Political Breakfast from WABE

Georgia U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene dropped a bombshell that strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson said was in the works for some time.  Both agree the signs were there -- even before President Donald Trump called her a traitor. 

Still, Greene resigning caught some off guard, maybe even Trump himself. On this episode, Tharon and Brian discuss with host Lisa Rayam MTG's politics, hopes for redemption and her possible resurgence, as well as resilience.

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On this edition of Political Breakfast: Democrats are calling it "Brian's Blunder." That's referring to a campaign ad for Republicans to unseat Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff in 2026.

In it, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is supporting former University of Tennessee football coach, and political outsider, Derek Dooley. The ad blames Dooley's opponents who already have power in Washington for the longest government shutdown in U.S. history: Republican U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter and Mike Collins. 

Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson delve deeper with Lisa Rayam, into why state and national Republicans are criticizing Kemp.

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On this edition of Political Breakfast, we talk about the very public rift between President Donald Trump, and Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene -- who Trump now calls Marjorie "Traitor" Greene.

Greene said on CNN this week that she wants to "put down the knives in politics" and is rethinking her past divisive antics. 

What do Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson think about this very uncharacteristic apology, and how Greene will have to navigate the Georgia political landscape in the future? Both share their thoughts with host Lisa Rayam.

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A new AJC poll shows former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is dominating early in the 2026 Georgia governor's race on the Democratic side. Behind her, is former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. 

On the Republican side, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones leads, with the endorsement from President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger trails behind him.

It's important to note: Both parties still have a large swath of undecided voters.

Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson weigh-in on this with host Lisa Rayam.

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On this edition of Political Breakfast, the federal government shutdown may be nearing an end, but it hasn't happened just yet. A key vote took place in Washington but Georgia's two Democratic U.S. Senators were NOT on board with the majority. Why not?

Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson weigh-in with host Lisa Rayam on what Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock may have been thinking. 

How could they be against reopening the government in the midst of massive flight cancellations across the country, and TSA workers reporting malaise because they are not getting paid?

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On today's Political Breakfast, we talk about some of the most hotly contested races in this November's election across metro Atlanta, and Georgia's only statewide race.

Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson break down the Georgia Public Service Commission results and their national implications with host, Lisa Rayam.

Rising electricity bills have been worrying families across the state. They've gone up six times in the past few years, under the current, all-Republican commission.

Plus, they analyze the very close race for Atlanta City Council President. 

Two-term Atlanta City Council member Marci Collier Overstreet declares victory even though her opponent, Rohit Malhotra, garnered almost 50 percent of the vote.

What are Atlanta voters really trying to say?

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It's time for Political Breakfast's Election Day coverage -- but before you listen, if you haven't yet, get to your precinct before the polls close! 

The PSC has five elected members who have final say over Georgia Power’s rates and plans for making electricity. All five are currently held by Republicans. Two seats are being challenged by Democrats. Turnout will be key in determining if the Dems can flip those seats. 

Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam talk about some other races that should be on the radar. In the city of Atlanta, voters will choose the mayor, city council president, 15 city council seats, and several Atlanta school board seats.

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This week WABE presents a special edition of Political Breakfast, broadcasting from the iconic Atlanta meet-up spot, Manuel's Tavern. 

Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joined host Lisa Rayam to do a wrap-up of the month's top political stories in Georgia: just a few days ahead of Election Day on November 4th. 

Some background: Manuel's opened decades ago, and was run by Atlanta's own fiery politician Manuel Maloof. It's a well-known watering hole where folks from both sides of the aisle have always sat together, enjoyed a beer or burger, and talked. 

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   On this edition of Political Breakfast, we discuss the specter of the No Kings Protest in Atlanta.  Thousands turned out and actually PEACEFULLY protested Trump-era politics. Many high-profile speakers addressed enthusiastic crowds. One in particular was two-time Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. She's been quiet lately.  Does her taking the podium signal she's ready to take on the political spotlight again?  

    Executive Director of the Atlanta Civic Circle Saba Long, who is in for Democratic Strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican Strategist Brian Robinson, shared their thoughts with host Lisa Rayam

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Two Republicans who sit on Georgia's Public Service Commission -- Tim Echols of District 2 and Fitz Johnson of District 3 — are being challenged by Democratic candidates Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard.

It's a race that has gone under the radar: until now.

All five seats are currently held by Republicans. So Democrats are stumping loudly about utility affordability

Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson stress with host Lisa Rayam how voters need to pay attention: and turn out for race that ultimately affects their households.

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