Korean Crisis Explodes in Georgia – Is Kemp's Empire Crumbling on 9/11?

Dive into the raw, unfiltered chaos of Georgia politics on this emotional 9/11 edition of The Georgia Hour podcast, where host BKP grapples with the assassination of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk, blasts the Hyundai ICE raid sparking an international meltdown with South Korea, and uncovers explosive GOP infighting from MTG's "boys' club" rants to a Democrat's stunning switch to challenge the state school superintendent. With Trump's heartfelt eulogy, whispers of 2026 power plays, and buzz around a potential Netflix doc on UGA legend Vince Dooley, this episode packs Georgia's hottest headlines – from economic fallout and election shakeups to patriotic reflections.

Charlie Kirk Assassination Shockwave: BKP opens with breaking FBI updates on the recovery of a high-powered bolt-action rifle from the wooded escape route of the college-aged suspect in the brutal campus killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk; palm prints, footwear impressions, and a potential suspect photo are under analysis, turning a fluid manhunt into a national outrage just 24 years after 9/11.
Trump's Fiery Eulogy and Call to Action: Host plays President Trump's full, grief-stricken statement mourning Kirk as a "patriot" who "fought for liberty" and inspired millions through open debate; Trump slams radical left rhetoric for fueling violence – from Kirk's murder to attacks on ICE agents and Steve Scalise – vowing his administration will hunt down enablers, funders, and organizations behind the "terrorism," while urging unity around free speech, rule of law, and faith.
Hyundai Raid Ignites International Firestorm: The ICE crackdown detaining 475 workers (many South Korean) at Hyundai's Bryan County mega-plant – hailed as Kemp's "crown jewel" EV economic win – spirals into a diplomatic crisis; South Korean President Lee warns it could "deter investment" from Korean firms, with 310 workers released amid visa disputes, threatening Georgia's third-largest trade partnership and the fastest-growing Korean-American voter bloc in Gwinnett County.
Kemp's Tightrope Walk on Immigration and Economy: BKP rips into Governor Brian Kemp's careful response praising Hyundai's "commitment to laws" while downplaying the raid as an "unfortunate incident"; ties it to Kemp's Biden-era EV push with South Korea's LG battery plant, contrasting Trump's calls for foreign investment with tax incentives – warning the fallout could torch Republican votes in 2024, especially as Trump brokered past trade deals and shipbuilding pacts with Seoul.
Democrat Misha Maynor's Bombshell GOP Switch: Former Democratic state rep Mesha Mainor, ousted after losing her seat over party resistance to school choice, announces a Republican bid for State School Superintendent against incumbent Richard Woods; in an exclusive chat with BKP, she blasts Democrats for endorsing Woods last cycle and vows a full platform reveal soon, highlighting her past votes against vaccine mandates, pro-police budgets, and DA investigations.
MTG's "Boys' Club" GOP Rant and Ukraine Vote Drama: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene unleashes on the Republican "boys' club" in a raw AJC interview, venting about women's struggles with maxed-out credit cards and crushing insurance amid family duties; she joined four GOP rebels voting against the defense bill over transgender military protections and gender-affirming care bans, then pushed (and lost) amendments to slash Ukraine aid – fueling speculation she's sabotaging 2026 races for governor or Senate after missing Trump's endorsement.
2026 Election Chess: Resignations, Endorsements, and Wildcards: State Sen. Esteves’ resignation to run as the Democratic frontrunner against Chris Carr, Burt Jones, or Brad Raffensperger in the AG race; whispers Kemp might swap Carr for his pick if Jones or Raffensperger lead, with Insurance Commissioner John King eyeing a slot; BKP eyes Turning Point USA's post-Kirk role as the only GOP machine for 2026 action, sans the flailing Georgia GOP Inc.
Key Down-Ballot Battles Heating Up: Spotlight on November's Public Service Commission race where Tim Fleming (Kemp's fired ex-chief of staff) vies for Secretary of State; State Senate Districts 7 (Jason Dickerson vs. Democrat primary winner) and 21 with early voting starting September 23; plus Fulton County election board drama and efforts to strike down barriers for voter registration.
Vince Dooley Netflix Buzz Fuels Kemp Speculation: Rumors swirl of an upcoming Netflix documentary on UGA Bulldogs history spotlighting legendary coach Vince Dooley (Brian Kemp's father-in-law via son Derek Dooley); while unconfirmed, fan sites and reports hype it as perfect timing for Kemp's potential 2026 ambitions, blending SEC dynasty lore with family legacy – BKP quips it'd be "one heck of a campaign ad."
Magistrate Judge Myths Busted: Addressing Charlie Kirk's post on non-lawyer judges like NC's Teresa Stokes, BKP clarifies Georgia law: Magistrate judges (the "People's Court") don't need bar licenses statewide, though counties can add rules; contrasts with probate judges in populous counties (>96K residents) requiring attorneys, citing his own county's ex-cop magistrate as proof it's common and effective.
Central Georgia Republican Fish Fry Revival: Excitement builds for the September 27, 2025, fish fry in Warner Robins (Houston, Peach, Taylor, Jones, Crawford counties sponsoring) – not a rival to the defunct 8th District event, but a voter-info powerhouse; BKP announces a 3-hour live Georgia Hour broadcast from 10:30 AM-1:30 PM, grilling candidates and crowds for unvarnished insights.
9/11 Reflections and Personal Resilience: On the 24th anniversary, BKP nearly canceled but powers through with a heartfelt annual video tribute; shares family stories of loss (dad gone three years, baby sister tales from '70s Buick Riviera days), rejects hate post-Kirk, and teases his memoir 1970 Something – ending with faith, unity, and a nod to church healing amid national grief.