With the 2024 election expected to be the most expensive in history, interest groups and political organizations are more critical in shaping the political landscape than ever. From PACs and Super PACs to grassroots movements and corporate lobbyists, these entities wield massive influence in all levels of government.

Who are these groups, and what influence do they have over our elected officials?

Dr. Tristan M. Hightower, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Bryant University, talks with Digital Producer Tim Darnell on the role that big money plays in American politics.

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That and more on this episode of Decatur Dish. 

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Kamala Harris made history Thursday night, when she became the first woman of color to win a major political party's presidential nomination. She and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, now face former President Donald Trump and Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance in a November election that is already too close to call in Georgia and the rest of the nation. Atlanta News First's Rick Folabum and Dr. Ben Taylor, professor of political science at Kennesaw State University, wrap up the 2024 Democratic National Convention and discuss how Trump and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp seem to have put aside their feud - for now - as the 2024 presidential election enters its final stages.

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Vice President Kamala Harris makes history Thursday night as she becomes the first woman of color to accept a major political party's presidential nomination. The DNC has featured its all-stars all week, from former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama to vice presidential nominee Tim Walz. Now, Harris will close out the 2024 Democratic National Convention, and Atlanta News First's Rick Folbaum, Political Reporter Doug Reardon and Dr. Ben Taylor, political science professor at Kennesaw State University, recap night three and preview what's ahead for this evening. 

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Lil Jon brought down the house last night during the Democratic National Convention, as the acclaimed rapper cast Georgia's vote for Kamala Harris as their White House nominee. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama also received thunderous ovations, and now Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will officially accept the Democratic nomination for vice president. Atlanta News First Chief Investigator Brendan Keefe, anchor/legal analyst Joy Lim Nakrin, and Political Reporter Doug Reardon recap night two of the Democratic National Convention and what's ahead for the final two nights of the historic gathering.

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If you had to pick America's top presidents, who would they be? Some are obvious choices: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln. Some are not. What about the brief presidency of John F. Kennedy? Or Ronald Reagan? Would you choose Republicans, Democrats, or someone from a long-bygone political party? And how do America's recent and current presidential candidates stack up to Thomas Jefferson and Franklin D. Roosevelt?
Presidential historian and attorney Talmage Boston is author of the new book, "How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents." Boston identified eight American presidents who excelled in three crucial leadership skills and categories ... and how President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris - who is her party's nominee for the White House in 2024 - don't exactly measure up.

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On this episode of Decatur Dish, Decaturish Founder and Editor Dan Whisenhunt spoke with Senator Elena Parent about topics like city annexation, homelessness and affordable housing and sports betting legislation. 

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Night two of the Democratic National Convention will be headlined by former President Barack Obama. Night one featured President Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and a surprise appearance from Vice President Kamala Harris. Atlanta News First Chief Investigator Brendan Keefe, anchor and legal analyst Joy Lim Nakrin and Political Reporter Doug Reardon recap night one, what's ahead for night two, and how Kamala Harris' nomination for president will make history in just a few hours.

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Democrats from around the nation have gathered in Chicago to formally nominate Kamala Harris for president. Harris is the first woman of color to headline a major political party's nomination for president. Atlanta News First has live coverage of the historic convention, as Political Reporter Doug Reardon is on the convention floor. Chief Investigator Brendan Keefe and Anchor/Legal Analyst Joy Lim Nakrin bring you the latest headlines and analysis from the Atlanta News First newsroom in Midtown.

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Fulton County DA Fani Willis indicted former President Donald Trump one year ago, on Aug. 14, 2023. Here's where the case stands today. Also: Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have agreed on at least one debate date; the Democratic National Convention is coming up next week in Chicago, and Atlanta News First will carry live coverage each day of the convention. 

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