundraising committee. It's a blow to Jones' campaign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week WABE presents a special edition of Political Breakfast, broadcasting from the iconic Atlanta meet-up spot, Manuel's Tavern. Opened decades ago by Atlanta's own fiery politician Manuel Maloof, it's well-known watering hole where folks from both sides of the aisle, have always sat together, enjoyed a beer or burger, and talked. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joined host Lisa Rayam to do a wrap-up of the month's top political stories in Georgia. That includes the latest in the Georgia Governor's race -- as California Governor Gavin Newsom is coming to headline a fundraiser for the frontrunner on the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Tharon and Brian Robinson break down the polarizing opinions on this Newsom visit, and the latest shake-up in the field of Republican candidates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Political Breakfast, we're talking taxes. Republican Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones introduced officially introduced legislation in the Senate to cut the state's income tax for most Georgians. His proposal includes phasing-out the tax over the next six years, fully eliminating it by 2032. Meanwhile on the House side, there's a similar proposal to cut property taxes. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam respond to the questions many are asking: Will these bills ultimately help working Georgians? Are they going to make it past crossover day under the Gold Dome? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems like a two-way race for the Democratic nomination in Georgia's gubernatorial race, between frontrunner and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. That's as the latest polling and campaign contributions are reported. But Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson tell host Lisa Rayam, It's not over till it's over -- the numbers are still murky, and there's still a chance for candidates in the single digits to push forward. Meanwhile on the Republican side, GOP titans are dominating campaign contributions in this race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam, to talk about the latest candidate to jump into Georgia's gubernatorial race. It's already a crowded race on both sides. Now billionaire businessman Rick Jackson, founder and CEO of Alpharetta-based Jackson Healthcare, has made a million-dollar splash. But will Jackson's spending power be able to compete with high-profile names in the Republican primary, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who has the endorsement of President Donald Trump, as well as Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast, strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson, along with prominent lawmakers like Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, traveled to Sea Island for a state Department of Natural Resources fundraiser. However, the talk of the benefit was the recent FBI raid in Fulton County, and the seizure of 2020 election records. Republicans like Raffensperger are breaking their silence on the issue, urging the GOP to stop trying to "rerun" President Donald Trump's 2020 election grievances. Trump has repeatedly insisted the 2020 election was stolen, despite multiple recounts and audits confirming his loss to former President Joe Biden. Plus, legislation to ban phones and other electronic devices in Georgia public high schools is underway at the Gold Dome this week. House Bill 1009 would ban devices starting in the 2027-28 school year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's latest edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam, to talk about some jarring election news. The FBI raided Fulton County’s election operations center Wednesday in Union City, in a search for voting records tied to the 2020 election. President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted the election was stolen, with a particular focus on ballots in Fulton County. That's despite multiple recounts and audits confirming his loss to former President Joe Biden. Georgia Democrats and Fulton elections officials are blasting the raid, where 700 boxes of 2020 election records were taken. The Democratic Party of Georgia chair Charlie Bailey called Trump's governance "increasingly manic." Georgia Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff called the raid Trump's "sore loser's crusade." Tharon and Brian respond to the question: Is this return to Trump's political grievances from more than 5 years ago, going to damage the…

On today's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam, to talk about a looming partial government shutdown. Congress has until this Friday to pass a series of appropriation bills, and U.S. Senate Democrats are rallying to reject a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security. That's in response to the latest shooting of the 37-year-old ICU nurse, Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis, that involved federal immigration agents. Now Georgia Democrats, and even some Republicans, are criticizing how the Trump Administration has handled the fallout. Stephen Miller, Trump's homeland security adviser, called Pretti a “domestic terrorist.” Videos from bystanders do not show Pretti brandishing a weapon -- but do show a group of agents tackling Pretti and shooting him several times. Officials say he was legally armed. Georgia U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock have both announced they will oppose the government funding package.…

On this week's live version of Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam examine Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's last budget. Kemp laid it all out in his final 'State of the State' address last week, where he also set his priorities at the start of the legislative session. His budget includes a billion in tax rebates for Georgians, a 20-point reduction of the state income tax, a two thousand dollar check for teachers and other state employees and a new need-based scholarship for those attending Georgia colleges and universities. It also includes nearly 2 billion for new toll lanes on I-75 south of Atlanta, to unclog the interstate, and more money for money for new interchanges on Georgia 316 and local road projects. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, we're going into the first week of Georgia's legislative session -- which means strategists Brian Robinson, Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam are keeping busy and keeping up with lawmakers' top priorities. In this economy, everyone wants to focus on "affordability." The Senate wants to start eliminating the state income tax by 2032. A proposal by Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones would get rid of income taxes for two-thirds of Georgians, and phase out the rest over six years. On the House side, GOP lawmakers want to slow the growth of Georgians' property taxes. Democrats ask: How are we going to pay for essential services? And who will ultimately benefit? Plus, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp prepares to deliver his last 'State of the State.' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this live edition of Political Breakfast, we cover how two-time Democratic nominee for governor Stacey Abrams announced that she is not running for office in 2026. Abrams said in a statement that instead she'll continue her work fighting against what's happening in Washington, as "since January 2025, we have watched our nation descend into authoritarianism.” There's already a crowded field on the Democratic side, including familiar names like former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam react. Plus, a quick look ahead at some priorities for Georgia's 2026 legislative session, which starts on Monday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam return LIVE and wish our listeners a happy new year! Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens was sworn into his second term on Monday, along with all members of the Atlanta City Council. The crowd also heard from newly sworn-in Atlanta City Council President Marci Collier Overstreet. Plus, we cover what's potentially next for Georgia's former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. The Republican resigned from her conservative northwest Georgia district. Her last day was Monday. This past weekend, Greene continued to speak out against President Donald Trump -- criticizing the U.S. capturing of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Greene was once one of Trump's most loyal supporters, but split with him on issues including his initial stance on the release of the Epstein files and on foreign affairs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Political Breakfast, someone paid millions for a new attack ad against Republican Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, to wound him in the 2026 primary race for Georgia governor. Jones is the frontrunner in the race, and has President Trump's endorsement. There's speculation that whoever DID pay, has to be someone on the inside of Georgia's GOP -- masquerading under the name, 'Georgians for Integrity.' Now, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson speculate who's behind it, with host Lisa Rayam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast, we head northeast, where Georgia Democrats gained a House seat recently during a special election. Democrat Eric Gisler's victory for a Athens-area State House seat came after Republicans won that seat last year -- by more than 20 percent. Gisler will replace Republican Rep. Marcus Wiedower, who resigned to focus on his job. National and Georgia Democratic leaders are now all talking about how this shows blue momentum going into the 2026 midterms. The win has huge implications and has Georgia's GOP, as well as strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson, talking about this blue momentum with host Lisa Rayam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast, we're doing a recap of some local runoff election results. The cities of East Point, Roswell, Sandy Springs and South Fulton were all electing mayors last Tuesday. Voters chose new ones in all except Sandy Springs. The City of Roswell surprised many as a completely blue flip, as former Democratic State Representative Mary Robichaux nabbed 53 percent of the vote, and defeated incumbent Republican Mayor Kurt Wilson. But it was a different story in nearby Sandy Springs, as Mayor Rusty Paul cruised to a fourth term, getting 69 percent of the vote and a nearly 7-thousand margin victory, over Democratic challenger Dontaye Carter. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson focus on those races in north Atlanta with host Lisa Rayam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.