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Political Breakfast from WABE
by WABE
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning on the Political Breakfast podcast, veteran Atlanta journalist Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, and Republican strategist Brian Robinson deliver Georgia’s best analysis of local politics with a weekly dose of informed, respectful and lively discussion.During Georgia’s state legislative session, Political Breakfast presents the pop-up podcast Gold Dome Scramble every Friday morning as host Lisa Rayam talks with reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali from the WABE newsroom to break things down for our listeners — the issues being considered, and the bills getting sorted through various committees at the Georgia State Capitol.
Episodes
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Trump's $5K campaign promise, Congressman Collins talks immigration reform in Georgia
On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, President Donald Trump is now promising to pay American adults $5K each -- IF Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate in this November's midterm elections. Experts say that's a trillion dollar promise -- when the country is already...
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Georgia Congressmen Mike Collins and Brian Jack to take the stage at Dallas Republican convention, Another midterm election forecast
On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, the first-ever Republican midterm convention gets underway in Dallas Wednesday, and two Georgians have been tapped as speakers. GOP Congressmen Mike Collins and Brian Jack are both running for election. Will this national stage boost their numbers…
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Jones still has not endorsed Jackson for Georgia governor, Warnock calls for temporary statewide ban on big tech constructing data centers
On this week's Political Breakfast: There's questions swirling, as to why Georgia's Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has failed to endorse billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson for governor. Jones lost the Republican primary runoff election to Jackson. The campaign attack ads were intense....
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Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens heated over DNC snub, a tense exchange between Georgia candidates, and undocumented immigrant workers file lawsuit against Jackson Healthcare
On this week's Political Breakfast, we talk about a recent exchange between Georgia gubernatorial candidates Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson. It all unfolded in a hotel parking lot, after a Jackson attack ad took aim at Bottoms' husband. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican...
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Rick Jackson signs new contract worth millions as November election looms, plus Jon Ossoff attacks opponent Mike Collins over alleged ties to white supremacists
On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team discusses how billionaire businessman and Georgia GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson signed a new contract to provide healthcare services to workers with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health. Much of Jackson's fortune comes from the...
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Democracy at its finest?
This edition of Political Breakfast explores the powerful role money and public perception play in Georgia elections. Brian, Tharon, and Lisa examine how candidates with larger campaign war chests often gain a significant advantage that can translate into more voter support. We also discuss how a...
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POLLING AND EMOTING!
On this episode of Political Breakfast, Polling and Emoting explores the intersection of public opinion and campaign strategy by taking a closer look at the latest polls in Georgia and what they may reveal about the state's political landscape. In addition, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon...
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Was 'Toast on Lenox' in Atlanta toasting Rick Jackson? Campaign advisor roles, and more polling analysis
On today's Political Breakfast, our Republican strategist Brian Robinson responds to some listener feedback, wondering how his current role of advising the Rick Jackson campaign for Georgia governor, really works in tandem with his job untangling Georgia politics on WABE. Plus, our Democratic...
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Atlanta fired-up for last FIFA match, Post-primary polls show slight Democratic advantage in Georgia Governor's race, GOP Titan Lindsay Graham passes away
On this week's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Anré Washington is filling-in for Tharon Johnson, alongside Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam. We start with FIFA fever in Atlanta! It's the last week of the 2026 World Cup. England will face Argentina at 3 pm at...
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FIFA and a diversifying Georgia, Big billionaire spending in governor's race, Bottoms and Ossoff joined at the hip ahead of November election
On this week's Political Breakfast: Lately it's been less about politics in our news feed, and all about the FIFA World Cup! As we recorded, Atlanta was getting ready for its second knockout stage match at Mercedes Benz Stadium, with Argentina battling Egypt. In the heat of Atlanta hosting the...
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Georgia Republicans say for now, NO redistricting before the 2028 elections
On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, we're addressing a surprise move during a special session called by Governor Brian Kemp. The plan was to redraw Georgia's congressional and state legislative districts. That's in response to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gutted a key…
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Georgians race to the polls today for primary runoff election, late Trump endorsement shakes-up GOP race
After months of candidates stumping for high-profile endorsements, spending millions of dollars on attack ads and traveling across the state, today's the day. The polls are open for Georgia's primary runoff election. Some of the most contentious races are on the Republican ballot, including the...
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Ageism: Is age an increasingly crucial issue for voters? Plus, a murder on Atlanta's MARTA is now politicized in Georgia governor's race
On this week's Political Breakfast, we're starting off with an increasingly contentious local race ahead of the June primary runoff elections: the race for Fulton County Commission Chair. Longtime incumbent Robb Pitts is being challenged by former District 4 Commissioner Mo Ivory. Recent debates...
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Unity in Georgia governor's race, and redistricting doubts amongst Republicans? Plus, Georgia gas prices will spike after gas tax suspension lifted
This week on Political Breakfast, we're talking about party unity, and endorsements pouring-in as the dust settles from Georgia's May primary elections. U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and Georgia's Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Keisha Lance Bottoms, are joining forces ahead of the general election...
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Debate drama, Republicans Rick Jackson and Burt Jones gearing-up for June runoff in the Georgia governor's race
On this week's Political Breakfast: The campaign for billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson confirmed with WABE he will NOT be part of Monday's Atlanta Press Club debate, in the battle for the Republican nomination in the Georgia governor's race. His opponent, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, is...
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Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms dominates win in May primary election, GOP candidate TBD
On this week's Political Breakfast, we have a quick recap of a critical Election Day for Georgia's 2026 May primary. A large chunk of undecided Georgia voters showed up to the polls on Tuesday, and completely changed the game. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms dominated in the race for…
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It's the final countdown for Georgia's early voters, and more candidates are under attack
On this week's Political Breakfast, we're in the final stretch of early voting for the May primaries! Early voting ends this Friday. Election Day is May 19th. The Georgia Governor's race has been dominating our conversations on this podcast. Now it's time to turn to the U.S. Senate race.…
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THE TROUBLE WITH POLLS
On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team discusses recent polling. Are they spot on or not? Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson share their take with Lisa Rayam. A recent AJC poll on the Democratic Race for Governor is at the center of the conversation. In addition, the team…
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Debate or not to Debate
On this edition of Political Breakfast, strategists Tharon Johnson, Brian Robinson, and Host Lisa Rayam talk about the art of debating. The debate season kicks off in Georgia just as early voting gets underway. Do the candidates truly benefit from participating in this long-established routine?...
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Political Breakfast takes a road trip to the Brookhaven City Centre
On this week's Political Breakfast, the team was pleased to record the podcast in front of a live studio audience at the Brookhaven City Centre. More than a hundred listeners showed-up to hear host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson. They...
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Governor's race candidates stumping ahead of May primary, Atlanta youth gun violence, teen takeovers
On this week's Political Breakfast, the candidates in the Georgia Governor's race are in the final weeks to reach voters -- whether that's through big ad spending, or showing up for public forums and debates. The front-runners are still Republican billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson, and…
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The overall mood, animosity after Georgia's Legislative Session? Plus, lawmakers could be summoned back for a special session
On this week's Political Breakfast, the final gavel banged on Sine Die. Georgia's 2026 Legislative Session is over. But as the dust settles and bills head to Governor Brian Kemp's desk for his signature, host Lisa Rayam asks Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian...
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Could a Democrat win over former Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's ultra-Conservative district?
On today's Political Breakfast, host Lisa Rayam goes live with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson. That's as some metro Atlanta voters line up to cast their ballots in a special election, to fill the seat of former Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor...
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TSA wait times and chaos at Atlanta's airport, One bullfight after another in the Georgia governor's race
On this week's Political Breakfast, we cover majoring bickering between Republicans running for Georgia Governor. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson are on the attack. Jones has accused Jackson's company, Alpharetta-based Jackson Healthcare, of allowing doctors to...
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Will a Georgia Democrat take over MAGA territory in a runoff election for District 14?
On this week's first edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam. All have thoughts about the race to represent Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, formerly held by Marjorie Taylor Greene. Greene...
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Covering special election to fill Marjorie Taylor Greene's seat, Georgia candidates qualify, Crossover Day wrap-up, Political consequences as Iran conflict intensifies
On this edition of Political Breakfast, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson are back from spring break -- and are immediately bombarded with political headlines to catch up on. On Tuesday there's a crowded field of candidates vying to fill Georgia's 14th...
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Georgia federal and state candidates prepare to qualify for major races next week
On today's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam and are honing-in on next week's candidate qualifying period for the 2026 General Election cycle. The period runs from next Monday to Friday. Candidates have...
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Gavin Newsom's Atlanta visit met with mixed reviews, federal judge rules against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones
California Governor Gavin Newsom came to town to stump for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the Georgia governor's race over the weekend. He stressed how important it is for voters to mobilize, especially in wake of the recent federal raid on Fulton County's election office. But some...
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California Governor Gavin Newsom comes to stump for Keisha Lance Bottoms in governor's race, and that's a nail-biting choice for some Democrats. Plus, why many Republicans are excited about the visit.
This week WABE presents a special edition of Political Breakfast, broadcasting from the iconic Atlanta meet-up spot, Manuel's Tavern. Opened decades ago by Atlanta's own fiery politician Manuel Maloof, it's well-known watering hole where folks from both sides of the aisle, have always sat…
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Georgia Republicans are all-in on cutting taxes this legislative session. Will these bills cross the finish line?
This week on Political Breakfast, we're talking taxes. Republican Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones introduced officially introduced legislation in the Senate to cut the state's income tax for most Georgians. His proposal includes phasing-out the tax over the next six years, fully eliminating it by...
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Georgia Governor's race polling shows Keisha Lance Bottoms first, Michael Thurmond second, but no massive fundraising numbers pouring-in for any Dems. Meanwhile, it's more money, more problems for Republicans
It seems like a two-way race for the Democratic nomination in Georgia's gubernatorial race, between frontrunner and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. That's as the latest polling and campaign contributions are reported. But Democratic...
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Billionaire businessman joins Georgia Governor's race
On this edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam, to talk about the latest candidate to jump into Georgia's gubernatorial race. It's already a crowded race on both sides. Now billionaire businessman...
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Fulton officials to strike back on Trump ordering FBI raid of elections hub, Georgia high school cell phone bans
On this week's Political Breakfast, strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson, along with prominent lawmakers like Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, traveled to Sea Island for a state Department of Natural Resources fundraiser. However, the talk of the benefit was the recent FBI...
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FBI raids Fulton elections center
On this week's latest edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam, to talk about some jarring election news. The FBI raided Fulton County’s election operations center Wednesday in Union City, in a…
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Protests over ICE grow, Georgia Democrats and some Republicans scrutinize Trump Administration's immigration agenda
On today's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam, to talk about a looming partial government shutdown. Congress has until this Friday to pass a series of appropriation bills, and U.S. Senate Democrats are...
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Georgia Governor Kemp's 2026 budget proposal includes a billion in tax rebates, reducing the state income tax, I-75 improvements, teacher bonuses
On this week's live version of Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam examine Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's last budget. Kemp laid it all out in his final 'State of the State' address last week, where he also set his...
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Georgia's 2026 Legislative Session kickoff
On this edition of Political Breakfast, we're going into the first week of Georgia's legislative session -- which means strategists Brian Robinson, Tharon Johnson and host Lisa Rayam are keeping busy and keeping up with lawmakers' top priorities. In this economy, everyone wants to focus on...
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Stacey Abrams will NOT run for Governor in 2026, Legislative session priorities
On this live edition of Political Breakfast, we cover how two-time Democratic nominee for governor Stacey Abrams announced that she is not running for office in 2026. Abrams said in a statement that instead she'll continue her work fighting against what's happening in Washington, as "since…
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Dickens pledges to focus on fighting poverty and inequality during second term as Atlanta's Mayor, Marjorie Taylor Greene's last day in Congress
On this week's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam return LIVE and wish our listeners a happy new year! Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens was sworn into his second term on Monday, along with all members of the Atlanta City...
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A who done it? Georgia Republicans confront the million-dollar mystery attack ad that has everyone talking
On today's Political Breakfast, someone paid millions for a new attack ad against Republican Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, to wound him in the 2026 primary race for Georgia governor. Jones is the frontrunner in the race, and has President Trump's endorsement. There's speculation that whoever…
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Blue momentum: Democrats flip another seat in a special election
On this week's Political Breakfast, we head northeast, where Georgia Democrats gained a House seat recently during a special election. Democrat Eric Gisler's victory for a Athens-area State House seat came after Republicans won that seat last year -- by more than 20 percent. Gisler will replace...
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Runoff Election Recap: A blue flip in Roswell, Rusty Paul cruises to win in Sandy Springs
On this week's Political Breakfast, we're doing a recap of some local runoff election results. The cities of East Point, Roswell, Sandy Springs and South Fulton were all electing mayors last Tuesday. Voters chose new ones in all except Sandy Springs. The City of Roswell surprised many as a...
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Runoff election momentum across metro Atlanta
On today's Political Breakfast, it's runoff election day, when many key races should be decided. Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson join host Lisa Rayam to give insight on a few of them -- including runoff races that involve incumbent mayors in Sandy Springs and Roswell. Voters in…
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Georgia's controversial Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene will resign: then what?
Georgia U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene dropped a bombshell that strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson said was in the works for some time. Both agree the signs were there -- even before President Donald Trump called her a traitor. Still, Greene resigning caught some off guard,...
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GOP infighting ahead of the 2026 Georgia governor's race, U.S. Senate race to unseat Jon Ossoff
On this edition of Political Breakfast: Democrats are calling it "Brian's Blunder." That's referring to a campaign ad for Republicans to unseat Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff in 2026. In it, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is supporting former University of Tennessee football coach, and political...
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Georgia's controversial Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's MAGA divorce from Donald Trump
On this edition of Political Breakfast, we talk about the very public rift between President Donald Trump, and Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene -- who Trump now calls Marjorie "Traitor" Greene. Greene said on CNN this week that she wants to "put down the knives in politics" and is...
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Georgia governor's race poll shows Keisha Lance Bottoms is top choice for Democrats, Burt Jones leads on GOP side
A new AJC poll shows former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is dominating early in the 2026 Georgia governor's race on the Democratic side. Behind her, is former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. On the Republican side, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones leads, with the endorsement from…
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Georgians feel the sting of the shutdown, Atlanta's airport clogged with flight cancellations
On this edition of Political Breakfast, the federal government shutdown may be nearing an end, but it hasn't happened just yet. A key vote took place in Washington but Georgia's two Democratic U.S. Senators were NOT on board with the majority. Why not? Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and...
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Election season wrap-up, Georgia Republicans say outcome "not what we hoped for"
On today's Political Breakfast, we talk about some of the most hotly contested races in this November's election across metro Atlanta, and Georgia's only statewide race. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson break down the Georgia Public Service Commission...
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It's Election Day in Georgia!
It's time for Political Breakfast's Election Day coverage -- but before you listen, if you haven't yet, get to your precinct before the polls close! The PSC has five elected members who have final say over Georgia Power’s rates and plans for making electricity. All five are currently held by...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning on the Political Breakfast podcast, veteran Atlanta journalist Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, and Republican strategist Brian Robinson deliver Georgia’s best analysis of local politics with a weekly dose of informed, respectful and lively discussion.During Georgia’s state legislative session, Political Breakfast presents the pop-up podcast Gold Dome Scramble every Friday morning as host Lisa Rayam talks with reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali from the WABE newsroom to break things down for our listeners — the issues being considered, and the bills getting sorted through various committees at the Georgia State Capitol.
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WABE
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Political Breakfast from WABE have?
Political Breakfast from WABE currently has 601 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Political Breakfast from WABE about?
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning on the Political Breakfast podcast, veteran Atlanta journalist Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, and Republican strategist Brian Robinson deliver Georgia’s best analysis of local politics with a weekly dose of informed, respectful and lively...
How often does Political Breakfast from WABE release new episodes?
Political Breakfast from WABE releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 601 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Political Breakfast from WABE?
You can listen to Political Breakfast from WABE on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Political Breakfast from WABE?
Political Breakfast from WABE is created and hosted by WABE.
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