The Ron Show

PLUS: why 'electability' is the determining factor for my decision to vote for Jason Esteves & what happened to "Tulsi: 2020?"Atlanta Journal Constitution columnist Bill Torpy wrote of a recent anti-Muslim AI-generated video state Senator Greg Dolezal shared on social media - not just to pile on with the immense disgust for it (which came not just from Democrats), but also to pinpoint this being the moment former state Senator Nabila Parkes opted to pivot from running for insurance commissioner to joining Senator Josh McLaurin to seek the nomination for lieutenant governor in the Democratic primary instead. That exposed rifts within the party, too, but also left Democrats with one less Senate vote to fend off GOP bills the remainder of the general assembly session. Speaking of in-party division, the routine examination of ideology within the Democratic party has come about again, with yet another study on how likely primary voters are identifying themselves to be, ideologically. Now, bear in mind the poll's being done by the centrist thinktank, Third Way, but let's chew on their findings, nonetheless. Their determination is that the party's electorate is less progressive and more moderate, to which I point out that they also say they're less moderate than liberal, and that it wasn't that long ago folks were afraid to use the "L-word" to describe themselves out of fear of being demonized for it. That was a societal norm in the "Rush Limbaugh" era of discourse, and now we see a lot of that aimed at the word "progressive," too. Read into that what you will, but my hunch is there's a good bit of "progressive" in the "liberal" portion of the base, and it vastly outnumbers self-identified moderates and conservatives. It's that sort of divisiveness within the party - I'd argue made worse by outside forces and a lack of self-awareness within, too, that concerns me heading into a 2026 election cycle where Democrats - if they can unite - stand to gain much. I see way too much social media declarations exhorting an unwillingness to vote for any of the seven Georgia gubernatorial candidates, for example, when each of the seven in the race are vastly superior to Burt Jones or Rick Jackson (apologies to Carr and Raffensperger, neither standing a chance on the right). It's also why I made an example of myself and shared that I've landed at voting for Jason Esteves but won't need to "hold my nose" to vote for whomever the nominee will be after May 19th and the likely run-off. I explain why Esteves is the most electable and why I believe that should matter to primary voters but also reveal that it was RIck Jackson's (way too early) attack mailer aimed at Keisha Lance Bottoms that settled it for me.Speaking of Esteves, he revealed earlier this week that his mother is in the end-of-life chapter, having Alzheimer's and being cared for via home hospice. He also reminded followers the importance of having an advance health directive prepared.His "sandwich generation" status is relatable, and for me, brought up an important reminder that far too many of us in this country don't even have the safety net of not being a fiscal burden for our loved ones; that the economic toll our seniors place on our kids and grandkids is avoidable with more from government invested in "us" and less in wars of choice.Finally, Senator Jon Ossoff's grilling of Tulsi Gabbard was a thing of beauty, but it also triggered my recollection of who Tulsi Gabbard used to be - notably when she sought the Democratic party's nomination for President in 2020. Hear as I take a trip back into time (thanks to her unblemished Youtube page) when Tulsi loathed Donald Trump and our country's insatiable appetite for war.

PLUS: Why is Donald Trump averse to listening to his experts when it comes to Iran?Social Circle city officials closed off and locked the newly-purchased DHS warehouse utility box - meaning "no water for ICE," and no access to sewer services, either. [RELATED: Quinnipiac poll: 64% want path to legal status for most undocumented immigrants] Georgia seems to be primed to move back to using hand-marked paper ballots ... by 2028. All this overhauling over one man who couldn't accept the result of one election and none of the others before, that same day, or since. Insane, but at least they're not racing to upend local and state elections' offices before November. Today I provided another reminder that the "Biden-flation" the right keeps pointing back to while shrugging off "affordability" concerns was sparked by a Trump-negotiated deal with OPEC to throttle back oil production for two years. Speaking of mis-applied credit/blame, conservative pols and pundits are breathlessly trying to blame the partial DHS shutdown on Democrats, impacting air travel throughout the country; but Democrats offered a carve-out to fund TSA and the other parts of DHS not named ICE or CBP .That being said, AFGE union leaders are noting the pain. The notable eight-year gap between Trump 1.0 ignoring his secretary of state - who told Congress Iran was 'fundamentally in compliance' with the JCPOA negotiated by President Obama and Iran - and Trump 2.0 ignoring his director of the National Counterterrorism Center has us where we are now: spending $1 billion a day in a war-like "excursion" with Iran that's also spiking oil and gas prices globally - while simultaenously making us less energy independent in shuttering coastal wind farms for no good reason. Also, while Trump boasts he knew the Strait of Hormuz would be choked off, he apparently never planned for it. If you haven't heard much about the plight of Rodney Taylor, my last two segments today will infuriate you. Arrested about fourteen months ago for a crime he'd been pardoned for more than fifteen YEARS ago, Taylor is set to be deported back to Liberia. He came here at age 2 with a medical visa to help his parents provide for him the opportunity overcome being a double amputee. Oh, the pardon? DHS simply chooses not to recognize it, plus he's a man of color so "off he goes!" While detained, he's literally dragging himself through excrement to get a shower (when he even can) and relying on other prisoners for food the days he can't get to the cafeteria to eat. It's disgusting.

The Rick Jackson v Burt Jones ad wars had been entertaining for those of us outside Burt Jones campaign HQ for a while now, but if we take a moment to study it all further, to note that - according to an email chain obtained by the AJC (I'm guessing Burt Jones' folks provided it) - Jackson baited Burt into taping a complimentary video using a foster children's charity to lure him in last fall, does it not give you what the young people call "the ick?" Meanwhile, stating the obvious, Burt Jones has now publicly said he believes Jackson is the source of all the money being 'Georgians for Integrity' attack ads targeting him. Friend of the show Keith McCants' latest Peanut Politics blog brings up a good point: Before the GOP Tests Keisha Lance Bottoms, Democrats Better Do It FirstHe's not wrong. As I've noted for a week plus now, the race for "second place" is on, as if the Democratic gubernatorial combatants have conceded the former Atlanta mayor will finish in position to be in a potential run-off. Keith's wondering why none of those candidates are taking shots at Bottoms while the current GOP front-runner - Rick Jackson - is.

Nothing like settling into the recliner Sunday evening to be rattled by the reality that the Trump White House should've known - prior to launching warfare on Iran - that the Strait of Hormuz ought to have been war-gamed (it has been, before) for becoming a deadly "choke point." That's what a 13-minute '60 Minutes' segment (yeah, on CBS, still) enlightened its audience to Sunday.Former Biden transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg - on CNN's 'State of the Union' Sunday - calling it "amateur hour." Joining Ron to discuss, CBS News national security advisor Dr. Jeff McCausland (44:30) Oh, and even before 20% of the world' oil supply got choked off, it turns out the late 2025 economic data was revised downward (and it wasn't good before that). So. Much. Winning. Maybe that explains why Trump's trying everything possible to will the economy into the black and of the red, by threatening (and failing, legally) Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. ---The TV flame war between Rick Jackson and Burt Jones is so one-sided it's almost bringing about some ... pity? ... for Burt. Almost. There's Jackson's attacks on Jones, with Jones opting to cast Jackson as a pro-Planned Parenthood businessman. That put Jackson on the defensive before putting out an ad featuring - get this - Burt Jones lauding Jackson just last fall. Oof. Meanwhile, as Ron noted last week, the AJC's Greg Bluestein noted the race for 'runner-up' in the Democratic gubernatorial primary is afoot. After the dust-up at the Stonecrest, Ga., forum between Geoff Duncan and Jason Esteves, the Esteves camp rolled out a Duncan-targeted microsite with a vast array of screen grabs of Duncan's past press clippings and social media posts. It's effective - for those who'll go to it (but how many people will that even be?)

Democratic Congressional candidate Shawn Harris, a retired brigadier general & current cattle rancher, got Ron up early to talk run-off and long term campaign strategy. Good news: he still sounds optimistic.Georgia Recorder columnist Jay Bookman tapped in for a conversatio about the current and future legacy of Governor Brian Kemp. Is his pragmatic Republican style is fading as Georgia's GOP shifts toward MAGA politics ahead of the 2026 races?Nora Benavidez from the Georgia First Amendment Foundation shared her and her organization's concerns about a proposed Georgia bill (SB 481) that could restrict public access to police body-cam footage and other law-enforcement videos. Ron also highlighted an Oscar-nominated documentary backed by Soledad O'Brien that features a security guard protecting an Atlanta abortion clinic, and wrapped with comedian Sterling Thrill for the Friday Funnies.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #SeanHarris #JayBookman #NoraBenavides #SoledadOBrien #SterlingThrill #GeorgiaPolitics #BrianKemp #GA14

A Democratic gubernatorial forum got a little testy Wednesday night in Stonecrest, and Ron has the audio exchange. Each of the seven major candidates - former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former lieutenant governor Geoff Duncan, state senator Jason Estevez, Olu Brown, state Senator Derek Jackson, and former DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond - laid out their visions for Georgia—while Duncan and Estevez traded sharp barbs over voting rights and records. Hear the troubling verbiage Duncan used, the attack Esteves sought to land and Duncan's return volley. Duncan, looking to capitalize on recent and prominent Black endorsements, is due to have a fireside chat with the Georgia Men for Democracy Now PAC at The Gathering Spot.Later in the show, Cam Ashling, a Democrat running for Secretary of State, joins Ron to talk about election security, voter protection, and her plan to create more Georgia businesses while fixing the state's licensing system. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #KeishaLanceBottoms #JeffDuncan #JasonEstevez #OluBrown #MichaelThurmond #DerekJackson #CamAisling #GeorgiaPolitics

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Olu Brown joined the show to tackle Ron's queries on viability and the scant polling that doesn't have him on their radar. He spoke of his grassroots activism translating to his campaign while championing voting rights, education reform, healthcare expansion, and how he plans to tackle housing and transportation challenges across the state.Later, Jack Zibluk, a Democratic candidate in Georgia's State Senate District 53 race, discussed his runoff campaign and the strategy to boost turnout in northwest Georgia. Ron also took a closer look at the special election in Georgia's 14th Congressional District and what they mean for Shawn Harris' short-and-long term viability. Later, Ron reviewed Senate subcommittee testimony from David J. Bier of the CATO Institute, who confirmed - much to Senator Lindsey Graham's chagrin - that immigrants - including the undocumented - have lessened the federal debt by more than $14 trillion in the last three decades. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #OluBrown #Zibluk #GeorgiaPolitics #GA14 #ShawnHarris #ClayFuller #GeorgiaElections #GeorgiaGovernor

It seems forever ago we were all gripped by the "Fulton County v Donald Trump" summer court drama, but since Trump & his co-conspirators slipped out of DA Fani Willis' grip (and that of Jack Smith, too), it seems surreal to think that her office - and in essence the taxpayers of Fulton County - may be on the hook for the Trump defense team's $17 million legal tab, right?Whelp; here we are. Naturally her office can't possibly absorb that cost without it shuttering the office altogether, so at the very least, superior court judge Scott MacAfee threw her a lifeline - allowing the county to join in taking on the matter. On to discuss with me is CBS News' legal analyst Thane Rosenbaum. Then, the 2026 gubernatorial TV ads are getting nasty, with Rick Jackson going predictably anti-immigrant, Burt Jones trying (and mostly failing) to tie Jackson to Planned Parenthood and then there's Democrat Jason Esteves putting his chips on the table with a TV ad checking off a lot of the necessary boxes for him to be seen as viable by more than 4-5% of those polled. Finally, how on earth did the Atlanta Hawks' planned "Magic City" promotional night ever make it past a pitch meeting in the first place? The NBA put the brakes on the - ahem - "cultural" theme, and I just have to wonder why the league didn't have a system in place where they'd have to sign off on stuff like this anyway.

Ron launched into an important week, politically, in Georgia with Melita Easters, executive director of Georgia WIN List, who shared new data showing a record number of women running for office and Democrats competing in most legislative seats this cycle. They also discussed gerrymandering, crossover day at the Georgia legislature, election policy debates, and what - if anything - to make of sparse polling on the gubernatorial race. RELATED: Trump White House reportedly blocking intelligence report warning of homeland security threats in midst of Iran warCase Norton, a union camera technician and congressional candidate in Georgia's 7th District, joined Ron to explain why he's running. Norton talked about the slowdown in Georgia's film industry, losing health insurance during slowdowns, and why working-class representation and healthcare reform are central to his campaign.Lastly, Ron reviewed a couple of notable op/eds: in them we have a conservative Ohio pundit whose views on immigration have made a complete 180 and a NYT conservative scribe who sees the lack of Christianity in today's GOP leadership as James Talarico provides insight into what an outspoken Christian serving constituents while remaining aligned with his values can look like from the left.Pedro Gonzalez: JD Vance's lies made me change my stance on immigrationDavid French: James Talarico Is a Christian X-RayTune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #MelitaEasters #CaseNorton #GeorgiaPolitics #GeorgiaElections #GeorgiaWINList #GA07 #WomenInPolitics #RonRoberts

The last few days saw a shakeup of sorts, notably with state Senator Elena Parent announces she won't seek reelection, Rep. Saira Draper - who wasn't running for re-election - stepping up to qualify to run for that Senate seat, Nabilah Islam-Parkes pivoting from running for state insurance commissioner to challenging Senator Josh McLaurin in the party's primary.States Newsroom / Georgia Recorder eporter Kelcie Mosley-Morris joined to explain how federal anti-poverty (TANF) funds are being redirected to crisis pregnancy centers. Then Heather Hallett, founder of Georgia Majority for Gun Safety, discusses the Colin Gray verdict following the Apalachee High School shooting and the push for stronger gun storage laws.CBS News correspondent Willie James Inman breaks down the dramatic removal of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and what it could mean for immigration policy. Then, comedian Sterling Thrill joined Ron for the Friday Funnies as they react to the week's political chaos. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #ElenaParent #KelseyMosleyMorris #HeatherHallett #WillieJamesInman #SterlingThrill #GeorgiaPolitics #KristiNoem #GunSafety

On the day President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to announce he's replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following controversy over a costly DHS advertising campaign, Ron revisits one of the final "dress downs" Noem got - at hand of Georgia Rep. Lucy McBath. The detention of Atlanta-based quadriplegic barber Rodney Taylor drew McBath's ire, and rightfully so. Ron caught up with comedian Steve Hofstetter ahead of his show at Helium Comedy Club in Alpharetta. Together they discussed Steve's viral video criticizing a Kansas law targeting transgender driver's licenses, how politics influences his comedy, and what it's like hitting the road again just weeks after becoming a father. Back on news of the day, an aspirational Republican state legislator is trying hard to push a year-old bill to inflict punitive damage on cities and counties that don't handle homeless ness in their midst to the satisfaction of property owners. of course it does nothing to actually solve homelessness and actually makes that task more difficult by stripping financial resources. Democratic lawmakers lined up to say just that. Lastly, the Texas Senate primary race may be over, but the after-effects could be something for Democrats to have to overcome in order to win that seat in November. So what cost Rep. Jasmine Crockett - racism & misogyny or self-inflicted wounds?Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #SteveHofstetter #LucyMcBath #KristiNoem #RodneyTaylor #ImmigrationPolicy #TransRights #PoliticalComedy #GeorgiaPolitics

A Georgia jury delivered a historic verdict in the Apalachee High School shooting case, finding Colin Gray guilty on 27 charges after prosecutors argued he ignored repeated warnings about his son's mental health and gave him access to the gun used in the attack. Ron and WABE criminal justice reporter Chamian Cruz, who spent hours in that courtroom, dug into what the conviction could mean for parental responsibility and future gun cases.RELATED: Professor & psychiatrist penned op/ed for AJC focusing on parental shortcomings and missed warnings that let Colt Gray down, too- - - State Senator Greg Dolezal released a controversial AI video that critics say spreads anti-Muslim rhetoric. It's par for the course with Dolezal, eager to get Trump's attention (and endorsement) by racing to the bottom, of late. Meanwhile U.S. Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock traveled to Social Circle to oppose a proposed ICE detention facility, even in a community that overwhelmingly voted against him.The actions of Dolezal and Warnock, Ron surmised, shows precisely what each party offers voters in this current political climate. One offers performative marginalization and demonization to pander to its base's lowest basal instincts while the other sees its elected leaders showing up where they weren't as popular on their election day. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #ShemaineCruz #RaphaelWarnock #GregDolezal #GeorgiaPolitics #AppalacheeHighSchool #GunResponsibility #SchoolShootingTrial #SocialCircleGA

PLUS: Ossoff, slew of GA Democrats qualify. Meet the young candidate running for HD 4 and what impact will this session have on housing affordability, availability and advocacy for the unhoused? A couple notable bills are picking up steam under the Gold Dome; both a bit concerning. GA Senate Republicans want to return to hand-marked paper ballots (fine), but also to eliminate early in-person voting (why?). Also, now there's a push to limit transit referendums to once every eight years, particularly troubling in metro Atlanta when the region's already vastly underserved by mass transit and the state DOT is woefully behind on meeting vehicular needs. Sen. Jon Ossoff joined a long line of Democrats in Atlanta Monday to qualify for their 2026 races and greeted supporters afterwards with a somber-toned statement weaving the Iran conflict with affordability - both of which are top-of-mind with voters this cycle now.Ron was joined by Natalie Keiser, Executive Director of HouseATL, who explained how housing affordability, homelessness policy, and state legislation are shaping (or mis-shaping) Atlanta's housing crisis. Then, meet the candidate Ron openly called for weeks ago: Quentin Postell, an under-30 candidate running for Georgia House District 4. Quentin explained why he entered the race and shared his concerns about “forever chemicals” linked to water contamination in Dalton and Whitfield County.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #JonOssoff #NatalieKaiser #QuentinPostel #GeorgiaPolitics #PFAS #AtlantaHousing #GeorgiaLegislature #GeorgiaNews

It's qualifying week at the Georgia Capitol, and Ron caught up with Dr. Everton Blair, the former Gwinnett school board chair now challenging Congressman David Scott in the Democratic primary. Blair explained why he's running - particularly against an incumbent Democrat, called for new leadership in the 13th District, and weighs in on affordability, transportation, LGBTQ representation, and U.S. strikes on Iran.Then, Ron caught up with CBS News legal analyst Thane Rosenbaum for a break down on the high-stakes Georgia trial of the Apalachee High School father of accused school shooter Colt Gray — and whether criminal negligence applies.In hour two, CBS congressional correspondent Taurean Small joined to explain Congress' response options in the aftermath of the President's military action in Iran before Ron showcases the many MAGA voices not on board.Lastly, once again decades of empirical data shows that anti-immigrant deficit hawks let the xenophobia win out over their fiscal conservatism because immigrants help to reduce the annual deficit. Oops. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #EvertonBlair #DanRosenbaum #TaureanSmall #DavidScott #IranWar #MTG #GeorgiaPolitics #SchoolShootingTrial

Just days after realizing her gubernatorial campaign had no viable path forward and little more than 36 hours after announcing so, Georgia state representative Ruwa Romman granted The Ron Show her first extended on-air interview. In it, she doesn't hold back with her concerns about the viability of the remaining candidates to win in November and asserted she wouldn't support former GOP Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan were he to become the nominee. In the conversation, you'll hear - in her own words - how things came apart for her volunteer-heavy movement despite another campaign's internal polling showing she was the lone candidate making any positive gains. In the second half of the show, our weekly check-in with comedian and political satirist Sterling Thrill in New York City for a work project and stints at Laughing Buddha in Manhattan, plus Ron reviews the ad spending to date and to come and how Rick Jackson is not only outspending Burt Jones but is also the only combatant to pause Jones' "leadership committee" spending advantage through court action. Finally, Jay Bookman's most recent Georgia Recorder op/ed covers the bullying of Georgia towns by DHS/ICE and their disregard for impacts their massive, planned detention facilities will have on locals and their municipal governments. Oh, and while on the subject of mass deportation, Oklahoma's governor let slip the long-known, rarely spoken duality of GOP public xenophobia vs donor/employers' need for that sweet, sweet cheap illegally obtained labor. Oops.

PLUS: Rep. Ruwa Romman suspends her Georgia gubernatorial campaign; what are the implications?Ron sought the aid of Chitra Ragavan, executive advisor and leadership coach to CEOs, founders, and C-suite leaders operating in high-stakes environments, to dissect the many layers in the Trump / US Men's Hockey Team call. Ragavan is founder of the Positive Instigation Coaching Program, which she created to equip leaders to communicate with precision, exercise judgment under pressure, and lead with moral clarity when every word carries consequence.In their discussion, Chitra and Ron unpacked what many called a moment of “casual misogyny.” Were the players in an impossible situation? That's been Ron's premise all along; does Ragavan concur?In the second of the show ... ... Georgia State Rep. Ruwa Román suspended her campaign, pivoting to a state Senate run. Ron analyzed what it means for the Democratic field after feting Rep. Romman and her immense volunteer army and campaign staff.Because this is a Trump presidency, otherwise damning DOJ mishandling of FBI testimony tying Trump to an Epstein victim is 'curiously' missing and that's somehow not front page news. Then, there's (Hillary) Clinton / Epstein dramatics (and clownish antics from Rep. Lauren Boebert) plus a new anti-trans Kansas law that strips that state's trans residents of their dignity on their driver's licenses, and don't think Georgia's bigoted legislators won't purse something similar. "Bigot see, bigot do."Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #ChitraRaghavan #WinterOlympics #Trump #CasualMisogyny #RuwaRoman #GeorgiaPolitics #JeffDuncan #EpsteinFiles

PLUS: GA Sen. Dolezal plays 'lie by omission' game on voter registration laws & finally someone notices renters are getting screwed in tax cut conversations under the Gold Dome.After Trumps' 'State of the Union' marathon, Ron caught up with Atlanta-based political consultant Andrew Heaton to talk about the many false economic claims, Donald's push to replace income taxes with 'consumption tax' tariffs, and why Democrats may be missing opportunities to challenge the bigger issues — including ICE enforcement and the Epstein files.They also discuss whether Democrats should change their strategy when it comes to responding to Trump's speeches. Perhaps by pre-butting instead of rebutting. Andrew and Ron also dive into the Georgia gubernatorial race now with Rick Jackson's entry on the Republican side changing the dynamic for Burt Jones; he may need to be on the minds of Democratic voters when deciding who their nominee will be. In the second half of the show, CNN's Daniel Dale fact-checks the 'State of the Union,' to which I add where the affordability crisis can actually be traced back to a former President whose initials are DJT, with ramifications right up to the peak of post-pandemic inflation. Also, a notable Home Depot earnings report provides insights into the Trump-era housing slump, two Democrats step up to run for state Supreme Court seats, and finally someone's noticing that all these discussions in the state legislature to lower income and/or property taxes not only leaves renters out, but actually puts more of the tax burden on them to make up the funding gap.Lastly, Ron offers a warning to liberals and progressives doing that performative outrage thing and ensnaring the men's hockey team in their web of disdain. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #AndrewHeaton #StateOfTheUnion #TrumpSpeech #RickJackson #BurtJones #KeishaLanceBottoms #GeorgiaPolitics #EpsteinFiles

Hilarious is the controversy surrounding Gavin Newsom's Atlanta book tour stop with Mayor Andre Dickens; it was conservatives accusing him of making a veiled racist dig in a comment on relatability (via his marginal SAT score) with an audience MAGA assumed "Atlanta + black mayor hosting = must be a black audience" (their own shortsighted stereotyping). Turns out the audience was mostly white - oh and Gavin was speaking of his overcoming dyslexia. Mayor Dickens defended & clarified thusly.Not dissimilarly, comedian Ben Palmer set up an elaborate prank ICE hotline and snared many a moron, including a kindergarten teacher attempting to have one of her student's parents deported. A Washington Post story detailed the set up and shared social media reaction & commentary from sociologists & political communications experts to show what it revealed for those caught in the trap.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#GavinNewsom #AndreDickens #BenPalmer #ImmigrationDebate #ICE #Dyslexia #AtlantaPolitics #HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #GeorgiaNews

Keisha Lance Bottoms joined Ron for a look back at her mayoral era in Atlanta and to make her sales pitch to skeptical Georgia voters ahead of the gubernatorial election in November.Speaking on the race, a curious endorsement bubbled up, last week, drawing notable scrutiny among many black Georgia voters. Trump got whacked by the Supreme Court Friday, but justices may have actually been trying to bail out his floundering economy. Is the president too narcissistic to take the win? If so, more economic malaise is likely to come.California Governor Gavin Newsom was in Atlanta over the weekend, for a Bottoms' fundraiser and a conversation with Mayor Andre Dickens on his book tour; a "960 SAT score" statement was fodder for criticism by some on the right, but didn't seem to phase those in attendance - or anyone who heard the entire exchange. Georgia Rep. Marvin Lim capped the cast to share his own immigrant voter struggles . He and fellow Democrats are floating legislation to allow Georgia municipalities to embrace sanctuary policies. Lim also spoke on the work he does representing a diverse district, along with penning bipartisan legislation to protect medically challenged utility customers burdened with shutoffs.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#KeishaLanceBottoms #MarvinLIm #GeorgiaGovernor #ImmigrationPolicy #CopCity #GeorgiaPolitics #TrumpTariffs #HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow

Ron caught up with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike Thurmond for a conversation encompassing the state of the seven-candidate race, what led him to decide to come back into the political arena after term-limiting out as Dekalb CEO, how his role in the "Cop City" squabble might relate to his governing Georgia in Trump's last two years and more. In hour two, Democratic congressional candidate Shawn Harris checked in to discuss Trump's visit to Georgia's 14th District, tariffs, affordability concerns, and whether Democrats in Washington have shown enough backbone.Plus, it's Friday, so it's always good to hear from Sterling Thrill. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#MikeThurmond #SeanHarris #GeorgiaGovernor #GA14 #ImmigrationPolicy #CopCity #GeorgiaPolitics #TrumpTariffs #HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow

PLUS: How'd an innocuous Social Circle warehouse somehow improve in value by $100 million in just two years for DHS to have paid that much more for it? Prior to his visit to Rome, GA, today, Donald Trump thought it fitting to take swipes at Atlanta over his perception of the city's crime woes (his Mar A Lago hometown with a higher crime rate per capita, mind you ...) but the day actually isn't about him; not here. Instead, Ron discussed someone who didn't shirk military duty; someone who actively sought it out despite not even being an American citizen.The deportation of Godfrey Wade, a U.S. Army veteran and longtime Georgia resident sent to Jamaica after missing a court date he says he was never notified about, was the focus of much of today's show, with his attorney Tony Kozycki at Kozycki Law joining Ron. Hear why Wade missed his court date (not his fault) but also hear how this military veteran / permanent resident was blithely vilified by one DHS official - Tricia McLaughlin - who's now resigning. She similarly smeared Renee Good and Alex Pretti, too, though, so a skunk never loses her stripes. Good riddance.Oh, and it's curious - is it not - in this "DOGE-y" era, that DHS spent $128.5 million on a warehouse previously purchased for $29 million just two-ish years ago. Hard to imagine there were upgrades and/or increases in value that come to a tidy $100 million profit for the LLC that snapped it up back in December of 2021. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #GodfreyWade #TonyKaczynski #ImmigrationReform #GeorgiaPolitics #ICE #DueProcess #AtlantaNews #DHS

PLUS: more on the deadly ICE chase in Chatham & how one conspiracy theorist & his debunked claims seem central to the Fulton / FBI raid Ron caught up with Wendy Davis, former Rome city commissioner, Congressional candidate and co-host of Kudzu Vine, for a straightforward look at polling throughout the country in red districts, why Democrats feel more confident about Sen. Jon Ossoff's 2026 race, and how affordability and tariffs are still hitting voters - and are likely about to get worse. Ron and Wendy break down the messy special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene and discuss the crowded GOP field, Trump's endorsement drama, and Shawn Harris' strategy as he tries to compete for votes outside the Democratic party while keeping Democrats in his camp. There's more to learn (and discuss) in the aftermath of an ICE-induced high-speed chase where a Savannah school teacher was killed by a fleeing immigrant. A controversy once thought to be just happening in sanctuary cities like Minneapolis is at the heart of this tragedy: poor (if any) communication between DHS/ICE and local law enforcement. Also, Ron caught up with ProPublica investigative reporter Doug Bock Carter, who uncovered the source for much of the flimsy rationale behind an affidavit that led to the FBI raiding the Fulton Elections facility for 2020 ballots. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #WendyDavis #KudzuVine #JonOssoff #SeanHarris #MarjorieTaylorGreene #DonaldTrump #JamesTalarico #JasmineCrockett

Lo and behold, bipartisan voices are urging Trump-led conspiracy theorists to "move on." Both former Governor Roy Barnes (D) and former Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) took to the AJC's Politically Georgia podcast to rail against relitigating the 2020 election, especially after the FBI's seizure of Fulton County ballots. Ron followed that up, conversing with election data consultant Michael Handelman of Civic Forge Solutions , whose AJC op/ed touched on conspiracy claims being weaponed by sheer complexity — and why Georgia taxpayers keep footing the bill.Ron also discussed the tragic death of a Savannah teacher during an ICE pursuit, raising tough questions about enforcement tactics and public safety. Dr. Amy Sharma of Science for Georgia joined to discuss bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting ratepayers from Georgia Power's data center expansion costs.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #RoyBarnes #SaxbyChambliss #MichaelHandelman #AmySharma #GeorgiaElections #FultonCounty #ICE #GeorgiaPolitics

Hey it's Ron; earlier in the week I'd highlighted some sound legislative offerings from Republican women in the Georgia general assembly that I hoped Democrats would join in on and push across the finish line. There's another, giving pharmacists the ability to prescribe HIV prevention medication, again, penned by a Republican. This is encouraging to see. What's discouraging, of course, is that the same Georgia GOP saw fit earlier in the week to "poison-pill" a bill both parties were enthusiastic about - HB 54 - by adding anti-trans language into it. To discuss some of that refreshing (and rare) bipartisanship - but also the more troubling legislation making its way through this session, is Dr. Michelle Au, representative for Georgia's 50th House District, and host of the new podcast "Georgia Diagnosis."Rev. Senator Raphael Warnock added an amendment to DHS funding in an attempt end DHS/ICE purchasing warehouses in Oakwood and Social Circle, GA, two small communities sure to be overwhelmed by facilities their infrastructure cannot handle; the kind of treatment op/ed writer Patricia Murphy called 'unconscionable.' Then I got my mental wellness break with comedian / political satirist Sterling Thrill. Between 'Bad Bunny' triggering Megyn Kelly & Pam Bondi going full "Karen" with her flash cards, we had plenty to chuckle about - and did. Lastly, an op/ed I saw from Mariah Parker & Dominique Grant at Fair Play ATL reminded us all that Atlanta's Olympic legacy isn't just tarnished by a bombing, but a lack of positive impact - and its negative impacts on housing affordability. It's their push to insist that Atlanta hosting eight FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 invests its windfall in positive change and a lack of ICE in the city's streets.

PLUS: a SE Georgia community wants nowhere near a nickel refinery, McBath brilliantly plays Pam Bondi & GA Repub infighting ratchets upIn Northwest Georgia, Republican Rep. Kasey Carpenter is reviving legislation that would shield carpet manufacturers from PFAS “forever chemical” lawsuits, even though investigations have found contamination in local water and communities. Democratic Congressional candidate Shawn Harris has the preferable messaging, but he's not running against Carpenter; so where is the Georgia HD 4 candidate who will, Ron wonders. Meanwhile, Richmond Hill residents are fighting a proposed nickel refinery near schools and wetlands, drawing painful parallels to the 2024 Conyers chemical fire. Hear Ron catch up with a friend who moved, with her husband and daughter, from Conyers fresh off a 2024 environmental disaster, who'd like to avoid having moved to the potential for another. Plus, the Georgia GOP governor's race takes a dramatic turn as new polling shakes up the field, and Ron highlights how the RNC is looking to let Donald Trump decide who should be Georgia Republicans' nominee instead of voters. Then, of course, there's more legal infighting about fundraising, because, of course Repubs who champaign unfettered money in politics can also hate the unfairness of money in politics.Lost in all the Pam Bondi noise was this brilliant, powerful exchange between Rep. Lucy McBath and Attorney General Pam Bondi during a heated House hearing. That said, it's hard not to enjoy / revisit the popcorn-snacking exchanges that has even conservative pundit Erick Erickson calling for Bondi's ouster. AJC contributor Jamie Dupree sums up the fruitlessness of the GOP's clamoring over the SAVE Act as Ron notes the deep flaws that'll even impact MAGA voters. Lastly, between Bondi's antics and the reaction to 'Bad Bunny' by Megyn Kelly, it has to be pointed out that it's notable what MAGA conservative get worked up about and what they don't. Florida-based minister Joe Smith wrote in his Substack about the dichotomy, and there's something for misguided MAGAs (and sometimes even outraged liberals) to do some soul-searching over.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #CaseyCarpenter #LucyMcBath #PamBondi #RickJackson #BurtJones #PFAS #NickelRefinery #GeorgiaPolitics

PLUS: GA GOP can't handle 'affordability,' so it resorts back to 'anti-trans' measures & the fuss over PFAS in NW GeorgiaThe unsealing of an affidavit that was the basis for the FBI raid of Fulton County's 2020 ballots is raising fresh questions, along with derision from legal experts.. Ron spoke with State Rep. Saira Draper (HD 90) to allow for a Democratic party response, Draper calling the move politically motivated and warning about chain-of-custody issues and renewed efforts to undermine trust in Georgia's elections. The conversation also touches on the SAVE Act, voter ID debates, and the push to revisit hand-marked paper ballots.Ron also covered Senate Republicans adding anti-trans amendments to a bipartisan health care bill. Georgia Equality's Jeff Graham connected with Ron to explain why advocates say the move targets transgender Georgians and jeopardizes broader health reforms that had broad bipartisan support before the 'poison pill' amendments were added.Then, Democratic Congressional candidate Shawn Harris has been ringing alarm bells since last summer, and a year-long effort between the AJC, Associated Press, AL.com and PBS/Frontline chronicled the carpet industry's use of PFAS ("forever chemicals") in stain resistance while poisoning northwest Georgia water supplies. So of course, Georgia Republicans are racing to sneak a once-dead bill back into relevancy to protest carpet makers from litigation, right? Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #SyraDraper #JeffGraham #GeorgiaEquality #FultonCounty #GeorgiaPolitics #ElectionIntegrity #TransRights #SAVEAct

Comedian - "liberal redneck" - Trae Crowder is coming to Atlanta later this month for four nights of side-splitting laughs, so he spent some time jawing with Ron about the current state of politics, of course, but also provide a little background on his rise to fame, how he and his wife have managed to raise their sons to be less "redneck," and most importantly, the proper pronunciation of Trae's Tennessee hometown - because in the south, it's never as it would seem. Trae explains how growing up in the rural South shaped his comedy and his political voice, and why changing minds isn't always the goal.CBS News justice correspondent Jacob Rosen joined Ron to break down the newly unsealed affidavit behind the FBI's seizure of hundreds of 2020 election ballots from Fulton County—and why legal experts are raising serious questions.Ron took a quick peak into Georgia political fundraising hauls for the state's top two offices, quickly, too, and chronicled another small Georgia town about to be overwhelmed by an uninvited and unwanted ICE detention facility.To cap a thorough show, Ron caught up with famed OB/GYN and radio show and podcast host Dr. Kristin Lyerly, new Georgia NOW (Wednesday nights at 6pm). The two discuss health care, reproductive rights and her recent auto accident bringing her first-hand experience with health insurance shortcomings. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #TreyCrowder #JakeRosen #CBSNews #GeorgiaPolitics #FultonCounty #ElectionIntegrity #Trump #GeorgiaNOW

Our scheduled conversation with former Dekalb CEO Mike Thurmond got postponed at the last minute, so it was a mad scramble for show fodder today, but ... not too shabby: Ron caught up with with his "amigo," radio consultant Jose Flores to discuss the Bad Bunny-centered Super Bowl halftime show to hear why the performance resonated with Latin Americans near and far. Not enough "culture war?" Now US Olympic athletes have to be careful not to trigger an avalanche of MAGA "snowflakes" with words of concern.Democratic organizer Seth Taylor shared a firsthand experience witnessing the political shift among longtime MAGA voters facing rising costs and economic uncertainties. Ron offered his "win," too - convincing an under-40 white Nevada male friend to register and vote to alter the course of the country. CBS News congressional correspondent Nicole Killian explains the fight over ICE and DHS funding and why it was carved out of a deal to avoid a government shutdown.The focus then shifts to Georgia, where Senator Jon Ossoff drew sharp contrasts at a College Park rally while, in Social Circle, residents push back against plans for a large ICE detention facility promising to strain that city's resources. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #BadBunny #ICE #JonOssoff #NicoleKillian #SethTaylor #GeorgiaPolitics #ImmigrationDebate #SocialCircle

A Truth Social post shared by Donald Trump ignites a rare wave of Republican backlash. From Eric Erickson to Senator Tim Scott, the fallout raises new questions about accountability inside the White House.It's Friday, so of course, Ron caught up with close friend, comedian and political satirist Sterling Thrill to lighten up this mood a bit. They cover the racist Truth post, Nancy Mace's hooch & weed issues, dueling halftime shows and more.The conversation then shifts closer to home, as Georgia lawmakers weigh legislation that could weaken local control over water quality just as development pressures grow along the Chattahoochee River. Ron is joined by Jason Ulseth, the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, who explains what's at stake.The show also tackles ICE detention plans in Georgia and the politics driving them, but the simple math and logistics shooing them away (still).Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #SterlingThrill #JasonOlseth #GeorgiaPolitics #TrumpNews #TruthSocial #WaterQuality #ICE #GAPolitics

How does the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro tie in with Tulsi Gabbard being in Fulton County last week to oversee the FBI raiding 700 boxes of 2020 ballots?Is this about concocting a narrative that Maduro - who couldn't keep himself safe from extrication in his own country - altered the outcome of the 2020 election swing states like Georgia?Sounds far-fetched, right? Then, the shifting rationale for Tulsi's presence went from (Trump) "I don't know" to (also Trump) "Pam Bondi sent her." and theorizing Gabbard's role. Warnings from voting-rights attorney Marc Elias about Trump's "plan B" after failing at gerrymandering, which include political prosecutions, dry-running at ballot-seizures and more. Ron then shifts to breaking Georgia political news, including Fulton County's lawsuit demanding the ballots be returned, Rep. Barry Loudermilk's decision not to seek reelection, and a dramatic shake-up in the GOP governor's race fueled by big money, anonymous attack ads, and party infighting.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #TulsiGabbard #PamBondi #MarcElias #FultonCounty #GeorgiaPolitics #ElectionIntegrity #GOPPrimary

As Atlanta prepares for the World Cup, fears are growing over a larger ICE presence and what it could mean for residents, visitors, and voter confidence. Ron digs into the data behind ICE arrests in Georgia, sharp words from federal officials, and pushback from local leaders, including Rep. Nikema Williams and Mayor Andre Dickens.Donnell Suggs, editor-in-chief of The Atlanta Voice, joins the show to explain how Black Atlantans are reading the moment, why protests here may look different than in Minneapolis, and how local media is stepping up as major newsrooms shrink.The conversation also turns to Georgia's crowded 2026 governor's race, voter engagement in the Black community, and how immigration, civil rights, and politics are colliding just as the world's eyes turn to Atlanta. CBS News' national environmental correspondent David Shechter joined to discuss new research that show what we all know - American climate (like the world's) is getting hotter, and faster. It's impacting New England (comfortable summers) and the Rocky Mountain states' (ski season snow) tourist draws.Finally, a curious late entry into the Georgia gubernatorial race comes with a tone of (his own) money; which campaign (if any) does his entry impact, and impact most? Ron's theory is it might actually impact a Democrat as much or more.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #DonnellSuggs #AtlantaVoice #ICE #AtlantaPolitics #WorldCup2026 #GeorgiaElections #ImmigrationPolicy #LocalJournalism

Atlanta journalist George Chidi of The Atlanta Objective joined the show to analyze the arrest of Don Lemon during a protest at a Minneapolis church, raising serious questions about press freedom, selective enforcement, and the growing risks journalists face while doing their jobs. Chidi also explained why he and many journalists are taking new steps to protect their sources amid federal raids and political pressure.Later, Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts reacted to the FBI's seizure of hundreds of boxes of 2020 election records, pushing back on reports of an imminent lawsuit and warning that the move could be about future elections, not the past. Meanwhile, the Georgia Gang pundits weighed in, with one - Cathy Woolard - being a former Fulton County Elections Board member with some insight vs the "grasping at nothing" rhetoric of Phil Kent.Finally, Ron addressed how we ought to react to "ex-MAGA" types like comedian / podcaster Andrew Schultz or the "mom" depicted in a recent Saturday Night Live sketch who was ready to come clean to her kids about finally realizing she'd been duped all this time. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #GeorgeChidi #RobbPitts #DonLemon #PressFreedom #GeorgiaPolitics #FultonCounty #ElectionIntegrity

Ron starts his Friday with a full first hour (45 minutes for you) with his pal, comedian and satirist Sterling Thrill to off-ramp from a grueling weekend of headlines. Did they find some "funny" from it all? Second half of the show is loaded, though. CBS News' Washington correspondent Wendy Gillette hopped on a call to offer the latest on a handful of headlines, from the Epstein Files release (more on that in a few), the FBI raid at Fulton County's elections office, which raises this question: why was the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard there? Then, Georgia State Senate candidate LeMario Brown joins Ron to discuss the local political fallout and what voters are feeling on the ground.Oh, and yeah, the massive Epstein files Friday dump; why were these files clawed back? The Meidas Touch folks are actually finding quite a bit.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #FultonCounty #GeorgiaElections #FBIRaid #ElectionIntegrity #WendyGillette #SterlingThrill #LaMarioBrown #GeorgiaPolitics

Plus, a former police instructore & Marine takes aim at Congress & MARTA looks to show off in 2026A day after an FBI raid on Fulton County's elections office, Ron spoke with State Sen. Josh McLaurin, who explained the legal implications of federal agents seizing 2020 election records and why the move raises alarms for Georgia voters. Fulton County leaders Robb Pitts, Mo Ivory, and Marvin Arrington Jr. respond forcefully, calling the raid a political scare tactic designed to undermine confidence in the voting process.Producer Brendan Rivers reported on the Trump administration's effort to roll back key climate protections. Environmental Defense Fund's Peter Zalzal joined Ron to explain how those changes could lead to higher costs, health risks, and job losses.Additional conversations cover policing, immigration enforcement, and accountability with congressional candidate Defonsio Daniels, plus a look at major MARTA upgrades planned for 2026 with Stephany Fisher.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #JoshMcLaurin #RobbPitts #MoIvory #MarvinArringtonJr #PeterZalzal #DefonsioDaniels #GeorgiaPolitics #FultonCounty #MARTA #Climate #EDF

Plus, insights into authoritarianism from Nora Borcea PullenThe Fulton County Elections office has been raided by the FBI. Marilyn Marks, executive director of the Coalition for Good Governance, joins Ron to distill the why and discuss what's to come.Then, Romanian-born American Nora Borcea Pullen, president of Fayette Democratic Women and a columnist for The Citizen, shares her childhood memories of living under authoritarian rule, how the re-election of President Donald Trump and the events that followed have affected her, and how she's trying to stay grounded and hopeful for the future.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #MarilynMarks #CoalitionForGoodGovernance #NoraBorchapulin #GeorgiaPolitics #ElectionIntegrity #FultonCounty #Democracy

Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock are moving to block funding for ICE and DHS, even if it risks a government shutdown. New polling shows public support for ICE sinking fast as the White House reshuffles leadership.Immigration attorney and Texas House candidate Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch explains what the data actually shows about migrants and crime, while CNN analyst Harry Enten lays out the political fallout of Noem-led ICE tactics in cities like Chicago, Portland and, mortally in Minneapolis.Ron's guest at 21:00 is former Republican lieutenant governor now "proud Democrat" Geoff Duncan - candidate for governor. They discuss enthusiasm gaps, abortion rights and Duncan's regrets on the state's six-week abortion ban ushered in while he presided over the state Senate when it was passed and signed into law. Ron also got Geoff on the record on respecting trans rights LGBTQ protections, and Geoff made the case for why he believes he's uniquely most qualified to deliver the office to Democrats in November. Before he wins the state, though, he has to win over a majority of the party. Does he make a solid case, yet? Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #JeffDuncan #JonOssoff #RaphaelWarnock #KateLincolnGoldfinch #HarryEnten #GeorgiaPolitics #ICE #Immigration

A deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis sets off a sobering conversation about the direction of the nation. Ron speaks with Mark Becker, Wisconsin radio host at The Rational Revolution. Becker, also a childhood friend of Alex Pretti, providing some background on who Pretti was, from childhood til death, and speaks to his transformation from conservative to moderate Democrat. Next comes Ron's sobering conversation with Steven Cash, executive director of The Steady State, a group of former intelligence and defense officials warning about rising authoritarianism and weakened democratic guardrails.Later, immigration attorney and Texas House candidate Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch joins Ron to explain how ICE enforcement, sanctuary city debates, and administrative warrants are affecting public safety, immigrants, and local law enforcement across the country.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #MarkBecker #StephenCash #TheSteadyState #KateLincolnGoldfinch #ImmigrationPolicy #Democracy #ICE #GeorgiaNOW

PLUS: Sterling Thrill's Friday check-in & Matt Rinker pivots from an ATL campaign to a State House raceShortly before the show, a federal judge shut down the DOJ's push for sensitive Georgia voter data, adding another chapter to the soap opera that is and has been unfolding under Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's tenure. Meanwhile, Ron popped in to former state Sen. Jason Estevez campaign kickoff Thursday night as his run for governor began before a packed crowd and with some legislative allies joining him to make the case that he's best-equipped to win the governor's desk in 2026. Hear what Esteves and surrogates were saying to make that case and note the jabs coming at former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms & former Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. Because it's Friday, comedian and political satirist Sterling Thrill joined in to unpack the week's chaos— and find the humor wherever it was. Good news: he and Ron found some funny!But wait - there's more!Forget the dramatic Jack Smith testimony - how about Michael Fanone staring down MAGA instigator Ivan Raiklin - whom Rep. Jim Jordan allowed to sit directly behind Fanone in the first place? Hear Fanone's account of those near-blow moments. Checking in on Sen. Jon Ossoff's critical re-election year, he's seen doing what's needed for constituents by speaking up for tiny Social Circle's municipal pleas for a planned ICE detention facility to not be jammed into their community. As we'd discussed with their city manager before, the community's resources would be overwhelmed. Ossoff is also assailing DHS / ICE for failing to pay medical bills since last fall, leaving some third party providers to wait until late April, and with some denying medical care for those being detained. Ron checks in with Matt Rinker, pivoting from an Atlanta city council bid to running for Tanya Miller's House seat while she focuses on her run for Attorney General. On a last look at headlines of the day:Fulton DA's office opts not to prosecute Patti DurandTune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #JasonEstevez #SterlingThrill #GeorgiaPolitics #GeorgiaElections #ICE #VotingRights #JonOssoff #ProgressiveTalk

Georgia-based political & policy consultant Andrew Heaton joined for a thorough conversation on everything from campaign fundraising figures (and they say about campaign health), Democratic gubernatorial candidates starting to rough each other up a little and what to make of Brian Kemp throwing Democrats a bone with needs-based tuition funding.+Ron also looks ahead, discussing Senator Mark Kelly's growing national profile (and interest in the Presidency?) and what a potential 2028 Democratic option of candidates may look like. +When the conservative-leaning WSJ editorial board is chilly to the idea of a rapid elimination of Georgia's income tax, you know you've lost the plot (Burt). +Trump can't "pardon" one Georgia attorney out of potentially being disbarred after his foray into the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The Georgia Supreme Court is making that recommendation. +Kudzu Vine co-host David McLaughlin joined Ron today, too, with what he knows of the two newest "Democratic" candidates to qualify for the special election to fill Marjorie Taylor Greene's vacated Congressional seat. Shawn Harris we know; who's Jim Davis and Jonathan Hobbs? Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #AndrewHeaton #GeorgiaPolitics #GASenate #GAGovernor #MarkKelly #StatePolitics #PoliticalAnalysis

PLUS: Meet coastal Georgia's Patti Hewitt and Cobb-based candidates Danielle Bell (GA-44) and Michael Garza (Cobb School Board)+Georgia's election system is back under the microscope as Ron asks why the renewed push for hand-marked paper ballots doesn't include anyone on the left, plus examines (ho hum) the latest drama from the Georgia's State Election Board. The Trumpists on that board insist on making a nothing-burger out of Fulton County's unsigned tabulation tapes, but will they be the ones to force a final (?) recount of the 2020 presidential election? +Later, Ron is joined by Patti Hewitt, executive director of the Coastal Georgia People's PAC, who explains her grassroots strategy to rebuild Democratic infrastructure in rural Georgia—from protecting the Okefenokee to tackling rising energy costs and health care access.+I can't decide, sometimes, if I can agreeably disagree with Erick Erickson or not, because - at his core - he's a right wing disinformation conduit. Make no mistake - he's no fan of Donald Trump (though he's glad Trump won) - but for someone who proclaims to be driven by his faith, he A) calls a progressive podcaster (Jennifer Welch) "horse face" and B)sort of loses sight of the apt analogy presented when protestors confronted a purported (DHS doesn't reveal agents' identities) ICE agent who ministers in the Minneapolis area. It also begs the question: why does Erick think a church isn't the place to make people a little uncomfortable when that's exactly what a minister's supposed to do with his congregation? Also, why didn't think ordained minister use the opportunity bring people together? Lastly, how can I loathe Erick when he occasionally "broke clocks" his way into being (somewhat) right about young male isolationism? Again, though, when your base sneers at people who put "COEXIST" decals on their cars and is the party of "white flight," home schooling and/or private schooling, aren't you contributing to this sociological epidemic?+Ron spotlights collaboration on the ground with Danielle Bell, a candidate for State House District 44, and Micheal Garza, running for Cobb County School Board, as they team up to connect policy, schools, and families and even campaign events.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaPolitics #PattyHewitt #DanielleBell #MichaelGarza #PaperBallots #GAPolitics #ElectionIntegrity #GeorgiaElections

Whew; a wide-ranging Ron Show from Tuesday:+ an AJC bombshell: we knew all along the Mayor wanted to shelve Beltline rail on the east side, but no one had the authority to just halt work being done in preparation for it, and yet work was, indeed halted, without MARTA board authority. Matthew Rao with Beltline Rail Now joined Ron to figure out who's responsible (guilty) and who can be held accountable. + Georgia Power and its parent Southern Company is doubling down on dirty energy options to prepare for speculative data center needs, according to the Southern Environmental Law Center, and SELC staff attorney Bob Sherrier joined Ron to discuss the irresponsibility of it all. + Anne Applebaum excoriates Donald Trump's latest public embarrassment - his letter to Norway whining about the Nobel Prize committee (not a government entity) as rationale for sabre-rattling in Denmark's direction (another nation altogether) to snag Greenland. Anne seeks GOP courage to wrest this madman's power - something we've yet to see from feckless Republicans doubtlessly never will until he's gone. + But hey, remember when Ted Cruz - aka "Nostra-dumb ass" correctly predicted in 2016 there'd be an era where a President Trump would threaten to bomb Denmark? Of course, he's tucked tail and course-corrected back in Dear Leader's graces since, but .. + There's hope for a youth movement with young elected leaders popping up in the Georgia legislature. The latest being 21-year old Rep. Akbar Ali, who joined Ron to let him take "young people" quips ("old people interacting with young people" quips, too) but also to learn what motivated Akbar's engagement in politics and the issues that drive him to serve. No big deal, dude; get acclimated to a heady gig while having to also run for re-election immediately. Good luck!

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Ron takes a hard but hopeful look at the state of civil rights in America with Alicia Thomas Searcy, former Georgia state representative, CEO of Morgan Enterprises, and founder of the Center for Strong Public Schools.The conversation explores how Dr. King's vision holds up amid rising white nationalist rancor directly from The White House, attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and growing concerns about accountability in government. Alicia breaks down what DEI really means, why silence in the face of extremism is dangerous, and how economic pressures like affordability and healthcare are shaping today's political landscape.A well-written response to JD Vance's "hall pass" to white people was also worthy of a share today, from Columbus Dispatch op/ed writer Amelia Robinson, too. The hour also examines the fallout from Georgia's election interference case and what it could cost Fulton County taxpayers.The second half of the show, Ron reviews statements from today's MLK Day events at the new Ebenezer Baptist Church - from Governor Brian Kemp (virtually), along with Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens and the Reverend Senator Raphael Warnock. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #AliciaThomasSearcy #MLKDay #CivilRights #DEI #GeorgiaPolitics #VotingRights #ProgressiveVoices

Ron welcomes comedy icon Margaret Cho for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about her Choligarchy tour, the risks of political comedy, and why speaking out feels more urgent than ever. Cho opens up about confronting threats, free speech, and using humor as resistance in anxious times. She also shares her emotions in seeing fellow comedians (Roseanna Barr, Bill Maher, Dave Chappelle) either going "full MAGA" or anti-trans / anti-woke."Later, comedian Sterling Thrill joins Ron for their weekly Friday segment, digging into headlines, late-night comedy, and how comedians try to make sense of a political moment that often feels stranger than satire.The show also features investigative reporter Laura Jedeed of Slate, discussing her firsthand experience applying for an ICE job and what it revealed about the system.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#MargaretCho #SterlingThrill #LauraJadid #ComedyAndPolitics #ProgressiveVoices #ICE #PoliticalComedy #GeorgiaNOW #HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow

Georgia Recorder columnist Jay Bookman digs into troubling signals from Trump (now and 2021) with a dystopian nightmare: the President sending the "National Guard or ICE agents to Fulton County, DeKalb County and other blue-trending areas, claiming massive fraud, seizing voting machines and voiding the election."I mean he's only openly ask/telling reporters that "we shouldn't even have an election." Meanwhile, with Brad Raffensperger (and Gabriel Sterling) aiming for higher office, the Secretary of State's office will have no bosses, and Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett aims to be in charge. Dana joined the show to explain why she's running for that role and shares plans to protect election security, voter access, and provide transparency.Plus, Democratic congressional candidate Chris Harden (Georgia 11th) talks about his bid for a GOP-heavy lean district and why his poverty-to-law school-to-courtroom story makes him an ideal Democratic candidate for such a district.Ron also unpacks Governor Brian Kemp's State of the State address and the Democratic response, from tax cuts to education and infrastructure.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#DanaBarrett #JayBookman #ChrisHarden #GeorgiaPolitics #ElectionIntegrity #VoterRights #GeorgiaElections #HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow

PLUS: Trump on Greenland, new racist/classist immigration policy, & Brian Kemp's "bold plan" that isn'tYesterday, Georgia Senate Democrats rolled out legislation aimed at restraining ICE operations, so Ron had a conversation with Democratic whip, State Senator Kim Jackson on accountability, fear in immigrant communities, and the moral stakes of enforcement tactics.Ron also speaks with Eric Taylor, city manager of Social Circle, about why his small town says it simply cannot support a massive ICE detention facility.Oh, and there's new racist/classist Trump visa processing ban, bu t honestly, "what took 'em so long?" is my first response. Like, who's not surprised this wasn't a "day one" thing for these white nationalists? Mango Madman really wants Greenland, too, and now Denmark's military is ramping up "exercises" on the territory. Great. We're going to war with Danish people. The episode expands to Governor Brian Kemp's "big reveal," which was - ho hum - more interstate lanes and not even a public-private rail concept like Air Canada and the Ontario government as working on. Sad.On to Savannah, where a local gun storage ordinance is being overridden by state lawmakers, and goes into a deep dive of newly released grand jury testimony revealing what top Georgia Republicans privately said about Trump's 2020 election claims.Oh, and back to ICE ... it's bad enough ICE is using Nazi and white nationalist symbolism to lure in that mindset, but get this: a liberal blogger with an easy-to-Google disdain for ICE applied to work for ICE without a background check and was offered a job by ICE. That's how thorough the vetting is for these masked goons getting $50,000 sign-on (taxpayer-funded) sign-on bonuses who wander the streets to rough up protestors and hunt down immigrants. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #KimJackson #EricTaylor #GeorgiaPolitics #ICE #GunSafety #Trump #ElectionInterference

With a new lieutenant governor candidate in the Democratic primary in Macon-Bibb official Seth Clark, Ron caught up with Georgia NOW reporter Jenna Eason to get the scoop. Jenna covered the region before at the Macon Telegraph and had interviewed Clark early in her career and offered her insights. Later, Ron connected with 25-year-old Adrian Consonery Jr., a first-time candidate running for Georgia Secretary of State, to talk voting access, election integrity, and why younger voters are stepping into the political arena earlier than ever.Second half of the show, Ron turns his focus back to the scene in Minneapolis that continues to divide the nation - though polling suggests the majority of us do see things similarly. While reading the AJC's Bill Torpy op/ed, Ron stopped midway to point out something crucial: watch Jonathan Ross' own video HERE. Notice as Ross' fingers appear as Renee Good's spouse, Becca encourages him to "go get yourself some lunch?" He's moving the phone he's using to record the video from his right hand to his left. He was freeing up his right hand to access his weapon then, and not while in harm's way in or near the front of the vehicle. Why? Even Atlanta-based right wing radio host Shelley Wynter found a vastly more reasoned voice than Kristi Noem or Donald Trump; the kind of voice needed in this fracas. Lastly, what if Democrats put together a 'shadow cabinet?' You know, like an "alternate universe" version of what the executive branch would look like were Democrats in control? Emory professor Rick Doner opines that's what's needed right now. Ron shares & chimes in, too. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaPolitics #SethClark #JennaEason #AdrianConsoneri #GALtGov #GASecretaryOfState #ElectionIntegrity

In Georgia, attention turns to the start of the legislative session, the state's massive budget surplus, transit and infrastructure debates, and what lawmakers may — or may not — accomplish in an election year. With activists there to "pack the capitol," Ron hung out at the capitol and caught up with Georgia 50501 vice-chair Briana Boyd about events they participated in with other organizations throughout metro Atlanta - from protests to vigils - in the aftermath of the deadly ICE encounter in Minnesota last week.On that, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem - who needs to be impeached - was taken apart by CNN's Jake Tapper over her outright lies in the minutes following Renee Good's killing, along with the Trump administration's hypocrisy on treatment of interaction with law enforcement from January 6, 2021 to now with masked ICE agents. Then there's the Trump DOJ carrying out "lawfare" against Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and Powell's predictably classy stiff-spined response (on Federal Reserve social media, no less), as meanwhile, the Comey prosecutor who apparently seemed too timid to re-litigate James Comey's case, was let go.Oh and the Trump EPA putting more priority on cost to businesses to handle pollution vs. the lives stemming pollutants would save. Just more outright comic book villainy. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #RonRoberts #ThayneRosenbaum #Venezuela #ICE #GeorgiaPolitics #USPolitics #ForeignPolicy #ProgressiveNews

Georgia's 2026 governor's race is starting to take shape, and the first televised Democratic gubernatorial forum offered an early look at what's ahead. Ron breaks down the biggest moments from the Savannah event as seven Democratic candidates tackled health care, Medicaid expansion, housing affordability, and how Georgia should respond to another Trump presidency.There's more from the Minnesota ICE killing of Renee Good, including the gunman's cellphone video (bonus: retired ICE agent breaks down the shooting, and it ain't good for the gunman or Noem's DHS) and - get this - Ron credits Donald Trump for at least wanting to do something good for homebuyers in tackling private equity home ownership - but is what he wants to do even legal? Also the 50-year mortgage is dead. Good. There's also Ron's weekly candid, lighter convo covering the week's news with comedian Sterling Thrill.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com. #HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #GeorgiaPolitics #GAGov2026 #KeishaLanceBottoms #JasonEstevez #MikeThurmond #JeffDuncan #SterlingThrill

A deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis ignites a political firestorm, and Ron isn't buying the official spin. As DHS Secretary Kristi ("Cosplay Barbie") Noem rushed to label the incident “domestic terrorism,” video evidence and expert voices raise serious questions about what really happened and whether facts were sacrificed for politics. Even worse, former (and current) DHS officials are stunned by her rush to speak on the situation.Later in the show, newly elected Georgia Public Service Commissioners Dr. Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard join Ron to discuss skyrocketing utility rates, Georgia Power's profits, and what consumers can expect next as Democrats finally gain seats on the PSC.Also, Stacey Abrams officially says "no" to a gubernatorial run in 2026, but progressives should fear not: you have a candidate on the ballot in May if you can get past her being Muslim. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #RonRoberts #AliciaJohnson #PeterHubbard #GeorgiaPolitics #ICE #PublicServiceCommission #UtilityRates #ProgressiveNews

A deadly encounter involving ICE agents and a protesting motorist in Minneapolis is just another episode of 'binary reactions' from a nation all watching the same social media videos. Ron is joined by Jordan from the Off_jaWaggon TikTok account, reporting directly from the scene as conflicting stories emerge from federal officials and eyewitnesses. Back to Georgia, Republicans are pushing to eliminate the state income tax— sparking concerns about who really benefits and how working families could end up paying more. With insight from policy expert Dr. Daniel Kanso from the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute having weighed in, it seemed like an appropriate day to revisit that conversation from this show last November.In Georgia House District 68, there'll be an open seat on the November ballot, and Quentin Pullen is one of two filed Democrats running in the primary to be on it. He joined Ron for a prolonged conversation on the issues central to his campaign. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #ICE #Minneapolis #JordanOffToWagon #ImmigrationNews #CivilRights #GeorgiaPolitics #TaxPolicy #ProgressiveVoices

On the fifth anniversary of January 6, with more than 30 pardoned J6 rioters arrested for crimes afterward, Ron took a hard look at how the insurrection is being rewritten—and what that means for accountability and public safety. From emotional testimony by Capitol Police officers to the rare voice of a rioter who rejected a presidential pardon, this episode cuts through the spin surrounding the attack and its aftermath. Ron also examined the sweeping pardons granted to January 6 defendants, including dozens from Georgia, how it may have covered the recently arrested pipe bomber, and the troubling pattern of re-offenses that followed.A couple weeks back, Ron stumbled upon professor and author Andrew DeCort's Facebook post examining JD Vance's obvious "white fragility" at the latest TPUSA rally. He joined the show to unpack how white grievance politics, religion, and power collide in today's culture wars—and why truth, accountability, and neighborly love still matter. Incidentally, his book, "The Golden Rule: How The Ancient Ethic of Neighbor Love Can Heal The World" is out.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #January6 #CapitolRiot #AndrewDeCourt #J6Pardons #RuleOfLaw #PoliticalAccountability #GeorgiaPolitics #Democracy