Author: Ron Roberts

A Truth Social post shared by Donald Trump ignites a rare wave of Republican backlash. From⁠ Eric Erickson⁠ to ⁠Senator Tim Scott⁠, the fallout raises new questions about accountability inside the White House.

It’s Friday, so of course, Ron caught up with close friend, comedian and political satirist ⁠Sterling Thrill⁠ to lighten up this mood a bit. They cover the racist Truth post, Nancy Mace’s hooch & weed issues, dueling halftime shows and more.

The conversation then shifts closer to home, as ⁠Georgia lawmakers weigh legislation that could weaken local control over water quality⁠ just as development pressures grow along the Chattahoochee River. Ron is joined by Jason Ulseth, the ⁠Chattahoochee Riverkeeper⁠, who explains what’s at stake.

The show also tackles ICE detention plans in Georgia and the politics driving them, but the simple math and logistics shooing them away (still).

How does the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro tie in with Tulsi Gabbard being in Fulton County last week to oversee the FBI raiding 700 boxes of 2020 ballots?

Is this about ⁠concocting a narrative that Maduro – who couldn’t keep himself safe from extrication in his own country – altered the outcome of the 2020 election⁠ swing states like Georgia?

Sounds far-fetched, right?

Then, the shifting rationale for Tulsi’s presence went from (Trump) “I don’t know” to (also Trump) “Pam Bondi sent her.” and theorizing Gabbard’s role.

⁠Warnings from voting-rights attorney Marc Elias⁠ about Trump’s “plan B” after failing at gerrymandering, which include political prosecutions, dry-running at ballot-seizures and more.

Ron then shifts to breaking Georgia political news, including ⁠Fulton County’s lawsuit demanding the ballots be returned⁠, Rep. ⁠Barry Loudermilk’s decision not to seek reelection⁠, and a ⁠dramatic shake-up in the GOP governor’s race⁠ fueled by big money, anonymous attack ads, and party infighting.

As Atlanta prepares for the World Cup, fears are growing over a larger ICE presence and what it could mean for residents, visitors, and voter confidence. Ron digs into the data behind ICE arrests in Georgia, sharp words from federal officials, and pushback from local leaders, including ⁠Rep. Nikema Williams⁠ and ⁠Mayor Andre Dickens.⁠

Donnell Suggs, editor-in-chief of ⁠The Atlanta Voice⁠, joins the show to explain how Black Atlantans are reading the moment, why protests here may look different than in Minneapolis, and how local media is stepping up as major newsrooms shrink.

The conversation also turns to Georgia’s crowded 2026 governor’s race,⁠ voter engagement in the Black community, ⁠and how immigration, civil rights, and politics are colliding just as the world’s eyes turn to Atlanta.

⁠CBS News’⁠ national environmental correspondent David Shechter joined to discuss new research that show what we all know – American climate (like the world’s) is getting hotter, and faster. It’s impacting New England (comfortable summers) and the Rocky Mountain states’ (ski season snow) tourist draws.

Finally, a ⁠curious late entry into the Georgia gubernatorial race⁠ comes with a tone of (his own) money; which campaign (if any) does his entry impact, and impact most? Ron’s theory is it might actually impact a Democrat as much or more.

Atlanta journalist George Chidi of ⁠The Atlanta Objective⁠ joined the show to analyze the arrest of Don Lemon during a protest at a Minneapolis church, raising serious questions about press freedom, selective enforcement, and the growing risks journalists face while doing their jobs. Chidi also explained why he and many journalists are taking new steps to protect their sources amid federal raids and political pressure.

Later, ⁠Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts⁠ reacted to the FBI’s seizure of hundreds of boxes of 2020 election records, pushing back on reports of an imminent lawsuit and warning that the move could be about future elections, not the past. Meanwhile, the Georgia Gang pundits weighed in …  ⁠Georgia Gang pundits weighed in⁠,  … with one – Cathy Woolard – being a former Fulton County Elections Board member with some insight vs the “grasping at nothing” rhetoric of Phil Kent.

Finally, Ron addressed how we ought to react to “ex-MAGA” types like comedian / podcaster⁠ Andrew Schultz⁠ or the “mom” depicted in a recent Saturday Night Live sketch who was ready to come clean to her kids about finally realizing she’d been duped all this time.  ⁠recent Saturday Night Live sketch⁠ 

Ron starts his Friday with a full first hour (45 minutes for you) with his pal, comedian and satirist ⁠Sterling Thrill⁠ to off-ramp from a grueling weekend of headlines. Did they find some “funny” from it all?

Second half of the show is loaded, though. CBS News’ Washington correspondent Wendy Gillette hopped on a call to offer the latest on a handful of headlines, from the Epstein Files release (more on that in a few), the FBI raid at Fulton County’s elections office, which raises this question: why was the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard there?

Then, Georgia State ⁠Senate candidate LeMario Brown⁠ joins Ron to discuss the local political fallout and what voters are feeling on the ground.

Oh, and yeah, the massive Epstein files Friday dump; why were ⁠these files ⁠clawed back? The ⁠Meidas Touch folks are actually finding quite a bit.

Plus, a former police instructore & Marine takes aim at Congress & MARTA looks to show off in 2026

A day after an FBI raid on Fulton County’s elections office, Ron spoke with State Sen. Josh McLaurin, who explained the legal implications of federal agents seizing 2020 election records and why the move raises alarms for Georgia voters. Fulton County leaders Robb Pitts, Mo Ivory, and Marvin Arrington Jr. respond forcefully, calling the raid a political scare tactic designed to undermine confidence in the voting process.

Producer Brendan Rivers reported on the Trump administration’s effort to roll back key climate protections. ⁠Environmental Defense Fund’s Peter Zalzal⁠ joined Ron to explain how those changes could lead to higher costs, health risks, and job losses.

Additional conversations cover policing, immigration enforcement, and accountability with ⁠congressional candidate Defonsio Daniels⁠, plus a look at major MARTA upgrades planned for 2026 with Stephany Fisher.

Plus, insights into authoritarianism from Nora Borcea Pullen

The Fulton County Elections office has been raided by the FBI. Marilyn Marks, executive director of the Coalition for Good Governance, joins Ron to distill the why and discuss what’s to come.

Then, Romanian-born American ⁠Nora Borcea Pullen⁠, president of Fayette Democratic Women and a columnist for The Citizen, shares her childhood memories of living under authoritarian rule, how the re-election of President Donald Trump and the events that followed have affected her, and how she’s ⁠trying to stay grounded⁠ and hopeful for the future.

Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock are moving to block funding for ICE and DHS, even if it risks a government shutdown. New polling shows public support for ICE sinking fast as the White House reshuffles leadership.

Immigration attorney and Texas House candidate Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch explains what the data actually shows about migrants and crime, while CNN analyst Harry Enten lays out the political fallout of Noem-led ICE tactics in cities like Chicago, Portland and, mortally in Minneapolis.

Ron’s guest at 21:00 is former Republican lieutenant governor now “proud Democrat” Geoff Duncan – candidate for governor. They discuss enthusiasm gaps, abortion rights and Duncan’s regrets on the state’s six-week abortion ban ushered in while he presided over the state Senate when it was passed and signed into law. Ron also got Geoff on the record on respecting trans rights LGBTQ protections, and Geoff made the case for why he believes he’s uniquely most qualified to deliver the office to Democrats in November.

Before he wins the state, though, he has to win over a majority of the party. Does he make a solid case, yet?