Georgia Votes 2022: Recent Episodes
WABE Atlanta
Georgia Votes 2022 takes listeners through the whirlwind of Georgia's midterm election, which will have national impact as Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock runs for re-election and former President Donald Trump tries to unseat incumbent Republican Governor Brian Kemp.
Subscribe to In These Times for more conversations about political, cultural, and social forces shaping Georgia and the wider world. Wherever you get your podcasts.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger responds to President Trump's ongoing efforts to falsely claim the 2020 election was rigged and explains what goes into making Georgia elections free, fair and fast.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Subscribe now to catch the first episode, dropping November 8.
In These Times with Bill Nigut is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, in-depth conversations about the political, cultural, and social forces shaping Georgia and the wider world. This series brings together expert analysts to help listeners make sense of the biggest stories of the moment, offering clarity without the noise of partisanship. But politics is just part of the story — the show also highlights voices from the arts, music, theater, film, and literature, exploring how creativity and culture help us navigate and reflect on these complex times. Insightful, wide-ranging, and grounded in curiosity rather than division, In These Times with Bill Nigut is your guide to understanding where we are — and where we’re going.
Learn more: https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/in-these-times-with-bill-nigut/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the final episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali, along with producer Brendan Rivers, discuss the last four unprecedented years in Georgia politics.
Plus, a preview of what the WABE newsroom will be keeping an eye on over the coming months.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Georgia Republicans spent years building ties with companies in South Korea, culminating with Hyundai building a multi-billion dollar electric vehicle plant outside of Savannah.
But last week, a battery factory at the site was raided by federal immigration agents, who detained more than 300 South Korean citizens.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at the ongoing fallout from the Hyundai raid.
Plus, WABE Immigration Reporter Emily Wu Pearson takes listeners to a federal immigration detention facility in Georgia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier this year, state lawmakers created a new process for compensating Georgians who have been wrongfully convicted and jailed.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take listeners inside some of the first hearings, where judges and lawyers are trying to navigate a new process somewhat on the fly.
Plus, Governor Brian Kemp has officially endorsed his pick to take on U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff next year and lawmakers mark one year since the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Trump administration is looking to fire two top federal officials with Atlanta ties that would likely have national implications.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss moves to fire a Georgia-born Federal Reserve Governor and the director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Plus, Governor Brian Kemp has dispatched the national guard to help with immigration enforcement as President Donald Trump deploys guardsmen on the streets of Washington, D.C. and we take a look at why a judge is holding the Fulton County Commission in contempt of court.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two national figures made stops in Georgia this week to test out political messaging for the 2026 elections.
Meanwhile, four major U.S. Senate candidates all gathered in one room.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Rahul Bali and Brendan Rivers discuss the early start to the campaign season.
Plus, Fulton County Commissioners defy a judge’s order and could face jail time and a Georgian who rose to national prominence during the 2020 election considers running for Secretary of State.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Employees at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been left shaken after a man fired hundreds of bullets at the Atlanta headquarters and killed a police officer.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” WABE Criminal Justice Reporter Chamain Cruz and WABE Health Reporter Jess Mador join hosts Rahul Bali, Sam Gringlas and Brendan Rivers with an update on the investigation and how the shooting is the latest example of increasing threats, and sometimes violence, directed at public officials and institutions.
Plus, more candidates jump into Georgia’s 2026 statewide races.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former President and Georgia native Jimmy Carter created the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Emergency Management Agency back in 1979. But now President Donald Trump is calling for these two departments, among others, to be dismantled.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali look at how debates over the shape of the federal government during Carter’s time can shed light on what’s happening today.
Plus, a look at bathroom parity at the State Capitol, off-schedule redistricting appears to be off the table for Georgia Republicans, an update on drama over appointments to the Fulton County Board of Elections and census data suggests that Metro Atlanta’s population boom may be slowing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Governor Brian Kemp announced he would not run for U.S. Senate next year, he made it clear he didn’t want Georgia Republicans to fight in a messy primary. But his decision to bow out of the race may have opened the floodgates, as several Republicans with Senate aspirations have announced their candidacies.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali catch up on the fast-moving Republican primary to challenge Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff in 2026.
Plus, Democrats mark the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by reintroducing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, we discuss the future of MARTA and we take a look at what’s next for the push to legalize gambling in Georgia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2021, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association agreed to install an exhibit about the park's history, including Ku Klux Klan cross-burnings.
Construction for the new exhibit is underway, but the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans is suing to stop it.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss how the Confederate group is using a state law to challenge the planned exhibit, which aims to tell a broader story about Stone Mountain.
Plus, we take a look at a new committee reviewing Georgia election laws and catch up on the investigation into a lending firm whose founder is a big donor in Georgia Republican politics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tariffs have become a hallmark of President Donald Trump’s second term, but the on-again, off-again taxes on imports have led to uncertainty in the economy.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali speak with WABE Business Reporter Marlon Hyde about Trump’s trade policies and how they’re impacting Georgia businesses and consumers.
Plus, a conversation with Lt. Governor Burt Jones, who has announced that he’s running for governor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Congress has narrowly approved President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill, with most Republicans voting in favor and every Democrat opposed.
Under the law, which includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, about 300,000 Georgians could lose health coverage, tax incentives for clean energy will be cut and states like Georgia may end up having to shoulder more of the costs associated with food stamps.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali speak with WABE Health Reporter Jess Mador and WABE Digital Editor MeiMei Xu about how Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” will affect Georgia now that it’s law.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s special Independence Day encore episode of “Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast,” politics reporter Sam Gringlas takes listeners on a summer road trip to a pair of towns that helped shape former presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Georgia’s own Jimmy Carter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A massive solar panel recycling facility called Solarcycle is coming soon to Cedartown, a small community in Northwest Georgia near the Alabama border.
Solarcycle got a $64 million tax credit through the Inflation Reduction Act to build a second facility that will make solar panel glass, but according to the company, the groundbreaking is on hold as Congress considers gutting the clean energy tax credits in the new federal budget.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali look at what this could mean for Cedartown and Georgia’s flourishing industries making electric vehicles, batteries and solar panels.
Plus, how the conflict between Israel and Iran is exposing divisions among Georgia Republicans and a look at the fall of the in-person campaign launch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal drew national attention in 2016 when he vetoed a religious liberty bill that opponents said would lead to discrimination against LGBTQ people.
When a similar measure passed again this year, Governor Brian Kemp quickly signed it into law.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss what’s changed over the past decade with WABE's Patrick Saunders, who has been leading WABE’s annual Beyond Pride series, which takes a close look at LGBTQ issues in Georgia.
Plus, Georgia Republicans and Democrats are charting the future of their parties as state lawmakers grapple with a heated political climate following the assassination of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Data centers are growing faster in Atlanta than anywhere else in the country.
That rapid growth has left communities grappling with how these new developments will impact the environment and their neighborhoods.
WABE has been taking a closer look at data centers as part of our series, “Server South.”
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali are joined by WABE and Grist Climate Reporter Emily Jones and WABE Environment Reporter Marisa Mecke to talk about data centers’ massive demand for power and water and some possible solutions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Data centers are growing faster in Atlanta than anywhere else in the country.
That rapid growth has left communities grappling with how these new developments will impact the environment and their neighborhoods.
This week, “Plugged In” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali are joined by WABE Business Reporter Marlon Hyde and WABE Southside Reporter DorMiya Vance for the first of two episodes exploring WABE’s series, Server South.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The 2025 Georgia General Assembly has adjourned.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Georgia state lawmakers this week started digging into Governor Brian Kemp’s signature policy push this session – overhauling the state’s civil litigation rules, often referred to as tort or lawsuit reform.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali bring listeners into the first committee hearing on the issue, where lawmakers and a packed room of observers got to hear from people on different sides of the debate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lawmakers are wrapping up a busy week at the State Capitol as they take their first votes on the budget and banning transgender girls from playing on girls school sports teams.
On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss these and other new legislative proposals including on school safety.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has outlined his top legislative priority – reigning in civil litigation, often referred to as tort reform.
Also on this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take a closer look at Democrats' effort to expand Medicaid in Georgia, and their proposal's difficult path ahead.
Plus, President Donald Trump's moves to reshape the government are already starting to play out in Georgia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As temperatures plunged, Georgia and Washington, D.C. prepared for the start of President Donald Trump’s second term.
On this week’s “Plugged In,” WABE Politics Reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss the first week of the new administration, the ongoing court fight over Georgia’s redistricting maps and the state’s response to bird flu in two commercial flocks.
We also hear from one of the January 6th defendants from Georgia who received a pardon – and a prosecutor who worked on many of the cases.
The legislature returns to session on Monday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp delivered his seventh State of the State address at the State Capitol on Thursday. In it he applauded the state’s resilience through natural disasters, the pandemic, economic upheaval and a deadly school shooting and cast Georgia’s approach to health, budgeting and public safety as a model for other states to emulate, declaring “the Georgia Way is indeed the better way.”
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss some of their big takeaways from the speech as Kemp kicks off his second to last year in office.
Plus, the legislative session gets underway as lawmakers bring up transgender student athletes and push to further investigate Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Georgia’s only president, Jimmy Carter, was laid to rest this week in the rural corner of Southwest Georgia where he was born a century ago.
On this week’s episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali share what they saw and heard as Carter’s life and accomplishments were celebrated throughout Georgia. Plus, a preview of the 2025 legislative session, which kicks off next week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday at 100. On this encore episode, WABE's Sam Gringlas looks at how two tiny towns in South Georgia shaped two U.S. presidents. We also preview six days of tributes planned to celebrate the life of the 39th president.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," we take stock of the year in Georgia politics, including a recent court decision removing Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis from the Georgia election interference case, which represents the last remaining criminal charges against President-elect Donald Trump.
Plus we look ahead to 2025 and test our editors' knowledge of the news in 2024 with a "Plugged In" game show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Twenty-two new state lawmakers will take their seats at the State Capitol when the Georgia General Assembly reconvenes on January 13th. Among them is Bryce Berry, who at just 23 is one of the youngest state lawmakers in Georgia history.
On this week’s episode of “Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali speak with reporter Jasmine Robinson, who recentlytalked with the freshman lawmaker. Plus, a look inside the Biennial Institute for Georgia Legislators, which provides information and training to help prepare both freshmen and veteran lawmakers for the General Assembly.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a lot of ideas about how to reshape healthcare in America. He's President-Elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Potential changes are worrying public health experts.
Policy shifts are also expected at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali continue looking at how the new Trump Administration could affect Georgia by speaking with health reporter Jess Mador and housing reporter Stephannie Stokes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President-elect Donald Trump has picked several immigration hard-liners for top posts and he plans to fill key energy and environment roles with oil and gas supporters who have pledged to slash regulations.
On this week’s episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali speak with immigration reporter Emily Wu Pearson and environment reporter Marisa Mecke about how the incoming Trump administration could affect the state of Georgia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every Georgia county has now certified the results of the 2024 election.
Historically, this has been a relatively uncontroversial procedural step. Since 2020, that hasn't been the case. But with Donald Trump's victory in Georgia, talk of election fraud has died down.
In this week's edition of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali describe how the state is grappling with the fallout of the 2024 election.
Plus, Georgia Democrats assess what went wrong, Georgia Republicans are hyping up for a MAGA-takeover in D.C., a look at what happens to Trump's criminal charges and leadership changes hands in the state legislature.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former President Donald Trump will be the 47th president of the United States.
Nearly 5.3 million Georgians voted, breaking the turnout record set during the 2020 election. Trump received 50.7% of Georgia's vote, turning the swing state red after President Joe Biden's victory four years ago.
On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali explain how Trump won the Peach State.
Plus, a look at the results of some competitive down ballot races and three statewide ballot measures dealing with taxes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are making their closing arguments with election day less than a week away. On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali preview what to expect on election night.
Plus, a look at some of the competitive state legislative races in Metro Atlanta, an examination of Trump's complicated relationship with Governor Brian Kemp and how it could shape the outcome of the election in Georgia and we hear from some local voters.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The FBI is warning that extremists with concerns about the election could turn to violence in the coming weeks.
In this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take the political temperature in Georgia.
Plus, former Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama return to Atlanta and an explanation of those wordy and confusing ballot measures dealing with taxes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Early voting is now underway in Georgia and over 300,000 voters showed up on the first day, more than doubling the previous record set in 2020.
With less than three weeks to go until election day, WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss the latest election news in this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast."
Plus, two Georgia judges have undercut a series of controversial rules passed by the State Election Board. The rulings amounted to a rebuke of the board's Republican-majority, which has been praised by former President Donald Trump, and brought relief to election officials worried about the last-minute changes.
And in Sumter County, 100 year-old former President Jimmy Carter has voted by mail for Vice President Kamala Harris.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Georgia's growing Indian-American community is getting more politically involved, both as voters and as candidates.
On this week's episode of "Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast," politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take listeners to the Festival of India in Atlanta and discuss how this community could shape local and presidential races in Georgia.
Plus, more drama with the State Election Board and actress and Smyrna native Julia Roberts campaigns for Vice President Kamala Harris in Canton.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker has not spoken to reporters at campaign stops since October 6th and this week his campaign said no journalist will get closer than 20 feet to their candidate. The podcast team of WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali, Sam Gringlas and Emma Hurt of Axios Atlanta talk about what it's like to cover the Walker campaign in the runoff. They also check in on the campaign of incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock. and talk about long lines of early voters in Georgia.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Georgia U.S. Senate runoff race is in full swing, but Republican candidate Herschel Walker has not talked to journalists on the trail, so in this episode the crew contemplates the questions they would ask if they could. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Sam Gringlas, Rahul Bali and Emma Hurt of Axios Atlanta also report on the stump speeches of Senator Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker and look at the role of Governor Brian Kemp in the Walker campaign.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Former President Trump's announcement to seek another term has added a new dimension into Georgia's Senate runoff race, because Republican candidate Herschel Walker was encouraged by Trump to enter the race. For Democrats it's a chance to energize voters to return to the polls on December 6th. In this episode, WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk with Emma Hurt of Axios Atlanta about how this dynamic plays out on the runoff campaign trail.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Incumbent Senator Raphael Warnock and football legend Herschel Walker find themselves in a December 6th runoff that could once again determine which party controls the Senate. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali, and Sam Gringlas are joined by Emma Hurt of Axios Atlanta in this episode where they talk about what's ahead in the next few weeks. They also discuss other Georgia election results and what they mean for politics going forward.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Georgia Votes is live this week at the Woodruff Library at the Atlanta University Center where we hear from young voters and contemplate various election outcome scenarios. Emma Hurt, Rahul Bali Sam Gringlas and Susanna Capelouto are joined on stage by Clark Atlanta University professor Tammy Greer. This show was made possible by the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Georgia voters are turning out in record numbers and LGBTQ voters are becoming a powerful voting block. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali,and Sam Gringlas are joined by Emma Hurt with Axios Atlanta in this episode where they also welcome WABE digital editor Patrick Saunders, who just published a 3-part series on LGBTQ voters in the state. We also hear about the latest allegations against Senate candidate Hershel Walker and have details about our live event November 2nd at the Woodruff Library on the Atlanta University campus. More info for that event is at WABE.org/events.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Campaigns are traveling the state as early voting has begun with record turnout for a midterm election, so far. WABE's Sam Gringlas, Rahul Bali, and Susanna Capelouto talk with Emma Hurt of Axios about what's behind those numbers. They also discuss recent debates and get a visit from WABE housing reporter Stephannie Stokes who sheds some light on the affordable housing issues recently raised by the Herschel Walker campaign.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker took to the debate stage in Savannah on Friday. It was the first time the two candidates were on the same stage. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas take a look at the debate highlights.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock and his challenger Herschel Walker meet for their only debate on Friday, October 14th in Savannah. WABE's Politics team of Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas take a look at what to expect. They also get a visit from NPR National Correspondent Miles Parks, who covers voting and elections. Miles will be in Atlanta on October 20th at the Buckhead theater for a live taping of the NPR Politics podcast. More info on that is at wabe.org/events.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After the Daily Beast reported that GOP Senate candidate Herschel Walker paid a woman for an abortion and his son accused him on social media of being a liar, Walker said that he loved his son and denied the reporting in the Daily Beast stories. WABE has not independently verified the information. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali, and Sam Gringlas talk with Emma Hurt of Axios about the repercussions for other GOP candidates in Georgia. They also discuss efforts by some groups to remove people from county voter roles and give an update on a challenge to Georgia's 6-week abortion ban in state court.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Atlanta's suburbs have become the battleground as Republicans try to regain strength they lost in 2020. One indicator may be the split ticket voter. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas are joined by Emma Hurt of Axios Atlanta. They discuss how officials are trying to get ahead of voting conspiracies for the November election and why Herschel Walker is zooming in on wedge issues like transgender sports.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
AAPI voters are credited with tipping the balance for Democrats in 2020 in Georgia, but Republicans have started to court them, too. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali talk about how the parties are engaging a small, but powerful voting minority. They also discuss recent polling that shows tight races, election integrity, and UGA football.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Abortion politics are shifting ahead of the Midterms in Georgia as Democrats are leaning into the issue and Republicans are downplaying its possible impact. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas are joined by Emma Hurt of Axios to talk about what candidates are saying on the campaign trail. They also discuss tightening polls in the races for Governor and U.S. Senate, and will explain why Republicans are listed first on Georgia ballots.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Democrats are looking for voters in rural Georgia, and Republicans are trying to regain ground in the Atlanta suburbs. Emma Hurt, Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk about their reporting in South Georgia and suburban Atlanta. They also have updates on the race for U.S. Senate, and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams makes an appearance.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
When a major medial center in Atlanta announce this week that it has to close because it was losing too much money, Georgia's refusal to expand Medicaid was catapulted into the race for Governor between incumbent Brian Kemp and Democrat Stacey Abrams. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali talk about the effect the closure could have on the race. They also have an update on the Fulton County special grand jury that's investigating whether former President Trump and his allies tried to influence Georgia's 2020 election results.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Lawyers for Governor Brian Kemp were in court this week trying to quash a subpoena to appear before a special grand jury that's investigating possible interference in Georgia's 2020 election results. WABE's Susanna Capelouto talks with politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas about the significance of the governor's possible testimony and its political implications. They also discuss a group of LGBTQ state lawmakers expressing their worries that Georgia's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage could some day be enforced.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Georgia Democrats are looking to capitalize on the new climate and health law they call the Inflation Reduction Act. Emma Hurt with Axios Atlanta and WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali talk about how the law reverberates among voters. Also, Rudi Giuliani made a visit to Georgia this week to testify before a special grand jury looking into possible election interference by former President Trump and his allies. And Emma polled prominent Georgia Republicans about same sex marriage and what they would do if the Supreme Court were to send the issue back to the states as it did with abortion rights this year.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Governor Brian Kemp and his challenger Stacey Abrams made the economy a major campaign issue this week. WABE's Susanna Capelouto talks with Rahul Bali, Sam Gringlas and Emma Hurt with Axios Atlanta about their proposals. They also check in on the race for the U.S. Senate and dissect the various court hearings that saw lawyers for Rudi Giuliani and Lindsey Graham in Georgia this week fighting subpoenas from a Fulton county special grand jury that's looking into whether former President Trump illegally tried to influence Georgia's 2020 election results.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Abortion and guns were two big topics on the campaign trail this week. WABE's Susanna Capelouto and Rahul Bali talk with Emma Hurt of Axios Atlanta about how the Kansas abortion vote reverberates in Georgia. They also have the latest on the debate over Senate debates, which has become a distraction from other issues in the race between incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Senator Raphael Warnock has made Senate candidate Herschel Walker's reluctance to have a debate an issue in his latest ad. This week WABE's Sam Gringlas and Susanna Capelouto talk with Emma Hurt of Axios about how the "debate debate" is playing out. They also tackle a new AJC poll out this week, talk about a ballot drop box investigation and bring you updates on the implementation of Georgia's 6-week abortion ban.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Georgia's 6 week abortion ban becomes law. NPR National Correspondent Sarah McCammon joins the WABE politics team to talk about national trends in states with similar abortion restrictions. Sam Gringlas, Rahul Bali, Susanna Capelouto and Emma Hurt with Axios also look at the specifics of Georgia's new abortion restrictions and how they may play out on the campaign trail this year.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jessica Huseman of Votebeat talks about persisting conspiracy theories around voting and discusses Georgia's new voting law with WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali, as well as Emma Hurt of Axios Atlanta. Why do people continue to believe 2020 election lies, despite so much evidence to the contrary, so many court rulings dismissing claims and countless well-researched stories from reporters clearly showing there was no widespread fraud?
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Georgia Democrats released a video arguing the state deserves to be one of the first to hold a presidential primary because of its diversity and newly minted battleground status. WABE's Politics team of Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk about Georgia's chances . They also discuss voter turnout efforts, the special grand jury investigation into whether former President Trump tried to influence Georgia's 2020 election results and the status of Georgia's new abortion law currently held up in court.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A week ago, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion, but in Georgia people are still waiting to know what happens next. What will the landmark Supreme Court ruling on abortion mean for Georgia?
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Congressional investigators are showing the public the fallout from former President Trump’s election lies in Georgia. Will it make a difference? Plus, runoff election results, a debate over the gas tax and the confluence of politics and Pride Month.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
From Washington to Georgia – what are we learning about Trump’s hold on the GOP? Tuesday's Republican runoffs are the latest test of Trump's endorsement. And Georgia is playing a key role as a Congressional panel investigates January 6th. Plus, how will Stacey Abrams' endorsements fare and will a string of negative reporting hurt GOP Senate nominee Herschel Walker?
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Some Republicans are moving to the far-right on abortion as they try to win primary runoffs, and the debate over gun safety is all but ignored by Georgia Republicans. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss how a move to the right by Georgia Republicans could resonate in the November midterm elections. They also talk about how student loan forgiveness could factor into motivating younger voters.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Georgia Democrats hope to unite their November ticket and recreate some of the energy that got two U.S. Senators elected in 2021. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk about what it may take to bring back that magic as the Trump influence over Georgia is waning. The politics team also talks about runoff races to be decided this month and di-sects a complicated voting machine mishap in a county commission race that was caused by human error.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After Tuesday's primaries in Georgia the stage is set for a rematch between Democrat Stacey Abrams and incumbent Republican Governor Brian Kemp. WABE's politics reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas talk with Emma Hurt of Axios about the messaging Georgia's Republican and Democratic parties are preparing for their campaigns. They also discuss the remarkable comeback of Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who was shunned by Trump, but unexpectedly won his primary.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Last night Trump backed candidates did not do well in Georgia's Republican primaries. Only UGA football legend Hershel Walker, who was pushed into the U.S. Senate race by Trump, easily secured his nomination, though he ran much on his own celebrity. WABE's politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss primary election night results in this special episode.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The WABE politics team of Rahul Bali, Sam Gringlas and Susanna Capelouto will be looking for clues in next Tuesday's primaries that will reveal the power former President Donald Trump has over Georgia's GOP. He's endorsed at least 10 candidates up and down the ballot. Meanwhile, Democrats are seeing a bitter battle in the 7th congressional district, because of Republican led redistricting.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
With only days left before the May 24th primary we hear from swing voters and those who already cast their ballots. WABE's Susanna Capelouto talks with politics reporter Rahul Bali and Emma Hurt with Axios about what they're seeing as campaigns are heading into the home stretch.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
During recent debates Georgia Republican primary candidates vowed to outlaw all abortions, even in cases of incest or rape. WABE's Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali, Sam Gringlas and Emma Hurt from Axios talk about this and other campaign 2022 issues, including early voting numbers that show a lot of enthusiasm among Republicans.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
With less than a month to go before the Georgia primary, candidates are making their closing arguments on the campaign trail, the debate stage... and on TV. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali, with Axios reporter Emma Hurt, talk campaign ads, debates and the start of early voting.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Controversial Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene faces at least 4 opponents in the Republican primary on May 24th, but is she vulnerable? WABE politics editor Susanna Capelouto, and politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss the race in Georgia's 14th congressional district. They also have updates on Georgia's race for governor and discuss a brewing voter registration controversy involving the Department of Driver's Services.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Incumbent Governor Brian Kemp is trying to fend of Republican challengers by solidifying his pro-gun stance and GOP Senate candidate Herschel Walker refuses to debate his opponents. WABE's Rahul Bali and Susanna Capelouto talk with Emma Hurt of Axios about these and other issues including the money that's already pouring into Georgia's midterm elections.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What happens in Georgia this November, will have national implications as Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock is up for re-election. But first there are party primaries May 24th, where former President Donald Trump has endorsed several candidates to challenge incumbent Republicans. It'll be a test of his influence over Georgia Republicans. WABE Politics reporter Sam Gringlas and Axios reporter Emma Hurt talk with editor Susanna Capelouto about what's ahead in the primary,
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.