Political Breakfast with Denis O’Hayer

This week the Political Breakfast team was pleased to record the podcast in front of a live studio audience, alongside legends from Sesame Street and the Muppet Show at Atlanta's own Center for Puppetry Arts! It's home to more than 5 thousand puppets and artifacts. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joined host Lisa Rayam to answer questions from some of our loyal listeners. We discuss the most pertinent news from Washington that impacts our Georgia audience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) incumbents are on the ballot this year after a lengthy legal battle and their challengers are taking aim at the current commission’s performance. Voting in the primary is already underway. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali speak with WABE and Grist climate reporter Emily Jones about the PSC and some of the challenges the statewide body is grappling with, like the influx of data centers, increasing energy costs and climate change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's second serving of Political Breakfast, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is officially running to replace Governor Brian Kemp. But are Dems pleased? Bottoms tells WABE that we are "facing chaos and uncertainty and anxiety" based on the policies that are coming out of Washington and "Georgians want and need a fighter.”Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam also discuss the case of a north Georgia college student, 19-year-old Ximena Arias-Cristobal -- who is undocumented. Her life changed recently, after she was pulled over by a Dalton police officer for allegedly making an illegal turn. She was arrested, turned over to ICE and detained for more than two weeks. Turns out, dash cam video shows the officer stopped the wrong driver. The officer has resigned. But that hasn't stopped the community backlash. And some Republicans in deep-red Georgia are taking a stand against the Trump Administration's immigration crackdowns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's live edition of Political Breakfast just after the Memorial Day holiday, strategists Brian Robinson, Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam discuss the 2026 U.S. Senate race against incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff. Governor Brian Kemp decided not to run. He and President Donald Trump met recently in Washington earlier this month to mull-over who will face Ossoff. In the race so far: U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, from Georgia's coast, who was the first major Republican candidate to declare. Then came state Insurance Commissioner John King. Marjorie Taylor Greene also declined to challenge Ossoff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old nurse and mother, was about nine weeks pregnant in February when doctors declared her brain dead after she suffered a medical emergency. Smith’s family says doctors at Emory University Hospital have been keeping her on life support because she is pregnant, citing Georgia’s restrictive abortion law. In this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at the case and its possible implications. Plus, a former Atlanta mayor says she’s running for governor and some Republicans say they want to eliminate the state income tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historic Medicaid cuts are advancing in Washington under President Donald Trump, as nearly 2 million low-income Georgians depend on the program for health insurance. That includes Georgians with disabilities and seniors, as Medicaid pays for their daily help with basic needs. The proposed federal cuts are all part of Trump's attempts to slash government spending. But Republican strategist Brian Robinson says on this week's Political Breakfast, GOP lawmakers know that would hurt some of our most vulnerable, including the base of their own party. Robinson, host Lisa Rayam, and the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long to discuss the impact in Georgia, and tough decisions that come with historic pullbacks of federal support. Long is filling-in this week for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team talks about the life of Adriana Smith, her unborn child and a Georgia law that appears to be holding her grieving family hostage. Adriana is brain dead, but has been kept on life support since February because she's pregnant. Her family says it's time for Adriana to rest in peace -- peace that's entangled in a restrictive law that bans most abortions after six weeks. It's an issue people are talking about, including host, Lisa Rayam, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long, who is sitting-in for Tharon Johnson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, judges heard appeals in two major Georgia voting cases. One panel is considering whether conservative group True the Vote illegally intimidated voters when they helped file tens of thousands of voter challenges while another is reviewing Georgia’s political maps in the ongoing fight over redistricting. In this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss what’s at stake for Georgia elections in these long-running federal court cases, which could have national implications. Plus, a messy Republican primary in Georgia for the U.S. Senate is now underway and Governor Brian Kemp has finished vetoing and signing bills from this year’s legislative session into law, including one that could allow President Donald Trump to recover millions of dollars in legal costs from taxpayers in the Georgia election interference case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chair of the Georgia Republican Party Josh McKoon joins this week's Political Breakfast. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam have some questions about McKoon managing party unity. They ask McKoon if he agrees with everything that President Donald Trump has been ordering in Washington, and what he thinks about Republicans who refuse to come together under Trump, and support more MAGA-aligned candidates: AKA, former Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan. Earlier this week, the PB team spoke with the new Georgia Democratic Chair, Charlie Bailey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team talks to the newly-elected Georgia Chair of the Democratic Party Charlie Bailey. Bailey talks about the bread and butter issues that are key to his party winning in 2026. In addition, he rebuffs the notion that there are major fractures within the Democratic Party, and Bailey addresses how his main mission is to rebuild trust. Join strategists Brian Robinson, Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam for this special edition of Political Breakfast. Tune back in on Thursday to hear Josh McKoon, Georgia's GOP Chair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has announced that he will not run for Senate. Of all the states President Donald Trump won in the 2024 election, only Georgia has a Democratic senator defending their seat. Republicans had seen Kemp as the strongest candidate to challenge incumbent Jon Ossoff. On this week's episode, hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss what the two-term governor's decision to opt out of the race signals about Kemp's political future, the fight for control of the Senate and the status of the body itself. Plus, we take you inside the Georgia Democrats' election for new leadership ahead of the midterms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's second edition of Political Breakfast, the gang talks about the plight of federal student loan borrowers who are now expected to start paying them back. That's after being given a reprieve during the Biden Administration. Plus, Georgia Democrats picked former two-time statewide candidate and Atlanta attorney Charlie Bailey to head the party. He replaces Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam discuss what this means for 2026 races. And a new poll shows Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens with high approval ratings going into his reelection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson join Morning Edition, live, to talk about Governor Brian Kemp's decision not to run for U.S. Senate. The speculation suddenly ended Monday, when the second-term Georgia Governor took to social media, writing: "Being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family." So then, who is the right person to take on incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, who IS running for re-election? Both Brian and Tharon share their theories with host Lisa Rayam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since taking office for the second time, President Donald Trump has moved swiftly to reshape every facet of government, often testing the boundaries of presidential power, with far-reaching implications for Georgia, the country and the world. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how Trump's first 100 days in office have left a mark on the Peach State.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GOP fringe activists in Georgia are now targeting Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and GOP House Speaker John Burns, trying to ban them from running for office because of their so-called lack of loyalty to Donald Trump. MAGA loyalists in Georgia are rallying in support. Plus, host Lisa Rayam, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson talk, and vent, over parking getting more expensive at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Political Breakfast, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff answers tough questions from Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam. Senator Ossoff, who's running for re-election in 2026, tackles the issues of child immigration, transgender sports and job losses. The Democratic Senator also shares his viewpoint on what he often refers to as the Trump Administration's hold on America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last few years, state lawmakers in Georgia and across the country have filed hundreds of bills focused on the transgender community. Even as Georgia and other Republican-led states have already passed laws dealing with bathrooms, sports, medical treatment and IDs, the bills keep coming. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a look at what's happening in Georgia and how Democrats are responding. Plus, Georgia Republicans' civil litigation overhaul has been signed into law and we look ahead to the 2026 midterms as the field for Senate and Governor races starts to take shape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A federal court in Atlanta is deciding whether or not more than 100 international students, including dozens from Georgia, can return to school in the U.S. Or if they will be detained or deported. Lawyers for the students say they abruptly had their immigration status terminated by President Donald Trump’s administration -- some who voiced pro-Palestinian opinions online or during student protests. The Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long, filling-in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson this week, along with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam, discuss this unfolding story. Plus, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved the naming of a Georgia Tech school after former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast, Georgia State Senator Jason Esteves launched his 2026 gubernatorial campaign. How will he fare among a growing pool of Democrats?Plus, bill signing with Governor Kemp. Tort reform was one of the first to gain his signature. What bills followed?Host Lisa Rayam gets perspective from Republican strategist Brian Robinson and from the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long, who's in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than a decade with the station, Housing Reporter Stephannie Stokes is leaving WABE. Before embarking on new adventures at the end of the month, hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali sit down with the award-winning journalist in this week's episode of "Plugged In" to discuss what she's learned during her time in Atlanta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, the dust has settled from Sine Die: the end of the 2025 Legislative Session. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long and host Lisa Rayam are now eyeing future candidates from Georgia, including in the race for Governor and U.S. Senate in 2026. Will Governor Brian Kemp finally throw his hat in the ring against Democratic incumbent, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff? Will Stacey Abrams once again emerge? Plus, Georgia GOP Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and other Republicans are being accused of insider trading. Greene bought thousands of dollars in stock during Trump's tariff pause. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Georgia General Assembly is over. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss some of the major themes from the 40-day session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Political Breakfast, strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson talk about the growing pool of candidates expressing interest in the Georgia Governor's race. One prominent Democrat, a former Atlanta Mayor, is making her intentions extremely clear. In addition, there are murmurings that more from the GOP are preparing to launch gubernatorial campaigns. Plus, Brian and Tharon talk about a conservative group's very expensive ad campaign targeting Senator Jon Ossoff's for a vote he cast regarding the funding of transgender women playing sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just days after Georgia Legislators said farewell to the 2024-2025 legislative session, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson are pondering over its early and abrupt ending--at least on the Senate's side. What does that mean for a host of bills left in limbo? Plus, Brian and Tharon share with host Lisa Rayam the big wins this session for Republicans; the major feats for Democrats. In addition, they chat about what bills will more than likely cross the finish line the NEXT legislative session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday, April 4, is Sine Die, the deadline for bills to be passed before the end of this year's legislative session in Georgia. Lawmakers have been scrambling this week to get bills through the House and Senate, and as hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss on this week’s episode of "Plugged In," that has led to some tense moments at the Capitol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

STRATEGISTS THARON JOHNSON AND BRIAN ROBINSON JOIN HOST LISA RAYAM FOR ANOTHER LIVE EDITION OF POLITICAL BREAKFAST. THIS CONVERSATION TAKES PLACE ON THE EVE OF SINE DIE. GEORGIA LEGISLATORS ARE AT WORK SHUFFLING NUMEROUS BILLS BEFORE THE FRIDAY DEADLINE. BUT, PRESIDENT TRUMP 'S TARIFF ACTS ARE DOMINATING THE NEWS CYCLE AND THE QUESTION FOR BRIAN AND THARON IS: HOW IS THE TARIFF TALK AFFECTING WORK THAT NEEDS TO TAKE PLACE UNDER THE GOLD DOME?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

STRATEGISTS BRIAN ROBINSON AND THARON JOHNSON ALONG WITH HOST LISA RAYAM, SORT THROUGH TWO DEMOCRATIC BOMBSHELLS: CONGRESSWOMAN LUCY MCBATH PUTS HER EXPLORATORY CAMPAIGN FOR GEORGIA GOVERNOR ON HOLD AND CONGRESSWOMAN NIKEMA WILLIAMS STEPS DOWN AS CHAIR OF THE STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY MOVING FORWARD? HOW ARE GEORGIA REPUBLICAN VIEWING THE CHANGES? PLUS, WHAT'S HAS BRIAN AND THARON'S ATTENTION AS THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION WINDS DOWN.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff soft launched his reelection campaign at a boisterous rally in Atlanta this week. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how Ossoff and other Democrats are trying to channel frustration and fear about President Donald Trump's moves to slash government and punish political enemies. Plus, lawmakers grapple with the fallout from a contentious vote on Governor Brian Kemp's legislative priority, state lawmakers look to force cities and counties to follow immigration laws and Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene questions the chief executives of NPR and PBS as federal funding is on the line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly two years before Election Day 2026, Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff held a rally in Atlanta over the weekend, promising his supporters that, “Georgia will bow to no king.” Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson both tell host Lisa Rayam, this will likely be an expensive and competitive Senate race. But their opinions differ on what kind of impression Ossof's event made. Plus, tort reform is headed to Governor Brian Kemp's desk, after passing both the state House and Senate. That's as the end of the 2025 Legislative Session nears.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's top legislative priority has cleared a major hurdle. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how the effort to curb civil lawsuits narrowly passed in the House. Plus, as this year's legislative session nears its end, lawmakers have been debating possible responses to the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School and the Georgia Supreme Court is weighing whether or not to uphold controversial rules passed by Republicans on the State Election Board last fall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the Political Breakfast team was pleased to be a guest on the campus of Atlanta's Spelman College. Students at the HBCU peppered the auditorium and engaged with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam. The students navigated through the issues facing both the nation and the state of Georgia. The audience of mostly Black women had pertinent questions. Many asked about the issue of President Donald Trump's Administration attacking policies that support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives in the federal workplace, and in public schools and universities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tax dollars supporting gender-affirming surgeries for transgender inmates? In Georgia, it's still a 'tough sell' for the majority of the Democratic electorate in this economy, says Georgia Sen. Elena Parent. The Democrat has been getting some criticism because of her vote, where she stood with Republicans in banning that practice. Parent tells Political Breakfast host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson, that she's defended, and still stands in strong solidarity, with the LGBTQ community during this "treacherous" time in our country. But all agree that the attacks on Parent are worth a larger conversation, on how lawmakers shouldn't cater to extremism on both sides of the political aisle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock went live on social media this week where the Georgia Democrat spent roughly 35 minutes answering questions from voters. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss how Warnock and other Democrats are grappling with the flurry of changes coming from Washington. Plus, President Donald Trump's new Secretary of Agriculture visits Georgia and we check in on Governor Brian Kemp's top legislative priority, which is hitting some speed bumps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We only have a few weeks left in the Georgia legislative session, and one issue dividing Democrats is if tax dollars should be used to fund gender-affirming surgeries, for transgender inmates in Georgia prisons. Georgia Democratic State Senator Elena Parent is getting some criticism because of her vote where she stood with Republicans, in Senate Bill 185. The bill already passed the state Senate. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson break down this divide, and what it's a deeper symptom of in the Democratic Party, with host Lisa Rayam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast, the dust settles now that Georgia lawmakers have officially crossed-over Crossover Day: the sprint for key bills to pass either the state House or Senate.Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam talk about issues that did, or did not get over the hump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia lawmakers were working late on Thursday night as they raced to pass dozens of bills before the end of Crossover Day – a deadline for bills to advance out of at least one chamber of the legislature. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at some of the proposals that did and didn’t make it past this key deadline. Also on this week’s episode, a massive school safety bill advances out of the House, the debate shifts on bills affecting transgender Georgians and a conversation with Health Reporter Jess Mador on the turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Political Breakfast: Georgia reactions to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance berating Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. That has resulted in Trump pausing all military aid to Ukraine. Georgia Democrats are calling it a disgraceful spectacle. Republicans are mostly backing Trump. Ben Burnett of the Ben Burnett Show is filling-in for Republican strategist Brian Robinson. Also joining host Lisa Rayam is Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson. Plus, the gang looks ahead to crossover day on March 6th - or the deadline for bills to pass at least one chamber.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year ago, President Donald Trump was fighting 13 felony counts in Georgia for trying to overturn the 2020 election. At the time, the prosecutor who charged him, Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis, was seen as a rising star. Now Trump is back in the White House, immune from prosecution for the next four years, and Willis has been rebuked by the courts and is fighting to keep the case alive. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali look into the reversal of fortunes for Trump and Willis, who began their second terms in office just a few weeks apart. Plus, Thursday is a big day at the Georgia State Capitol. It's known as Crossover Day, a key deadline for bills to advance out of at least one chamber of the legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast: We recorded another live episode in-front of a studio audience here at WABE, roughly six weeks into Donald Trump's second presidency. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joined host Lisa Rayam to answer questions from some of our loyal listeners. We discuss Trump's first 6 weeks in office and the political impact on Georgia. That includes mass layoffs at Atlanta's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the so-called 'Bromance' between Trump and non-elected billionare Elon Musk. Plus, pushback against Republican representatives at recent town halls. And Trump and Governor Brian Kemp's evolving 'relationship.'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia state lawmakers are now halfway through the 40-day legislative session. Between former President Jimmy Carter's funeral, the presidential inauguration and a snow storm, the session got of to a slow start. But now some big ticket items are on the move. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at some of those bills, including one that would compel local governments to help with immigration enforcement and a school safety package responding to the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School. Plus, we take a look at some lower-profile bills and check in on how President Donald Trump's moves to reshape the federal government are continuing to play out here in Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Political Breakfast, the gang dives into a recent New York Times article about Georgia U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff -- the state's first Jewish Senator -- losing Jewish support. The Times wrote some Democratic donors and Jewish leaders are unhappy with Ossoff's position and criticism of the Israel-Hamas war. A bipartisan group of Jewish leaders even urged Georgia GOP Governor Brian Kemp to run against Ossoff in next year's Senate race. Republican Strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson tell host Lisa Rayam that Ossoff may be in a pretty tight spot. Plus, Atlanta Public Schools literacy rates hit a successful milestone post-COVID. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's first Political Breakfast, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp responds to Donald Trump's administration firing roughly 13-hundred workers at Atlanta's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Employees told NPR they wish to remain anonymous, and reported the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency cut about 10 percent of the workforce. Meanwhile, is Kemp setting the stage to announce a U.S. Senate run next year? Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam discuss all that, plus Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman announcing he will not run for re-election. He recently made the announcement on social media, saying he has to focus his time and effort on serious medical challenges within his family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.