Political Rewind

Today on “Political Rewind,” we're trying to distract ourselves after the unfortunate outcome of Super Bowl LI, so we're wading back into the national political waters! We're greatly pleased to have Time magazine editor-at-large David von Drehle joining us from KCUR in Kansas City to talk about the current cover article: "Is Steve Bannon the Second Most Powerful Man in the World?"

Today on “Political Rewind,” it's week two of the Trump administration and Twitter continues to play an important role in tracking the thoughts of POTUS. From chiding Iran over its test of a ballistic missile: "Iran is playing with fire," to zinging the man who replaced him on his TV show: "Yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger did a really bad job as Governor of California and even worse on the Apprentice...but at least he tried hard!" But our panel also discussed a serious topic that Trump brought up at the National Prayer Breakfast: His plans to abolish the so-called "Johnson amendment" which says that 501C-3 organizations cannot endorse political candidates.

Today on “Political Rewind,” the divide between Democrats and Republicans keeps growing larger. A high-profile firing, partisan maneuvering on Capitol Hill over Cabinet appointments, and a new Supreme Court justice nomination are the latest additions to a pot that was already boiling over.

Today on “Political Rewind,” another weekend of controversy for the Trump administration as the new president signs an executive order for "extreme vetting" of immigrants from seven mostly Muslim countries. Protest rallies erupted at many major airports across the country, including Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. 

Today on “Political Rewind,” got whiplash? It's been a wild first week for the Trump administration.

Today on “Political Rewind,” Donald Trump is officially the President of the United States. Welcome news for some, a call to action for others.

Today on “Political Rewind,” just two more days until Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States. 

Today on “Political Rewind,” we're just a week away from the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States--and if the last few days are any indication, we’re in for a wild ride.  

Today on “Political Rewind,” no shortage of news! President-elect Donald Trump gave his first press conference in six months ... under a new cloud of controversy over unsubstantiated, but widely discussed, reports that Russia has been gathering potentially damaging information about Trump for years. Is this another example of "fake news," or do the reports bear further investigation? 

Today on “Political Rewind,” we preview the 2017 session of the Georgia General Assembly. As the lawmakers gavel in for the first of 40 days, we look at some new polling from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It suggests that the majority of Georgia voters oppose renewed efforts to pass religious liberty and campus carry bills, but their support for Medicaid expansion is strong, even among GOP respondents. Other topics include an update on the Trump transition, and the latest round in the culture wars as award-winning actress Meryl Streep turns an acceptance speech at the Golden Globes into a shot across the bow at the incoming U.S. President.   

Today on "Political Rewind," the 115th Congress convened in Washington, and tense feelings of unease loom over Capitol Hill for both Democrats and Republicans. House Republicans kicked off the year by holding a closed vote to gut the independent ethics office. After much confusion, chaos, and a tweet from Donald Trump criticizing the move, the decision has been reversed. We ask our political insiders in Washington, D.C. and locally what indications this vote, followed by its immediate chaos and reversal vote, mean to voters.

Today on "Political Rewind," we review the biggest political events of 2016. The past 12 months saw a large field for the GOP primary producing the next president, two Democratic heavy-weights campaign across the country, and a general election that will be talked about for years to come. Our panel of political insiders tackle the most talked about issues ranging from religious conflicts both domestic and international to the biggest moments of the campaign season.

Today on "Political Rewind," the national fight against gerrymandering has once again found its way into the Georgia Legislature. Two state senators argue that Georgia, one of the most Republican state legislatures in the country, allows Republicans to create unfair maps in their favor. State Sen. Elena Parent (D) and State Rep. Pat Gardner (D) are seeking to create a nonpartisan commission to redraw legislative and congressional districts in Georgia.  

Today on "Political Rewind," Georgia Congressmen Tom Price, who has been nominated to be the Secretary of HHS, is the focus of a petition signed by 5,500 healthcare providers in response to the American Medical Association’s endorsement of Price. The Roswell physician, who was not expected to face a struggle during the confirmation process, may have more to worry about than the incoming administration anticipated.

Today on "Political Rewind," in a few short weeks state lawmakers will convene under the gold dome for the 2017 legislative session. Topics are sure to include the ongoing debate over healthcare and a reprise of the religious liberty fight that characterized the 2016 session. What tactics will the minority party employ to push their legislative agenda?

On today's “Political Rewind,” we talk to Michael Cowens, the Cobb County Democratic Paty's newest chair. After a discussion about Cobb County's potential color shift—are we seeing purple?— we delve into Democratic contenders to fill Tom Price's 6th district seat.

On today’s edition of “Political Rewind,” AJC political reporter Greg Bluestein joins us from Athens, where legislators are holding a pre-session conference to discuss the big issues likely to play out in the upcoming session of the General Assembly. Will "campus carry" make a comeback after the governor’s veto last year? What about the controversial religious liberty measure which he also vetoed? And what about casino gambling – does it have a chance to pass in the upcoming session?

On this edition of "Political Rewind," AJC political writer Jim Galloway and host Bill Nigut welcome Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston to the studio to get Ralston’s take on the upcoming session of the general assembly.

Today on "Political Rewind," Georgia Republican Rep. Tom Price is President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Price has been one of the biggest critics of the Affordable Care Act and has lead the charge to repeal and replace Obamacare. A physician turned politician, Price says he is open to compromise in his new role. If Price is confirmed, many are wondering what the fate will be for Medicaid and Medicare under the Trump administration. 

We have an intriguing interview with best-selling author and historian Joseph Ellis, whose latest book “The Quartet” has just been released in paperback.

Today on "Political Rewind," women were granted the right to vote nearly 100 years ago, but until recently there has not been a strong female presence in the political arena. Women aren't the only underrepresented groups in the government, racial and religious minorities have also struggled to gain traction. 

Today on "Political Rewind," President-elect Donald J. Trump's team has wasted no time in announcing the people they want to fill key roles in his administration. With meetings underway at Trump Tower and the Trump Golf Courses our panel goes through the list of potential future administrative members. What do these picks tell us about the tone and direction of the future Trump Administration?

Today on “Political Rewind,” the election of Donald Trump came as a surprise to many, including analysts, journalists, and television anchors alike. Collectively known as "the media," those on the left and right both got it wrong. Is there a difference between bad coverage and not getting it right? With the election behind us and a new president-elect preparing to take office, how will those in the business of producing political news move forward?

Today on “Political Rewind,” President-elect Donald Trump and President Obama met for the first time face to face. How did the meeting go and how did the meeting aid in continuing the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power despite the fierce rivalry the two have had? We look back at other noteworthy executive transfers and compare them to what we expect over the coming months.

Today on "Political Rewind," the race to the White House concluded early Wednesday morning with a President-Elect Donald Trump. The billionaire businessman defeated former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton against the predictions of many experts. Our panel discusses the question remaining, what kind of president will Trump be?

Today on "Political Rewind," the closing arguments are being made as candidates and their surrogates wind down their last minute push toward the White House. We bring you the most up-to-date information from the trail and the latest reports filed from across the country and here in Georgia. 

As election season winds down, two Georgia voters say they will not be voting for president on November 8. Retired US Army Colonel Robert Roth from Columbus, Georgia is a veteran of three combat tours, registered Republican, and father of four. Emory student Arhum Qazi from Macon, Georgia is the son of Muslim immigrant parents. Both have said they do not have plans to vote for either Trump or Clinton but do plan to vote in down-ballot races. 

Today on "Political Rewind," entering the final days of the presidential election candidates continue to ramp up their travel schedules and pull out all the stops. The past seven days have provided a steady flow of leaks following FBI director James Comey's letter to Congress indicating further interest in Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Our panel of political insiders and strategy experts analyze the effects this announcement has had on the campaign and how it has shifted strategies heading to Election Day.

Today on "Political Rewind," we look at the challenges that await the next president and keeper of the nuclear codes. Tensions in the Middle East and Russia continue to rise as historical deals and relationships continue to deteriorate. Our panel discusses the current nuclear climate and the policy-making decisions that the next president faces.