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Political Breakfast from 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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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 Anr 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?…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.…

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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,…

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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…

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