Best Tharon Johnson Podcasts (2026)

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Georgia's 2026 Legislative Session kickoff 36:29

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1h ago36:29

36:29

On this edition of Political Breakfast, we're going into the first week of Georgia's legislative session -- which means strategists Brian Robinson, Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam are keeping busy and keeping up with lawmakers' top priorities. In this economy, everyone wants to focus on "affordability." The Senate wants to start eliminating the …

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New Year Check-In: Resolutions, Goals, and Reality 4:18

5h ago4:18

4:18

New year, new me — or maybe just a new mindset. In this episode of Tharon’s Take, we have a real conversation about New Year’s resolutions, goal setting, and how people actually follow through (or don’t) over time. Whether you’re big on resolutions, prefer a vision board, or skip the whole thing altogether, this episode is about reflection, honesty…

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Trading Trae Young: Reset or Mistake? 10:53

7h ago10:53

10:53

The Trae Young era in Atlanta appears to be over — and the reaction has been loud. In this mini episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon unpacks why the Hawks moved on from their franchise star, what Trae meant to the city, and what this decision says about the team’s future. Was this a smart reset, or did Atlanta just let go of its identity?…

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What’s Really Wrong With the Atlanta Falcons? 15:19

7h ago15:19

15:19

Atlanta Falcons fans are once again asking the same question: why does this keep happening? In this mini episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon breaks down the recurring issues that continue to hold the Falcons back — from leadership and long-term strategy to accountability and culture. This isn’t just about one bad season. It’s about a pattern. And unti…

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Stacey Abrams will NOT run for Governor in 2026, Legislative session priorities 7:59

4d ago7:59

7:59

On this live edition of Political Breakfast, we cover how two-time Democratic nominee for governor Stacey Abrams announced that she is not running for office in 2026. Abrams said in a statement that instead she'll continue her work fighting against what's happening in Washington, as "since January 2025, we have watched our nation descend into autho…

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Dickens pledges to focus on fighting poverty and inequality during second term as Atlanta's Mayor, Marjorie Taylor Greene's last day in Congress 7:32

7d ago7:32

7:32

On this week's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam return LIVE and wish our listeners a happy new year! Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens was sworn into his second term on Monday, along with all members of the Atlanta City Council. The crowd also heard from newly sworn-in Atl…

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What the Buddhist Monks’ March in Georgia Teaches Us About Nonviolent Protest 21:39

2d ago21:39

21:39

Tharon reflects on the recent march by Buddhist monks through Georgia and draws a powerful connection to the Civil Rights Movement, Congressman John Lewis, and the nonviolent teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. The moment highlights how peaceful protest continues to evolve while remaining grounded in history. What we’re witnessing isn’t new — it’s a moder…

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Ryan Wilson on Power, Perception, and Public Trust 54:08

5d ago54:08

54:08

Ryan Wilson joins Tharon’s Take for a wide-ranging conversation on power, perception, and public trust in today’s political landscape. We break down how political optics influence decision-making, why public confidence in leadership continues to erode, and how strategy and performance often take precedence over outcomes in Washington. From governme…

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Jayden Williams: How Georgia’s Youngest Black Mayor Is Changing the Game! 23:37

22d ago23:37

23:37

In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon sits down with Jayden Williams, the youngest African American mayor ever elected in Georgia history. From navigating leadership at a young age to redefining what modern politics looks like, Jayden talks about balance, responsibility, and staying grounded while running a city. The conversation moves easily fr…

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A who done it? Georgia Republicans confront the million-dollar mystery attack ad that has everyone talking 17:38

26d ago17:38

17:38

On today's Political Breakfast, someone paid millions for a new attack ad against Republican Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, to wound him in the 2026 primary race for Georgia governor. Jones is the frontrunner in the race, and has President Trump's endorsement. There's speculation that whoever DID pay, has to be someone on the inside of Georgia's G…

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Blue momentum: Democrats flip another seat in a special election 24:47

21d ago24:47

24:47

On this week's Political Breakfast, we head northeast, where Georgia Democrats gained a House seat recently during a special election. Democrat Eric Gisler's victory for a Athens-area State House seat came after Republicans won that seat last year -- by more than 20 percent. Gisler will replace Republican Rep. Marcus Wiedower, who resigned to focus…

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Manuel’s Tavern: The Political Soul of Atlanta 11:25

29d ago11:25

11:25

If you’ve spent any time in Georgia politics, you’ve been to Manuel’s Tavern. It’s a place where campaigns were born, debates were settled, and history was made over a cold drink. In this episode, I share the story of Manuel’s, the people who shaped it, and why this landmark remains a symbol of Atlanta’s political heartbeat.…

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Runoff Election Recap: A blue flip in Roswell, Rusty Paul cruises to win in Sandy Springs 27:21

1M ago27:21

27:21

On this week's Political Breakfast, we're doing a recap of some local runoff election results. The cities of East Point, Roswell, Sandy Springs and South Fulton were all electing mayors last Tuesday. Voters chose new ones in all except Sandy Springs. The City of Roswell surprised many as a completely blue flip, as former Democratic State Representa…

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Georgia Election 2026: The Battle for Power Begins 6:32

1M ago6:32

6:32

Georgia is already gearing up for a high-stakes 2026 election year. In this episode, Tharon breaks down the key races to watch, the issues that will shape the ballot, and why Georgia continues to be one of the most influential states in American politics. From statewide contests to shifting voter dynamics, Tharon explains what’s coming, why it matt…

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Tharon tackles the brawl between Gainesville and Brunswick 11:47

1M ago11:47

11:47

The latest episode of Tharon's Take centers on a brawl during a high school football playoff game between Gainesville and Brunswick, where 34 Gainesville players were suspended. The fight escalated when teammates tried to intervene, leading to scheduling disruptions throughout the state. Tharon also discusses parents' concerns about sportsmanship, …

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Analysis: Behind Marjorie Taylor Greene's Swift Exit 17:44

1M ago17:44

17:44

Tharon breaks down his take on Marjorie Taylor Greene's exit from Congress and what might be next for the Congresswoman!By Tharon Johnson

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Runoff election momentum across metro Atlanta 7:02

1M ago7:02

7:02

On today's Political Breakfast, it's runoff election day, when many key races should be decided. Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson join host Lisa Rayam to give insight on a few of them -- including runoff races that involve incumbent mayors in Sandy Springs and Roswell. Voters in South Fulton and East Point are also selecting new mayors…

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Tharon's Take Intro 1:10

1M ago1:10

1:10

Tharon’s Take is where politics, arts, culture, and real life collide. Hosted by political strategist and commentator Tharon Johnson, the show brings unfiltered conversations with leaders, creators, and everyday voices. New episodes every week.By Tharon Johnson

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Georgia's controversial Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene will resign: then what? 36:18

2M ago36:18

36:18

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 an…

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GOP infighting ahead of the 2026 Georgia governor's race, U.S. Senate race to unseat Jon Ossoff 10:19

2M ago10:19

10:19

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 oppon…

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Georgia's controversial Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's MAGA divorce from Donald Trump 26:10

2M ago26:10

26:10

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 …

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Georgia governor's race poll shows Keisha Lance Bottoms is top choice for Democrats, Burt Jones leads on GOP side 26:07

2M ago26:07

26:07

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…

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Georgians feel the sting of the shutdown, Atlanta's airport clogged with flight cancellations 24:32

2M ago24:32

24:32

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 …

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Election season wrap-up, Georgia Republicans say outcome "not what we hoped for" 7:49

2M ago7:49

7:49

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, Li…

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It's Election Day in Georgia! 18:40

2M ago18:40

18:40

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.…

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Political Breakfast Halloween special at Manuel's Tavern! 40:19

2M ago40:19

40:19

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 …

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Stacey Abrams emerges at Georgia's "No Kings Protest"-What Does that Signal for HER political future? 39:40

3M ago39:40

39:40

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…

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All eyes on Georgia Public Service Commission race as power bills climb 16:04

3M ago16:04

16:04

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 uti…

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Trump loyalist Vernon Jones announces run for Georgia Secretary of State 19:30

3M ago19:30

19:30

Former Democrat-turned-Republican state Rep. Vernon Jones, who crowd-surfed at Georgia Trump rally, announced Monday he's running for the job of Georgia's chief elections officer. Jones joins a growing and competitive pool of candidates for Georgia Secretary of State. That includes former state elections official, Gabriel Sterling, who took a ton o…

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Republicans building-up cash to defeat incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026. But all are still seeking Trump's blessing. 16:55

3M ago16:55

16:55

On today's Political Breakfast: Republican candidates are beefing-up their war chests in hopes the money will talk enough to help unseat Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff next year. Ossoff's campaign reports he has 21 million in the bank. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson discuss the numbers that are rol…

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Political ramifications as government shutdown drags on 20:00

3M ago20:00

20:00

By WABE

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Political Breakfast at Manuel's Tavern! 34:43

3M ago34:43

34:43

This week WABE presents a special edition of Political Breakfast, broadcasting from the iconic Atlanta meet-up spot, Manuel's Tavern. Opened decades ago by Atlanta's own fiery politician Manuel Maloof, it's well-known watering hole where folks from both sides of the aisle have always sat together, enjoyed a beer or burger, and talked. Democratic st…

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Bottoms is at the top among Democrats in race for Georgia Governor, Democrats fail to flip deep-red District 21 in special election runoff 8:09

4M ago8:09

8:09

On today's Political Breakfast, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is the clear frontrunner in the Democratic Primary for Georgia Governor. The left-leaning Public Policy Polling group surveyed 620 likely Democratic primary voters earlier this month, and found Bottoms is leading by 38 percent. That's while Michael Thurmond got 12 percent, Ge…

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Democrats pushing to flip Republican State Senate seat, DNC Chair knocking on doors in Georgia, latest in the Governor's race 8:12

4M ago8:12

8:12

On today's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam focus on the Tuesday State Sen. special election runoff. That's in deep-red District 21, that covers parts of northern Fulton and Cherokee Counties. It's getting national attention, as Democratic National Convention Chair K…

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Plugged In: Farewell from 'Plugged In': A look back at 4 years in Georgia politics 36:12

4M ago36:12

36:12

In the final episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali, along with producer Brendan Rivers, discuss the last four unprecedented years in Georgia politics. Plus, a preview of what the WABE newsroom will be keeping an eye on over the coming months. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Headaches at Hyundai after mass ICE raid, South Korean and Georgia economic and diplomatic ties threatened, Atlanta YMCA board chair Clark Dean joins Georgia Governor's race 5:21

4M ago5:21

5:21

The pool of candidates running for Georgia Governor has grown by three this week alone. Former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, now a Democrat, jumped in the race, along with Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Then came the lesser known businessman and board chair of the YMCA of metro Atlanta, Clark Dean. That's who strategists Thar…

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The aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination, CDC workers return to office a month after "traumatizing" shooting, union leaders say it's too soon 26:40

4M ago26:40

26:40

On this week's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam discuss the "amplified discussions" surrounding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk that are taking place online and around the coffee table. Plus, a look back at political violence and its consequen…

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Plugged In: Battery plant raid tests Georgia’s ties with South Korea 21:35

4M ago21:35

21:35

Georgia Republicans spent years building ties with companies in South Korea, culminating with Hyundai building a multi-billion dollar electric vehicle plant outside of Savannah. But last week, a battery factory at the site was raided by federal immigration agents, who detained more than 300 South Korean citizens. On this week’s episode of “Plugged …

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Conservative activist Charlie Kirk assassinated, Georgians react, Honoring 9/11 victims and DeKalb firefighter 8:11

4M ago8:11

8:11

On today's Political Breakfast, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam reflect on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The controversial debater and podcast host was fatally shot Wednesday at Utah Valley University. Thousands showed up to Kirk's first fall 2025 college event, which was set to kick-off …

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Will Raffensperger run? Georgia's Secretary of State is considering the Georgia Governor's race 6:45

4M ago6:45

6:45

On today's Political Breakfast, host Lisa Rayam broadcasts live with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson to give the rundown on Raffensperger. The Secretary of State has not officially announced a campaign for the Georgia Governor's race in 2026, and is also rumored to be exploring a run for U.S. Senate. Bu…

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Plugged In: Inside Georgia's new system for compensating the wrongfully convicted 23:00

4M ago23:00

23:00

Earlier this year, state lawmakers created a new process for compensating Georgians who have been wrongfully convicted and jailed. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali take listeners inside some of the first hearings, where judges and lawyers are trying to navigate a new process somewhat on the fly. Plus, Govern…

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Georgia Governor Kemp pumps up Derek Dooley in a very competitive political landscape 29:31

4M ago29:31

29:31

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp finally did it! He endorsed Republican Derek Dooley for a run for United States Senate. Dooley's name is popular but the man himself is considered "an outsider" ; "a newcomer" to Georgia politics. Kemp hopes that will be the draw to topple the Democratic incumbent, Senator Jon Ossoff. Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharo…

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Plugged In: White House looks to fire top federal officials with Atlanta ties 23:00

5M ago23:00

23:00

The Trump administration is looking to fire two top federal officials with Atlanta ties that would likely have national implications. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss moves to fire a Georgia-born Federal Reserve Governor and the director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…

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Newly-converted Democrat Geoff Duncan weighing running for higher office? Longtime state elections guru Gabriel Sterling steps down. Hurricane Katrina and March on Washington anniversaries 38:59

5M ago38:59

38:59

On this week's Political Breakfast, the gang taps into rumors of former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, who recently converted to the Democratic Party, running for Georgia Governor. The 2026 race is crowded and competitive on both sides of the aisle. Plus, Gabe Sterling, one of the faces of Georgia's Secretary of State's office, is stepping down …

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Plugged In: Fulton County Commissioners could face jail time; 2026 campaigns ramp up 23:00

5M ago23:00

23:00

Two national figures made stops in Georgia this week to test out political messaging for the 2026 elections. Meanwhile, four major U.S. Senate candidates all gathered in one room. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Rahul Bali and Brendan Rivers discuss the early start to the campaign season. Plus, Fulton County Commissioners defy a judge…

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CDC shooting aftermath, Atlanta mourns fallen officer, A new Republican may soon enter the 2026 Georgia Governor's race 35:02

5M ago35:02

35:02

This week Atlanta is paying final respects to DeKalb County Officer David Rose, who was killed during a shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month. Authorities say Patrick Joseph White targeted the CDC, and blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for his mental health issues. He died by suicide after firing roughly 500 shots …

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Plugged In: The latest on the CDC shooting 23:00

5M ago23:00

23:00

Employees at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been left shaken after a man fired hundreds of bullets at the Atlanta headquarters and killed a police officer. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” WABE Criminal Justice Reporter Chamain Cruz and WABE Health Reporter Jess Mador join hosts Rahul Bali, Sam Gringlas and Brendan …

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DeKalb County Democrat Michael Thurmond launches campaign for Georgia Governor, Chris Carr sues Burt Jones on the GOP side 29:49

5M ago29:49

29:49

On this week's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam react to former DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond's long-awaited campaign launch for the Democratic primary in the Georgia Governor's race. One question being addressed: Will a more moderate Thurmond be able to bring Democrat…

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Plugged In: Trump wants to dismantle two federal agencies established by Jimmy Carter 23:00

5M ago23:00

23:00

Former President and Georgia native Jimmy Carter created the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Emergency Management Agency back in 1979. But now President Donald Trump is calling for these two departments, among others, to be dismantled. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali look at how debates over th…

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Derek Dooley all-in to challenge Jon Ossoff, Controversy with State Election Board member Janelle King 41:03

5M ago41:03

41:03

It's official: Derek Dooley is the latest Republican to jump into the race to eventually challenge incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff. The former University of Tennessee football coach joined the GOP primary and announced his campaign in a video that honored his late father, the legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley.…