165 episodes
Breakdown: The Trump Indictment AJC Podcasts
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4.5 • 2.6K Ratings
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True crime investigations from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Veteran legal affairs journalist Bill Rankin takes you inside the courtroom to break down the story and the criminal justice system. This award-winning series investigates Georgia’s most important cases with fact-based reporting. Season 10 will focus on the historic indictment of former President Donald Trump in Fulton County, Georgia, led by District Attorney Fani Willis. Co-hosted by senior reporter Tamar Hallerman and editor Shannon McCaffrey. Learn more about our reporting at ajc.com/breakdown.
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The Appeal
The latest episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast focuses on a First Amendment challenge by former President Donald Trump’s lead attorney.
Lawyer Steve Sadow argues at a hearing that Trump should not be prosecuted for core political speech. Fulton County prosecutor Donald Wakeford counters that the former president is not being prosecuted just for what he said, but for engaging in a pattern of criminal conduct to interfere with the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
Episode 38 – “The Appeal” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also looks at attempts by the defense to get the Georgia Court of Appeals to take a pretrial challenge to disqualify District Attorney Fani Willis and her office. And jury expert Denise de la Rue considers the ramifications in Fulton County of the upcoming hush money trial against Trump in New York.
You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above.
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Your Burning Questions
The most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast answers several questions from listeners.
A possible trial date, the ongoing appeal and a potential replacement for former special prosecutor Nathan Wade are among the topics of discussion. Episode 37 – “Your Burning Questions” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also considers the presidential immunity claims being pursued in Washington and in Fulton County by former President Donald Trump.
You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above.
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Merchant Speaks Out
The lawyer who filed the motion to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis sits for an interview for Breakdown.
Attorney Ashleigh Merchant explains her motivations for filing the motion and gives her reactions to Willis’ surprise testimony at the evidentiary hearing. Episode 36 – “Merchant Speaks Out” – is the most recent installment of Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast.
The episode also covers a recent decision by Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee that allows lawyers for former President Donald Trump and seven of his co-defendants to pursue an appeal of the judge’s recent decision denying the motion to disqualify Willis.
You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above.
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Fani's Choice
The most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast covers Judge Scott McAfee’s decision as to whether District Attorney Fani Willis should be disqualified from the election interference case.
McAfee, in a 23-page order, didn’t decide the issue. Instead, the judge left it up to the district attorney to decide which course to take. And McAfee had a harsh assessment of Willis’ and special prosecutor Nathan Wade’s conduct.
The 35th episode – “Fani’s Choice” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also notes that the day before he issued his disqualification decision, McAfee dismissed six of the 41 felony counts against former President Donald Trump and his 14 remaining co-defendants.
You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform.
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The Cases for Keeping or Disqualifying
Breakdown’s last episode covered the highlights of the closing arguments made by the defense and prosecution as to why Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should or should not be removed from the election interference case.
In Episode 34 – “The Cases for Keeping or Disqualifying” – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast lets two legal experts – Norm Eisen and Andrew Fleischman -- give their own closings as to why they think Willis should remain on the case or be kicked off it.
The latest episode of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also notes that Willis has picked up challengers to her reelection and that Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee also has a challenger.
You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform.
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The Closings
A showdown of closing arguments as to whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should or should not be disqualified from the election interference case is the focus of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s most recent Breakdown podcast.
Episode 33 – “The Closings” – of Breakdown’s 10th season – “The Trump Indictment” – sets up what could be a seminal moment in the case against former President Donald Trump and 14 remaining co-defendants. That’s when Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee decides whether to remove Willis or allow the case to go forward as it has been proceeding so far.
Five defense attorneys argue Willis’ alleged conflict of interest because of her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade warrants her disqualification. Deputy Assistant District Attorney Adam Abbate, arguing with Willis sitting behind him at the prosecution table, contends there has been no proof that Willis financially benefited from the Trump case.
You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts and Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Customer Reviews
Jesse Jackson
Just listen to the latest episode. Pretty sure Bill said the late Jesse Jackson? Wait what? No! I’m a huge fan of this man. One of the greatest speeches was the 1988 democratic convention. Keep hope alive. Maybe check it out. Am I missing something? He is not late he is alive.
No Black Voice…Speaks Volumes
Why does the AJC provide zero Black perspective on Judge McAfee’s gratuitous, slanted, and possibly malicious ruling in the March 16th episode? You’re part of the problem AJC.
The alleged relationship
I would think working in that office and getting threats on a constant basis might have thrown a working relationship and friendship into a romantic relationship. The travel, I would think, would be something of being sick of being stuck in safe houses and getting away from the stress, along with maybe a blossoming relationship; staying away might have been in some minds keeping ones in their families safer. I appreciate your reporting, but this is an unusual cause; with all the death threats, I think that angle should be considered. Keep up the great podcast. I know you report just the facts, and I appreciate that. I worked for 31 years in a Prison and then a Jail as a Corrections Officer, and I can tell you threats can affect your mind when you first start that position it's so unusual, and outsiders don't understand what it's like, so you end up dating co-workers because you can talk about what your feeling easier.