In this week’s episode, Love, Atlanta host Ann Hill-Bond and guests Chauncey Alcorn and Brandon Tensley discussed local and national political developments, voting rights advocacy, and recent leadership changes at the CDC.
Chauncey Alcorn is Capital B Atlanta’s state and local politics reporter. Brandon Tensley is Capital B’s national politics reporter.
Love, Atlanta airs Thursdays on WRFG from 4-5 p.m. Tune in live or listen to previous shows. The radio show is recorded and produced at WRFG Atlanta.
Local Politics
Chauncey Alcorn reported on several key trends within the Georgia political ecosystem.
- DSA Rise: There is increasing interest in Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates, such as Mathewos Samson, who seeks to become the first Black Democratic Socialist in the state legislature. These candidates prioritize worker empowerment and reject corporate donations.
- Black Male Vote: Candidates like Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson are actively attempting to engage Black men through forums addressing issues like housing affordability, inflation, and entrepreneurship.
- Redistricting Threats: Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callay, there are concerns that Republican-led legislatures may attempt to redraw maps to dilute Black voting power.
National Issues
Brandon Tensley provided insights into federal political dynamics and institutional shifts impacting the community.
- NAACP Mobilization: The NAACP has launched a $20 million plan to mobilize voters for upcoming midterms, aiming to counter redistricting efforts that diminish Black influence in Southern states.
- CDC Leadership: Following a period of upheaval at the agency, Erica Schwartz is set to become the first Black woman to lead the CDC. Discussions focused on her ability to “manage up” and maintain scientific integrity amidst political pressures regarding vaccine policy and public trust.
- Voter Education: Experts emphasized that effective “Get Out The Vote” campaigns must integrate voter education regarding new district lines and polling locations to overcome subtle barriers to participation.
Community Perspectives
Listeners engaged with the reporters regarding dissatisfaction with current political structures.
- Party Alternatives: A caller named Kim expressed frustration that both Democrats and Republicans fail to deliver on core needs, suggesting a desire for third-party options. This echoed discussions about why younger activists are gravitating toward the DSA.
- Accountability: Voters expressed a need for leaders who provide both “muscular messaging” on civil rights and a tangible legislative track record of delivering material improvements.
