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Political Breakfast from WABE

WABE

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning on the Political Breakfast podcast, veteran Atlanta journalist Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, and Republican strategist Brian Robinson deliver Georgia’s best analysis of local politics with a weekly dose of informed, respectful and lively discussion.

During Georgia’s state legislative session, Political Breakfast presents the pop-up podcast Gold Dome Scramble every Friday morning as host Lisa Rayam talks with reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali from the WABE newsroom to break things down for our listeners — the issues being considered, and the bills getting sorted through various committees at the Georgia State Capitol.

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Thursday · 7 min
Trump's $5K campaign promise, Congressman Collins talks immigration reform in Georgia
On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, President Donald Trump is now promising to pay American adults $5K each -- IF Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate in this November's midterm elections. Experts say that's a trillion dollar promise -- when the country is already burdened by roughly $40 trillion in debt. The move would need Congressional approval. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist and attorney Anré Washington and host Lisa Rayam weigh-in on if this campaign promise is ethical and even legal? Then we'll move to the latest in Georgia's race for U.S. Senate. At the Republican midterm convention, Congressman Mike Collins spoke about his support for the Laken Riley Act, which requires the detention of unauthorized immigrants convicted of theft and violent crimes. It was the first bill that Trump signed into law at the start of his second term. Laken Riley is the nursing student who was murdered on the UGA campus in 2024. The Venezuelan immigrant who was convicted had entered the country illegally. Collins' opponent, Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, also voted to support the bill. But is this continued focus on immigration reform by Republicans an effort to distract from Collins' latest controversy -- alleged ties to white nationalists? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday · 8 min
Georgia Congressmen Mike Collins and Brian Jack to take the stage at Dallas Republican convention, Another midterm election forecast
On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, the first-ever Republican midterm convention gets underway in Dallas Wednesday, and two Georgians have been tapped as speakers. GOP Congressmen Mike Collins and Brian Jack are both running for election. Will this national stage boost their numbers in Georgia? Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson sort through this with host Lisa Rayam. Plus, the latest election forecast from one of the nation's top statisticians .. focusing on Georgia's Gubernatorial race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 1 · 34 min
Jones still has not endorsed Jackson for Georgia governor, Warnock calls for temporary statewide ban on big tech constructing data centers
On this week's Political Breakfast: There's questions swirling, as to why Georgia's Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has failed to endorse billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson for governor. Jones lost the Republican primary runoff election to Jackson. The campaign attack ads were intense. The out-of-pocket spending was immense. There may be some bad blood between the two, but with the November general election months away, is it time to clean the slate? Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson share their thoughts with host Lisa Rayam. Plus, U.S. Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock is calling for a temporary statewide ban on massive data center deals in Georgia. That's in response to a $20 billion dollar project planned for Effingham County, just north of Savannah. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 26 · 40 min
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens heated over DNC snub, a tense exchange between Georgia candidates, and undocumented immigrant workers file lawsuit against Jackson Healthcare
On this week's Political Breakfast, we talk about a recent exchange between Georgia gubernatorial candidates Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson. It all unfolded in a hotel parking lot, after a Jackson attack ad took aim at Bottoms' husband. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson discuss with host Lisa Rayam how campaigns decide whether to rebut a claim, attack the messenger, or just change the subject. A quick note: Brian advises Rick Jackson and Tharon advises Keisha Lance Bottoms. Plus, Atlanta did not make the final cut to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention. Mayor Andre Dickens did not react kindly to the snub. In a letter to the DNC, Dickens wrote that its leaders "continue to make the wrong choices," that the "road to the White House runs through the South" and they are "once again abandoning Black voters." Plus, as Jackson's campaign promises to crack down on illegal immigration, a lawsuit filed by foreign-born nurses against one of the companies under his healthcare empire, accuses Avant Healthcare Professionals of "luring them to the United States" only to pay them low wages and trap them in contracts for years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 20 · 8 min
Rick Jackson signs new contract worth millions as November election looms, plus Jon Ossoff attacks opponent Mike Collins over alleged ties to white supremacists
On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team discusses how billionaire businessman and Georgia GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson signed a new contract to provide healthcare services to workers with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health. Much of Jackson's fortune comes from the company he owns: Jackson Healthcare. The trouble is, Jackson said he would shy away from conducting health business in Georgia if elected. This new contract would expire six months AFTER a new governor takes office. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, who advises the Rick Jackson campaign, Democratic strategist Anre Washington and host Lisa Rayam sort through all the implications. Plus, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff went on the attack at a rally in Atlanta over the weekend, and continued to call out his opponent, GOP U.S. Representative Mike Collins, for his alleged ties to white supremacists. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 4 · 46 min
Democracy at its finest?
This edition of Political Breakfast explores the powerful role money and public perception play in Georgia elections. Brian, Tharon, and Lisa examine how candidates with larger campaign war chests often gain a significant advantage that can translate into more voter support. We also discuss how a candidate's reputation can be affected by the company they keep! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 27 · 34 min
POLLING AND EMOTING!
On this episode of Political Breakfast, Polling and Emoting explores the intersection of public opinion and campaign strategy by taking a closer look at the latest polls in Georgia and what they may reveal about the state's political landscape. In addition, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson, along with host Lisa Rayam, talk about the emotional dynamics of the campaign trail. They explore whether a candidate's emotional appeal can influence public perception, shape momentum, and ultimately translate into votes on Election Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 21 · 39 min
Was 'Toast on Lenox' in Atlanta toasting Rick Jackson? Campaign advisor roles, and more polling analysis
On today's Political Breakfast, our Republican strategist Brian Robinson responds to some listener feedback, wondering how his current role of advising the Rick Jackson campaign for Georgia governor, really works in tandem with his job untangling Georgia politics on WABE. Plus, our Democratic strateigst Tharon Johnson also talks about his past roles as a campaign advisor, for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and others. We also break down the recent Toast on Lenox-Rick Jackson photo controversy. Brian and Tharon talk about Jackson's visit to the Atlanta Black-owned breakfast spot. It's now being subjected to calls for a boycott. And more polls, polls, polls. We breakdown how a new poll released Monday morning and analyzed by the AJC, shows Democrats hold an early advantage in the Georgia Governor's race. BUT the pollsters acknowledge that much of that edge depends on voters who are LESS likely to turn up at the polls, when the race for president is not on the ballot. The poll also acknowledges that their sample could lean a little bit bluer than the overall Georgia electorate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 14 · 36 min
Atlanta fired-up for last FIFA match, Post-primary polls show slight Democratic advantage in Georgia Governor's race, GOP Titan Lindsay Graham passes away
On this week's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Anré Washington is filling-in for Tharon Johnson, alongside Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam. We start with FIFA fever in Atlanta! It's the last week of the 2026 World Cup. England will face Argentina at 3 pm at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Will the soccer culture and spirit stay in Atlanta when the World Cup run ends? Plus, more polls are out, a few weeks after the competitive Georgia primary elections. Even though polls don't tell the WHOLE story, our strategists believe they take a pretty good pulse of how Georgia voters are feeling. One from Fox News shows Democrats leading by a significant amount in both the Governor's race and the race for U.S. Senate. But another poll from Wick Research shows both races are deadlocked. Plus, the group reacts to South Carolina Republican Lindsay Graham's death over the weekend, after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” Even though he never represented the Peach State, he became intertwined with Georgia politics over the years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 7 · 34 min
FIFA and a diversifying Georgia, Big billionaire spending in governor's race, Bottoms and Ossoff joined at the hip ahead of November election
On this week's Political Breakfast: Lately it's been less about politics in our news feed, and all about the FIFA World Cup! As we recorded, Atlanta was getting ready for its second knockout stage match at Mercedes Benz Stadium, with Argentina battling Egypt. In the heat of Atlanta hosting the World Cup, a recent U.S. Census Bureau report estimates Georgia's population has grown by more than a half million people in the past five years, and continues to diversify. The data shows that nonwhite residents account for all of the growth. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam break down how these changing demographics could play an integral role in who get's elected come November. Plus, Republican Rick Jackson has spent 108 million of his own money on his campaign for Georgia Governor. That broke a campaign spending record. And recently we saw Georgia's Democratic nominee for Governor Keisha Lance Bottoms campaign in Savannah with U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 18 · 8 min
Georgia Republicans say for now, NO redistricting before the 2028 elections
On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, we're addressing a surprise move during a special session called by Governor Brian Kemp. The plan was to redraw Georgia's congressional and state legislative districts. That's in response to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gutted a key portion in the Voting Rights Act on redistricting. Now critics say Republican-held states across the South could likely redraw their maps and put seats typically held by Democrats at risk. But yesterday, Republican House leaders wrote a letter to Kemp, and decided that changes to the maps will not happen this summer during the session. They cite the changes should only happen after a deliberative process, providing the public enough time for input. Democrats are celebrating the news. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson is one of them. He, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam break down the news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 16 · 8 min
Georgians race to the polls today for primary runoff election, late Trump endorsement shakes-up GOP race
After months of candidates stumping for high-profile endorsements, spending millions of dollars on attack ads and traveling across the state, today's the day. The polls are open for Georgia's primary runoff election. Some of the most contentious races are on the Republican ballot, including the runoffs for U.S. Senate and Governor. One race that's gotten some extra attention this week: the race for Democrat Jon Ossoff's U.S. Senate seat. President Donald Trump gave an 11th-hour endorsement of current Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins. But strategists ask: why so late? Trump posted his endorsement on Truth Social at 1 am on Sunday. The runoff election pits Collins against Republican Derek Dooley, a former football coach at the University of Tennessee, who has the support of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. How will the Kemp versus Trump endorsement play-out among voters? Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 9 · 33 min
Ageism: Is age an increasingly crucial issue for voters? Plus, a murder on Atlanta's MARTA is now politicized in Georgia governor's race
On this week's Political Breakfast, we're starting off with an increasingly contentious local race ahead of the June primary runoff elections: the race for Fulton County Commission Chair. Longtime incumbent Robb Pitts is being challenged by former District 4 Commissioner Mo Ivory. Recent debates between the two have been fiery and full of personal attacks. One issue voters are bringing up is age. Pitts is now in his mid-80s. How does ageism play into these elections -- from the Fulton Commission Chair, all the way up to the Georgia governor's race? Do these attacks on age have merit? Plus, Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is now focusing his campaign for governor on safety concerns for Atlanta MARTA riders. That's after President Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the feds are launching an investigation into how MARTA spends its money. The transit authority has dealt with a series of violent incidents just weeks ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Democratic strategist and attorney Anré Washington is here filling-in for strategist Tharon Johnson this week. Washington, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam sort through this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 4 · 28 min
Unity in Georgia governor's race, and redistricting doubts amongst Republicans? Plus, Georgia gas prices will spike after gas tax suspension lifted
This week on Political Breakfast, we're talking about party unity, and endorsements pouring-in as the dust settles from Georgia's May primary elections. U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and Georgia's Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Keisha Lance Bottoms, are joining forces ahead of the general election in November. Is the entire Democratic base united to support the former Atlanta Mayor? If elected, Bottoms would become the first Black woman to take the state's highest office. On the Republican side, unity is dicey. That's as political outsider and billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson and current Lt. Gov. Burt Jones prepare for a June 16th runoff. The winner with face Bottoms in November. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam break all this down. Plus, Republicans are now having mixed feelings about redrawing Georgia's district lines. And Georgia's gas tax suspension has ended. Now Georgians are rushing to fill up their tanks, before those prices at the pumps creep-up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 29 · 7 min
Debate drama, Republicans Rick Jackson and Burt Jones gearing-up for June runoff in the Georgia governor's race
On this week's Political Breakfast: The campaign for billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson confirmed with WABE he will NOT be part of Monday's Atlanta Press Club debate, in the battle for the Republican nomination in the Georgia governor's race. His opponent, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, is now prepared to face an empty podium on Monday afternoon at 2:45, and answer questions from a panel of journalists alone. He also criticized Jackson for not showing up on social media. Jackson's campaign cited a scheduling conflict: an event with Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. The campaign said in a statement that the APC could not accommodate later dates, so Jackson has accepted Gray TV's invitation to debate on President Trump's birthday, or Flag Day on June 14th, "when runoff voters will be fully engaged and making a decision ahead of Election Day." Meanwhile, Democratic nominee and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms dominated in the May primary with 56 percent of the vote. She will face either Jones or Jackson in November. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 21 · 8 min
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms dominates win in May primary election, GOP candidate TBD
On this week's Political Breakfast, we have a quick recap of a critical Election Day for Georgia's 2026 May primary. A large chunk of undecided Georgia voters showed up to the polls on Tuesday, and completely changed the game. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms dominated in the race for the Democratic nomination for Georgia Governor. She's now free to focus on the November general election, where she'll face the GOP nominee. On the Republican side, billionaire businessman and healthcare CEO Rick Jackson and Lt. Governor Burt Jones will head to a June runoff election. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson both share more insight on the bloodbath ahead with host Lisa Rayam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 12 · 24 min
It's the final countdown for Georgia's early voters, and more candidates are under attack
On this week's Political Breakfast, we're in the final stretch of early voting for the May primaries! Early voting ends this Friday. Election Day is May 19th. The Georgia Governor's race has been dominating our conversations on this podcast. Now it's time to turn to the U.S. Senate race. Republican Governor Brian Kemp has endorsed former football coach Derek Dooley in hopes he can flip the seat held by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. Is the Kemp clout working? Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson weigh-in with host Lisa Rayam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 5 · 34 min
THE TROUBLE WITH POLLS
On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team discusses recent polling. Are they spot on or not? Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson share their take with Lisa Rayam. A recent AJC poll on the Democratic Race for Governor is at the center of the conversation. In addition, the team sorts through the recent US Supreme Court Decision regarding the Voting Rights Act and the state of Louisiana. What are the ramifications here in Georgia? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 28 · 38 min
Debate or not to Debate
On this edition of Political Breakfast, strategists Tharon Johnson, Brian Robinson, and Host Lisa Rayam talk about the art of debating. The debate season kicks off in Georgia just as early voting gets underway. Do the candidates truly benefit from participating in this long-established routine? Also, the team focuses on the Gubernatorial candidates and what the debate process specifically means for the top two candidates from each party. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 24 · 1 hr 2 min
Political Breakfast takes a road trip to the Brookhaven City Centre
On this week's Political Breakfast, the team was pleased to record the podcast in front of a live studio audience at the Brookhaven City Centre. More than a hundred listeners showed-up to hear host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson. They started off by discussing the latest in the Georgia Governor's race, GOP infighting and if the top candidates are focused on the needs of ordinary Georgians? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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