Political Rewind

In the final episode of Political Rewind, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's editor-at-large Kevin Riley interviews host Bill Nigut on a lifelong career in journalism, the stories he looks back on, and what he expects in Georgia's political future. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 3:00 - Today is Bill Nigut's last show. Kevin Riley interviews him on his career. 7:00 - Bill's history and love of theater, his early days in Chicago, and political firsts. 16:00 - From Chicago to WSB-TV in Atlanta. 28:00 - How political coverage and standards for candidates have changed. 35:00 - Bill's favorite stories. 38:00 - On Bill's personal life. 43:00 - On why he thinks Political Rewind was a success. This is Political Rewind's finale, but you can continue to listen to our episodes on Apple Music and Spotify.

Brad Raffensperger has spoken with federal prosecutors investigating efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has a few crucial rulings left on its docket. The panel: Anthony Michael Kreis, @AnthonyMKreis, professor of law Georgia State University Fred Smith, @fredosmithjr, professor of constitutional law Emory University Jim Galloway, former political columnist Atlanta Journal-Constitution Tanya Washington, @AskProfW, professor of law Georgia State University Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 6:00 - Brad Raffensperger spoke to federal prosecutors investigating efforts to overturn the 2020 election. 14:00 - The Supreme Court rejected independent legislature theory. 28:00 - The court will also rule on two major college admissions cases addressing affirmative action. 9:41 - It's also set to rule on a case that will test LGTBQ+ rights vs. free speech on public accommodations. 48:00 - Student loan debt rulings could come down soon. Friday on Political Rewind: Bill Nigut signs off for the final episode of Political Rewind.

Wednesday on Political Rewind: The Supreme Court rejected "independent legislature theory," an idea that its critics say could have undermined American democracy. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Gov. Brian Kemp feud over who's responsible for EV developments in Georgia. Meanwhile, there were two disturbing neo-Nazi protests in Georgia this week. The panel: Alan Abramowitz,@AlanIAbramowitz, professor emeritus of political science, Emory University Andra Gillespie, @AndraGillespie, professor of political science and director, James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference, Emory University Charles Bullock, professor of political science, University of Georgia Greg Bluestein, @bluestein, political reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Timestamps 0:00 - Introductions 6:00 - An EV manufacturer is coming to Bainbridge, drawing political crossfire. 24:00 - The Supreme Court rejected "independent state legislature" theory. 43:00 - Two antisemitic protests in Georgia cause alarm outside synagogues. 47:00 - Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene may be ousted from the far-right Freedom Caucus. Thursday on Political Rewind: Former columnist Jim Galloway joins the panel.

Tuesday on Political Rewind: Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger will be interviewed for the first time by federal prosecutors. He’ll likely be asked about Donald Trump’s 2020 phone call, in which the former president asked for votes to win the election. The panel Audrey Haynes, professor of political science, The University of Georgia Margaret Coker, @mideastmargaret, editor-in-chief, The Current Tamar Hallerman, @TamarHallerman, senior reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Tammy Greer, professor of political science Timestamps 0:00 - Introductions 7:00 - DOJ investigators will interview Brad Raffensperger 26:00 - Rep. Andrew Clyde blocks renaming on Lake Lanier 30:00 - Downtown square being renamed in Savannah 33:00 - Battle on Capitol Hill on GOP 43:00 - SCOTUS to drop opinions on several more cases Wednesday on Political Rewind: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Greg Bluestein joins the panel.

Monday on Political Rewind: DeKalb Co. DA Sherry Boston announced she's withdrawing her office from criminal cases against "Cop City" protestors, citing prosecutorial differences with the Attorney General's office. Plus, the Department of Justice turns their attention to states' false electors. The panel Michael Thurmond, CEO, DeKalb County Patricia Murphy, @MurphyAJC, political reporter, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Rick Dent, vice president, Matrix Communications Sam Olens, @samolens, former state Attorney General Timestamps :00- Introductions 8:00- Dekalb DA, Sherry Boston announces she is withdrawing from prosecutions of police training center protestors. 22:00- Brian Kemp on EVs 29:00- Chris Christie gets boo'd for challenging Trump 36:00- Trump's upcoming indictments 42:00- Where the nation stands one year after the fall of Roe v. Wade Tuesday on Political Rewind: The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Tamar Hallerman joins the panel.

Friday on Political Rewind: A Cobb County elementary school teacher may be the first casualty of Georgia’s new “divisive concepts” ban. Meanwhile, a state investigation confirms the two election officials at the heart of the “suitcase of ballots” conspiracy theory did nothing wrong. The panel: Adrienne Jones, @adriennemjns, professor of political science, Morehouse College Donna Lowry, @donnalowrynews, host, GPB-TV’s Lawmakers Jim Galloway, @JimJournalist, former political columnist, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Kevin Riley, @ajceditor, editor-at-large, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Timestamps 0:00 - Introductions 4:00 - Cobb County teacher may be the first casualty of the "divisive concepts" bill 20:00 -Fulton County election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss cleared by GBI 30:00 - Tomorrow marks one year since Roe V. Wade was overturned 41:00 - Programming note about the last episode of Political Rewind 43:00 - Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert argued on the House floor Monday on Political Rewind: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Patricia Murphy joins the panel.

Thursday on Political Rewind: Host Bill Nigut continues our series of conversations with Georgia’s thought leaders. He interviews former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Atlanta’s first female mayor and the first Black woman to head a major Southern city. 0:00 - Introductions 2:00 - Former Mayor Shirley Franklin talks about her early life in Philadelphia 9:00 - Franklin talks about her desire to be a dancer 13:00 - Franklin talks about her undergrad experience at Howard University 17:00 - Franklin talks March on Washington, Andrew Young, and John Lewis' influences 28:00 - Franklin talks about winning the mayor's race 35:00 - Franklin talks about getting Atlanta out of a budget deficit 45:00 - Franklins reflects on Olympic controversy and celebration Friday on Political Rewind: Former columnist Jim Galloway joins the panel.

Wednesday on Political Rewind: Opponents of Atlanta's police training center filed a lawsuit against the city clerk after their referendum petition was denied twice, delaying a time-sensitive process. The Atlanta Advisory Board endorsed the referendum. And we discuss the latest on the Supreme Court's docket. The panel: Alan Abramowitz, professor emeritus of political science, Emory University Andra Gillespie, professor of political science and director, James Weldon John Institute for the Study of Race and Difference, Emory University, @AndraGillespie Charles Bullock, professor of political science University of Georgia, @AlanIAbramowitz Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 2:00 - The state election board signaled it wouldn't take over Fulton County's elections. 9:00 - A referendum to block the Atlanta police training center has been denied, delayed twice by the city clerk. 15:00 - A majority of Atlanta's neighborhood planning units support the referendum effort. 19:00 - The Supreme Court is expected to release several major opinions shortly, including a ruling on affirmative action and independent state legislature theory. 40:00 - Hunter Biden reached a plea deal on two tax charges and a gun charge. Thursday on Political Rewind: Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin joins the show.

Tuesday on Political Rewind: This week marks one year since the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, ending 50 years where women had a guaranteed right to choose an abortion. Plus, Brad Raffensperger challenges Donald Trump to a debate. But first, Bill Nigut speaks on the show's cancellation. The panel: Kendra King Momon, professor of political science and interim provost, Oglethorpe University State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D) Decatur, @mmo_mary Patricia Murphy, political reporter and columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, @MurphyAJC Tamar Hallerman, senior reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, @TamarHallerman Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - Bill comments on the cancellation of Political Rewind 18:00 - It's been one year since the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade. 41:00 - Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger challenged Donald Trump to a debate over 2020 election fraud. 46:00 - The latest on Fulton County DA Fani Willis' investigation into the 2020 election. 50:00 - The DNC is trying to tweak primary dates in Democratic strongholds. Wednesday on Political Rewind: Emory's Andra Gillespie joins the show.

Last Sunday, the musical Parade won the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. Written by Atlanta native Alfred Uhry, Parade documents the 1915 lynching of Leo Frank. Host Bill Nigut welcomes Uhry, Rabbi Alvin Sugarman, and author Steve Oney to tell Frank's story. The panel Alfred Uhry, playwright and screenwriter, "Parade" Rabbi Alvin Sugarman, senior rabbi, The Temple Jim Galloway, @jimjournalist, former columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Steve Oney, @steveoneywriter, author, And the Dead Shall Rise 0:00 - Introduction 5:00 - Alfred Uhrey writes "Parade," a story about the lynching of Jewish man Leo Frank 13:00 - Steve Oney on the parallels of the Leo Frank lynching and antisemitism today 18:00 - Alfred talks writing "Parade" 20:00 - Steve Oney talks Leo Frank's sexual history 25:00 - Rabbi emeritus Alvin Sugerman talks Atlanta's current climate 33:00 - Alvin talks Leo Frank's wife Lucille Selig 38:00 - Steve Oney talks importance of lynching in history 41:00 - Jim Galloway on failed antisemitism bills in the legislative session 43:00 - The importance of the Shema The Political Rewind team will be off Monday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. Tuesday on Political Rewind: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Greg Bluestein joins the panel.

Thursday on Political Rewind: Rene Alegria has given a voice to Hispanic writers and journalists throughout his career. He's now the CEO at MundoNow, one of the country's most widely-read bilingual and bicultural outlets. The panel Kevin Riley, @ajceditor, editor-at-large, The Atlanta Journal Constitution Rene Alegria, CEO, MundoNow 0:00 - Introductions 4:00 - Rene Alegria, CEO of MundoNow, talks about being on a certified media-owned platform 8:00 - Rene talks about growing up a second-generation Latino in Arizona 12:00 - Rene talks about working in New York in the 1990s 21:00 - Rene talks about the diversity within Latino 26:00 - Kevin Riley and Rene talk working together under the AJC 40:00 - Rene talks about working with former first lady Michelle Obama 43:00 - Rene talks about the political landscape for Latinos in Georgia 49:00 - Future for MundoNOW Friday on Political Rewind: Playwright Alfred Uhry joins the show.

Wednesday on Political Rewind: As Donald Trump made his first appearance in federal court, Gov. Brian Kemp told CBS News that he'd support the former president should he win the Republican primary. Plus, will the federal trial delay Fulton County DA Fani Willis' legal proceedings? The panel Alan Abramowitz, professor emeritus of political science, Emory University, @AlanIAbramowitz Greg Bluestein, political reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, @bluestein Tamar Hallerman, senior reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, @TamarHallerman Tammy Greer, political scientist Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:00 - Donald Trump pled 'not guilty' in a federal criminal case in Miami. 26:00 - Gov. Brian Kemp said he would support the Republican candidate for president, even if it's Donald Trump. 45:00 - After losing negotiations on the debt ceiling bill, the Freedom Caucus is holding up legislation in the U.S. House. Thursday on Political Rewind: AJC editor-at-large Kevin Riley joins the show.

Tuesday on Political Rewind: Donald Trump will be arraigned on federal criminal charges in Miami today. Our panel weighs in on the strength of the charges against the 2024 frontrunner. Plus, state Republicans suggest an outright ban on abortion and a return to paper ballots at their Columbus convention. The panel: Andra Gillespie, professor of political science and director, James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference, @AndraGillespie Audrey Haynes, professor of political science, University of Georgia Charles Bullock, professor of political science, UGA Fred Smith, professor of law, Emory University, @fredosmithjr Timestamps 0:00 - Introductions 2:00 - Donald Trump will be arraigned on federal criminal charges in Miami today. 27:00 - Voters think Trump should face charges, but also think the prosecution is politically motivated. 38:00 - Trump remains the Republican frontrunner for 2024. 43:00 - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Alabama must redraw distric maps that disenfranchise Black voters. 50:00 - The court will rule on affirmative action in college admissions. Wednesday on Political Rewind: The AJC's Greg Bluestein joins the panel.

Monday on Political Rewind: The state GOP convention, headlined by Donald Trump and Kari Lake, saw massive support for the far-right wing of the state Republican Party. But while a plurality of voters think the former president should be prosecuted, another plurality sees the charges against him as politically motivated. The panel Anthony Michael Kreis, @AnthonyMKreis, professor of law, Georgia State University State Rep. Chuck Efstration (R), @ChuckEfstration, House Majority Leader, Auburn Patricia Murphy, @MurphyAJC, political reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution State Sen. Sonya Halpern (D), @SonyaHalpern_, Atlanta Timestamps 0:00 - Introductions 4:00 - Trump headlined the state GOP convention in Columbus. 20:00 - State Republicans elect a new chair. 26:00 - Failed Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake implies GOP will defend Trump with force. 38:00 - The Supreme Court hands down a 5-4 decision on discriminatory congressional maps in Alabama. 48:00 - The court will hand down a ruling on affirmative action soon. Tuesday on Political Rewind: The University of Georgia's Dr. Charles Bullock joins the panel

Friday on Political Rewind: In this pre-recorded conversation, we discuss the outpouring of support for former first lady Rosalynn Carter as her family announced her dementia diagnosis. This news comes as she spent decades fighting to erase mental health stigma and find support for caregivers. We talk to executives at the Carter Center and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers about her legacy. The panel: Ellen Eldridge, Senior health reporter, GPB, @EllenEldridge27 Dr. Jennifer Olsen, CEO Rosalynn Carter Institute of Caregivers, @JenOlsen_DrPH Paige Alexander, CEO The Carter Center, @P_AlexanderCEO Timestamps :00- Introductions 3:00- President Carter's Health 6:00- Mrs. Carter's experience caregiving at a young age for her father 13:00- Stigma of mental health/caregiving 17:00- Ellen Eldridge on Carter Center fellowship 23:00- The focus at the Rosalynn Carter Institue 26:00- The Carter Center works to get more policies in schools surrounding behavioral health 29:00- Caregiving for military families and veterans 34:00- What is a dementia diagnosis? 44:00- Rosalynn Carter's own words on her legacy 49:00- Bill Nigut shares a personal story about the last time he saw the Carters Monday on Political Rewind: The AJC's Patricia Murphy joins us as former President Donald Trump says he has been indicted by DOJ special counsel.

Thursday on Political Rewind: Opponents of the planned Atlanta police training center launched a referendum campaign. But first, what to expect from the Georgia GOP convention. The panel: Chuck Williams, reporter WRBL-TV Columbus, @chuckwilliams Donna Lowry, host of Lawmakers & GPB News reporter, @donnalowrynews Kevin Riley, editor at large,The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, @ajceditor Rahul Bali, politics reporter WABE, @rahulbali Timestamps: 0:00 - Introductions 3:00 - Trump says ‘No one has told me I'm being indicted,' as aide testifies to Florida grand jury 7:00 - WRBL's Columbus-based Chuck Williams speaks on what to expect from the state GOP convention 16:00 - Mike Pence openly attacks Donald Trump 28:00 - City Council approves funding on planned Atlanta police training center, sparking referendum campaign from protestors. Homeland Security clarifies violent extremist label 44:00 - Gun store owner closes shop after seeing child's active shooter drill Friday on Political Rewind: Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander, The Rosalynn Carter Institute of Caregivers CEO Dr. Jennifer Olsen, and GPB's Ellen Eldridge dive into Rosalynn Carter's legacy.

Wednesday on Political Rewind: The Georgia GOP convention is just days away, and some far-right Republicans want to introduce a measure to block mainstream candidates. Plus, before approving the police training center, the Atlanta City Council added an amendment, but opponents say it's insufficient and are launching a referendum campaign to stop the project. The panel: Eric Tanenblatt, Republican insider, @ericjtanenblatt Greg Bluestein, political reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, @bluestein Kendra King Momon, professor of political science and interim provost, Oglethorpe University, Melita Easters, founder and executive director, Georgia WIN List, @melitaeasters 0:00- Chris Licht out as CEO at CNN 4:00- Protestors of planned Atlanta police training center seek a referendum 19:00- Far-right GOP leaders want to stop moderate Republicans from running for office 26:00- Former VP Mike Pence announces run for president. 39:00- Atlanta conference discusses reparations. Thursday on Political Rewind: WRBL's Chuck Williams joins the panel from Columbus.

Tuesday on Political Rewind: After 14 hours of scathing public comment, the Atlanta City Council approved funding for the controversial police training center. Meanwhile, controversy over drag shows hits Hartwell County. And then there's the latest on Fulton County's 2020 election probe. The panel Tamar Hallerman, @TamarHallerman, senior reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peter Biello, @PeterBiello, host, All Things Considered, GPB News Bernard Fraga, @blfraga, professor of political science, Emory University Jim Galloway, @JimJournalist, former political columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Timestamps: 0:00 - Introductions 4:00 - GPB’s Peter Biello speaks on the outpour of public comment ahead of the yes vote on the planned Atlanta Police training center 25:00 - Update on Georgia election probe 37:00 - Chris Christie to jump in the race 47:00 - Human Rights Campaign releases statement about LGBTQ communities Wednesday on Political Rewind: The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Greg Bluestein joins the panel.

Monday on Political Rewind: Donald Trump will headline the state GOP convention this weekend in Columbus. Governor Kemp will not attend, and he's now going after Trump publicly. The Atlanta City Council will vote on funding for the controversial police training center, with large protests expected. The panel: Edward Lindsey, member, State election board & former Atlanta state representative, @edlindsey14 Sen. Kim Jackson, (D) Stone Mountain, @KimforGeorgia Patricia Murphy, Political reporter & columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, @MurphyAJC Shannon McCaffrey, Political reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, @shannonajc1 Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - The state GOP convention in Columbus will feature Trump-affiliated Republicans. 14:00 - On David Shafer, the controversial Republican party chair. 27:00 - Georgia beat records for voter turnout in the South in the 2022 election. 28:00 - Gov. Brian Kemp chastized Donald Trump in a rare public critique of the former president. 36:00 - The Atlanta City Council will vote today on funding for the planned Atlanta police training center. 46:00 - Three fundraising organizers were arrested by state police, charged with financial crimes. A judge granted them bail, questioning evidence. 50:00 - Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene faces blowback from the far-right. Tuesday on Political Rewind: GPB's Peter Biello joins the show.

Friday on Political Rewind: After months of wrangling, Congress has officially sent a debt ceiling bill to the president's desk. More Republican hopefuls are throwing their name in for 2024. Mike Pence, Chris Christie, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Bergum will announce in the coming days. The panel Andra Gillespie, @AndraGillespie, professor of political science, Emory University Alan Abramowitz, @AlanIAbramowitz, professor emeritus of political science, Emory University Charles Bullock, professor of political science, University of Georgia Jim Galloway, @JimJournalist, former political columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Timestamps 0:00 - Introductions 4:00 - New jobs report 6:00 - Update on Georgia's election interference probe 9:00 - Debt ceiling deal headed to President Biden's desk 31:00 - Republican GOP field widens in presidential race 43:00 - Where does the Georgia Republican Party stand? Monday on Political Rewind: The AJC's Patricia Murphy joins the show.