Off Topic/On Politics
295 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 149 ratingsWhat happens when three New York reporters sit in a (small) room and talk politics? Join the NY1 political team each week for a conversation where no topic is off-limits and everything is on the record.
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Episodes
No budget deal in Albany, in spite of deadline
April 02, 2022 01:57 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBAfter intense negotiations this week, state lawmakers made the rare move of leaving the Capitol before reaching a budget agreement, even though the deadline was just hours away. NY1’s Zack Fink, Emily Ngo and Juan Manuel Benítez discuss some of the obstacles getting in the way of a budget deal and explain how the dysfunction might hurt Gov. Kathy Hochul’s election bid. They also weigh in on Mayor Eric Adams’ strategy to curb homelessness. He spent part of his week defending his decision to...
Why is Mayor Adams lifting the vaccine mandate for athletes?
March 25, 2022 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBIn a polarizing move, Mayor Eric Adams is lifting the vaccine mandate for professional athletes and entertainers. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez weigh in on the controversy and explain why labor leaders are blasting the decision. And just months away from the primary, Gov. Kathy Hochul is pushing the legislature to change the state’s bail laws. But, as Zack, Courtney and Juan discuss, Democrats fought hard to get those same laws enacted just three years ago. So why...
Mayor Adams brings back a controversial police unit
March 18, 2022 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBFulfilling a campaign promise, Mayor Eric Adams is deploying a revamped police unit that he says will help tackle gun violence in the city. But as NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez explain, the new unit is already causing controversy. Critics argue that the “Neighborhood Safety Teams,” as the NYPD is officially calling them, are too similar to the Street Crime Unit that was disbanded a couple of years ago, following complaints of abusive policing. Plus, is former Gov....
Should Mayor Adams maintain control of city schools?
March 11, 2022 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBMayor Eric Adams is asking the State Legislature to let him maintain control of city schools for four more years. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez explain why he wants an extension of what he’s calling “mayoral accountability” and whether or not this is likely to happen. And as New Yorkers start feeling the ripple effect of the War in Ukraine, with soaring gas prices and skyrocketing inflation, Zack, Courtney and Juan also discuss how local politicians are responding...
At state convention, Republicans go after the Democratic leadership in New York
March 04, 2022 09:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBAs this year’s election season gets underway, New York Republicans gather on Long Island to make their case to an electorate that is predominantly Democratic. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez discuss some of the key takeaways from the state’s Republican Convention, where candidates pledged to tackle rising crime, lower taxes, push back against COVID-19 restrictions and reach out to minority communities. Zack, Courtney and Juan also weigh in on Mayor Eric Adams’ decis...
Explaining the city’s plan to remove homeless people from the subways
February 25, 2022 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBAs the city bounces back from the pandemic and more straphangers go back to the subways, the mayor is implementing a new strategy focused on stopping homeless people from taking shelter on trains and platforms. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez discuss the details of the plan and explain why some critics say that it doesn’t offer real solutions for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. They also weigh in on the controversy surrounding some recent appointments to the ...
A political celebration for Gov. Hochul at the New York State Democratic Convention
February 18, 2022 21:45 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBJust like at the national level, every four years New York Democrats gather for a convention where they choose the candidates they’ll support in the November elections. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Emily Ngo comment on this year’s festivities, which were all but a political coronation ceremony for Gov. Kathy Hochul. In just a few months, she has gone from the little-known lieutenant governor to a widely popular and powerful incumbent. But shouldn’t Democrats encourage competition with...
Is outdoor dining here to stay?
February 11, 2022 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBThe outdoor dining program that has kept many New York City restaurants alive during the pandemic could be made permanent. But not everybody is on board with the idea. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Gloria Pazmino weigh in on the debate and discuss what’s likely to happen next. They also comment on Mayor Adams’ testimony before the state legislature earlier this week. The mayor made his case for changes he wants to see in New York’s criminal justice laws, particularly when it comes to...
What is Mayor Adams doing to fight rising gun violence in New York?
February 10, 2022 03:12 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBIn the wake of a series of high-profile crimes — including the fatal shooting of two police officers — Mayor Eric Adams is launching a new effort to confront gun violence in the city. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez get into some of the details of the plan, including the mayor’s calls for Congress to take action to shut the pipeline of illegal guns coming into New York from other states. They also put the recent uptick in crime in perspective. Is the city really getti...
Biden on efforts to curb gun violence in New York: “We’re about funding”
February 04, 2022 05:46 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBIn his second visit to New York City since taking office, President Joe Biden met with Mayor Eric Adams, Gov. Kathy Hochul and other top officials to discuss joint efforts to combat rising gun violence, both in the five boroughs and beyond. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez weigh in on his visit and discuss what this show of unity could mean for Democrats, as they gear up for the midterm elections. They also take a look at the redistricting process, which happens ever...
Deadly Times Square subway shove puts spotlight on safety underground
January 21, 2022 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBFollowing the death of a woman who was pushed in front of a train in Times Square, NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez discuss what Mayor Adams and other elected leaders need to do to make sure New Yorkers and tourists feel safe on the subways. They also explain why Governor Hochul’s record-setting $216 billion budget proposal puts her in a very favorable position ahead of the Democratic primary this June. We want to hear from you, especially what you think about the ...
After a devastating fire, a Bronx community copes with tragedy
January 14, 2022 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBFollowing an apartment high-rise fire in the Bronx that killed 17 people and left dozens displaced, NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez discuss the city’s response and look at what might have led to one of the deadliest blazes in recent memory. They also talk about the impending expiration of the state’s eviction moratorium. Governor Hochul has made it clear that there won’t be an extension, so housing advocates and state lawmakers are looking for alternative solutions....
Governor Hochul promises a 'New era for New York'
January 07, 2022 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIn a State of the State address full of symbolism, Gov. Kathy Hochul made history and some big promises, trying to distance herself from her former running mate, Andrew Cuomo. NY1’s Zack Fink, Emily Ngo and Juan Manuel Benítez analyze Hochul’s tone and discuss some of her proposals, such as bringing back to-go drinks and creating a new rail service that would connect Brooklyn and Queens. They also weigh in on the first week of the Eric Adams administration. He hit the ground running right ...
How will Bill de Blasio go down in history?
December 24, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBAfter eight years in office, Mayor de Blasio is getting ready to say goodbye to City Hall in just a few days. NY1’s Zack Fink, Gloria Pazmino and Juan Manuel Benítez spend some time evaluating the legacy of a man who was often much less popular than his policies. They also look ahead to the incoming Eric Adams administration. Before even taking office, the soon-to-be mayor is already clashing with many of the members of the City Council over his support for punitive segregation. Is this a...
The NYPD’s first woman commissioner will be walking a delicate line
December 17, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBKeechant Sewell will soon become the first woman — and only the third Black person — in history to lead the NYPD. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez dive into the significance of this appointment, and explain why this job is as much about politics as it is about public safety. They also weigh in on the contentious race for City Council speaker. The two finalists have both declared victory. So what is happening behind the scenes? And, as a bonus segment, they also e...
Why is de Blasio announcing new vaccine mandates?
December 10, 2021 09:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBJust weeks away from leaving office, Mayor Bill de Blasio is announcing new vaccine mandates for all private sector employees, in a move that seems to have taken business leaders by surprise. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez comment on the new measures and the mayor’s intentions behind them. Is he doing this to reactivate the city’s economy and get employees back to the office? Or is he gearing up for a potential run for governor? They also weigh in on a controversia...
Tom Suozzi tries to thread the needle to the Governor’s Mansion
December 03, 2021 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBThe race for governor is already in full swing, with candidates picking up endorsements and laying out their vision for New York. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Emily Ngo look at the growing field of candidates, which now includes Rep. Tom Suozzi, who represents parts of Queens and Long Island. He’s pitching himself as a “common sense Democrat” who cares less about ideology and more about delivering results. Can his message resonate with New Yorkers? They also weigh in on May...
Could Jumaane Williams be New York’s next governor?
November 19, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBFresh off his reelection victory to be New York City’s Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams is jumping into the crowded Democratic race for governor. Meanwhile, Mayor Bill de Blasio continues to flirt with a possible candidacy, launching a new statewide education plan. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Courtney Gross explain why many are interpreting this move as the unofficial launch of de Blasio’s gubernatorial campaign. They also discuss what Williams’s announcement means for the othe...
Explaining the Cuomo transcripts and why they were released
November 12, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBFollowing a months-long investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York Attorney General Letitia James released hundreds of pages of transcripts from the inquiry that culminated in his resignation. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Courtney Gross discuss the details of the transcripts and explain why they’re significant. They also comment on Eric Adams’s first week as mayor-elect. Besides traveling to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Rep...
What happened on election night in New York City
November 05, 2021 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBIt’s been a pivotal week for the city. New Yorkers elected their second Black mayor in history and for the first time ever, women will make up the majority in the City Council – and a super majority at that. But, as Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Courtney Gross explain, this week’s election was also significant because Republicans gained ground in certain parts of the city and completely dominated on Staten Island. And, now that top Democrats are gathering in Puerto Rico for the annual...
Live show: A closer look at the NYC race for mayor
October 28, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 45.1 MBWith early voting now underway, NY1's Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez hosted a live edition of the "Off Topic/On Politics" podcast on Twitter Spaces. They commented on the state of the mayor's race, and invited Fordham University Professor Christina Greer for more in-depth analysis. The event also featured live questions from members of the audience, as well as special live appearances from NY1 Political Anchor Errol Louis and other political insiders. Additionally, Z...
Navigating the new vaccine mandate
October 22, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBThis week, Mayor de Blasio announced a new COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all public employees. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Gloria Pazmino weigh in on his decision and the ripple effects it might have on the city. And with the general election around the corner, they take a closer look at the race for Public Advocate. The Democratic incumbent, Jumaane Williams, is highly favored to win, but he has also publicly said he’s seriously considering a run for governor. So is it wise f...
Where the NYC mayoral election stands
October 15, 2021 04:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBAs Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa hit the campaign trail in the final weeks before Election Day, NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Bob Hardt analyze the state of the race and weigh in on what Sliwa, the Republican nominee, needs to do to improve his chances in a heavily Democratic city. They also spend some time talking about Latino politics. The community now represents almost 30% of the city’s population, but a Latino candidate has never been elected to citywide office. Is it just a...
Will Mayor de Blasio run for governor?
October 08, 2021 04:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBHe hasn’t explicitly said that he wants to run for governor, but Mayor de Blasio keeps hinting at it. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez weigh in on his potential candidacy and discuss what it could mean for the race, which is already starting to heat up. They also comment on Courtney’s months-long investigation into the New York City Board of Elections — following the now-infamous ballot blunder during the June primaries. In a three-part series, Courtney explains why...
The 2022 governor’s race is already heating up
October 01, 2021 05:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBGov. Hochul took office five weeks ago, but she’s already having to fend off potential challengers from her own party. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Bob Hardt take a look at the state of the governor’s race, now that Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is eyeing a run and other prominent figures, including state Attorney General Letitia James, are flirting with the idea. They also weigh in on the ongoing debate around the recent COVID-19 vaccine mandates implemented at the state and...
Is Rikers Island beyond fixing?
September 24, 2021 04:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBAs the situation at Rikers Island takes a turn for the worse, the city is taking measures to address the severe staffing shortages at the Department of Correction. But as NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Bob Hardt explain, the city's efforts to make sure correction officers show up to work have turned into a nasty fight with the union. They also weigh in on possible solutions to fix the humanitarian crisis unfolding inside the city’s largest jail complex. And in the middle of this cris...
Why is Rikers Island in a state of emergency?
September 17, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBAs the crisis on Rikers Island intensifies, politicians at the state and local level are looking for solutions. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez weigh in on the chaotic situation inside the city’s largest jail complex and discuss some of the obstacles blocking reform. They also talk about the reopening of public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and the city’s push to get New Yorkers back to the office. If you are looking for more in-depth content about the un...
20 years later: The legacy of 9/11
September 10, 2021 04:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBThis week, we commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, which forever changed our lives and our city. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez reflect on the many ways our perception of public safety has changed, and analyze how the threat of terrorism has morphed since 2001. They also weigh in on President Biden’s visit to our area, following last week’s catastrophic storm. After assessing the scope of the damage in Queens, the president issued a dire call for action on cl...
New York City confronts a climate emergency
September 03, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBAs the remnants of Hurricane Ida came pouring down on Wednesday night, it quickly became clear that the city was ill-equipped to respond to the unprecedented flash flooding that caused over a dozen deaths. NY1’s Juan Manuel Benítez, Courtney Gross and Emily Ngo talk about the devastating impact of global warming on New Yorkers, especially the most vulnerable among us, and explain why the city needs to invest more heavily in climate-resilient infrastructure. They also weigh in on the ex...
Kathy Hochul makes history
August 27, 2021 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBFor the first time ever, New York has a woman in charge, now that Kathy Hochul has taken office as the new governor. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Emily Ngo take a look at the first few days of her administration. She has already outlined her top priorities – most important of all fighting the rise of the Delta variant – and picked State Senator Brian Benjamin as her lieutenant governor, as she gets ready for a hotly contested race for governor next year. Hochul has also made ...
Special episode: The legacy of Andrew Cuomo
August 20, 2021 04:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBFrom the legalization of same-sex marriage to major infrastructure projects to the passage of the $15 minimum wage, Andrew Cuomo achieved many things during his 10 years as governor, but he also alienated most of the power players in the state — something that ultimately contributed to his downfall. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez weigh in on the jarring legacy of a man whose resignation also marks the end of a political dynasty. We want to hear from you, especi...
No more Cuomo
August 13, 2021 04:00 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MBAfter months of turmoil and multiple investigations, Gov. Andrew Cuomo will step down in less than two weeks. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez analyze Cuomo’s resignation press conference, where he only partially took responsibility for his actions and questioned the impartiality of the state attorney general’s investigation into his sexual misconduct, calling it “politically motivated.” They also weigh in on Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s imminent ascendance to governo...
Gov. Cuomo stands alone
August 06, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBAn independent investigation by state Attorney General Letitia James has concluded that Gov. Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women, and in doing so violated state and federal law. Now, those who were still holding off on judgment when the allegations first came out a few months ago are calling on him to resign. But, so far, he’s not budging. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez discuss the findings of the months-long inquiry, and explain what is likely to happen during the i...
What New York is doing to get people vaccinated
July 30, 2021 04:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBAs the delta variant continues to spread, Gov Andrew Cuomo is toughening his stance on vaccinations. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Gloria Pazmino discuss his recent announcement regarding mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for many state employees. Meanwhile, here in the city, Mayor Bill de Blasio is offering a $100 incentive to convince New Yorkers to get the shot. They also dive into the controversial plan to rezone SoHo and NoHo, two of Manhattan’s most exclusive and iconic neighbor...
Can the city force New Yorkers to get vaccinated?
July 23, 2021 08:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBIn spite of the city’s efforts to get all New Yorkers vaccinated, more than 40% of New Yorkers are yet to be inoculated. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and weigh in on de Blasio’s decision to require all public health care workers to either get the shot or get tested every week. They also explain why many Queens elected officials are opposing a project to build an AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport. The $2.1 billion plan -- ch...
Eric Adams takes the spotlight
July 16, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBEric Adams hasn’t been elected mayor yet, but he’s already getting a taste of the high-profile nature of the office. NY1’s Zack Fink, Gloria Pazmino and Juan Manuel Benítez weigh in on the politics behind his recent meetings with President Joe Biden and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to discuss gun violence, which was the defining issue of his campaign. They also comment on the controversy around the proposed Battery Park City monument for essential workers and what it says about Cuomo’s diminishing c...
How Eric Adams won the Democratic primary for mayor
July 09, 2021 04:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBThe results have not been certified yet, but it is clear that Eric Adams has won the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City. NY1’s Juan Manuel Benítez, Courtney Gross and Bob Hardt take a look at how he got there, and weigh in on the impact that ranked-choice voting may have had on the race. They also discuss what New Yorkers can expect from a potential Adams mayoralty, including how his moderate views could be counterbalanced by a progressive coalition poised to gain ground in ...
New York gets ranked-choice results, despite a major error
July 02, 2021 04:30 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBAfter a tumultuous week, we finally have the preliminary ranked-choice voting results in the Democratic race for mayor. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez analyze the unofficial numbers, which show Eric Adams still in the lead. But with more than 125,000 absentee ballots left to be counted, Kathryn Garcia and Maya Wiley still have a path to victory. They also discuss a colossal data error made by the New York City Board of Elections and look back at the agency’s troub...
What we know and don’t know about the results of the New York City primary
June 24, 2021 21:22 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBAfter the unofficial tally of first-choice votes, Eric Adams holds a commanding lead in the Democratic race for mayor, but there’s still a narrow path to victory for Kathryn Garcia and Maya Wiley. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez break down the initial results and explain what they reveal about the state of the city. They also tell us who won the GOP primary for mayor, and what happened in the races for city comptroller and Manhattan district attorney. We want to...
Will the final debate make a difference in the race for mayor?
June 18, 2021 04:30 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBAhead of Primary Day, the leading Democratic candidates for mayor made their case during the final primary debate of the season. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez weigh in on the candidates’ performance and assess their standing in the race. They also give us an update on another consequential citywide election: the race for city comptroller. We want to hear from you, especially what you think about the different candidates running for mayor: Twitter: #NY1Of...
Live show: Everything New Yorkers need to know about the mayor’s race
June 14, 2021 20:30 - 1 hour - 49.4 MBWith early voting now underway, NY1's Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez hosted a live edition of the "Off Topic/On Politics" podcast on the Clubhouse app. They commented on the state of the race for mayor and invited Fordham University Professor Christina Greer onto the virtual stage for more in-depth analysis. The event also featured live questions from the members of the audience and a surprise appearance by former "Off Topic/On Politics" Host Grace Rauh! We want to ...
Do New Yorkers care where Eric Adams lives?
June 11, 2021 04:30 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBEric Adams, the front-runner in the race for mayor, is the subject of criticism now that a news article has raised questions about where he actually lives. He responded by inviting reporters to what he says is his basement apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez comment on the controversy and tell us whether they think this matters to voters. They also sit down with fellow mayoral candidate Maya Wiley to ask her why she thinks she’s the pro...
Winners and losers of the second Democratic primary debate for mayor
June 04, 2021 04:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBLess than three weeks away from Primary Day, the eight leading Democratic candidates for mayor traded jabs during a heated in-person debate hosted by WABC and Univision. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez tell us who took center stage and who didn’t shine. They also comment on the latest news out of the campaign trail, now that Kathryn Garcia has been gaining momentum and is being criticized by some of her rivals. We want to hear from you, especially what you think...
Dianne Morales says campaign turmoil won’t stop her run for mayor
June 02, 2021 04:30 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBOn this bonus episode of “Off Topic/On Politics,” mayoral candidate Dianne Morales joins NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez to address the recent upheaval in her campaign and to talk in detail about some her policy proposals, especially around the issues of police reform and education. We want to hear from you, especially what you think about the mayoral candidates: Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @ZackFinkNews, @Courtneycgross, and @JuanMaBenitez Leave a message: 212-...
Insults take center stage in Republican debate for mayor
May 28, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBThe two Republican candidates for mayor traded insults and personal jabs during a NY1 primary debate, where they also touched on some of their policy proposals and tried to share their vision for the city. Political reporters Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez analyze some of the highlights of the televised event, which was co-hosted by WNYC and the news organization THE CITY. They also comment on the latest developments in the Democratic race for mayor, including the intern...
The controversy around Eric Adams’ fundraising practices, explained
May 21, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBMayoral candidate Eric Adams is being criticized by some of his rivals because of his fundraising practices. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez explain what the controversy is about, and whether or not Adams is pushing the boundaries of campaign finance laws. And they sit down with former Wall Street executive Ray McGuire to learn more about his bid for mayor. He talks about his background as a financial manager and elaborates on his proposals for economic development...
Who stood out in the first official Democratic Debate for Mayor?
May 14, 2021 18:13 - 32 minutes - 22 MBThe eight leading Democratic candidates for mayor faced off in the first televised debate of the primary race -- co-hosted by NY1, WNYC radio and the online news site THE CITY. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross and Juan Manuel Benítez analyze their performance and tell us who stood out and why. They also weigh in on some of their proposals to tackle key issues facing the city, such as public safety and homelessness. We want to hear from you, especially what you think about the candidates aft...
Why Scott Stringer says sexual misconduct allegations will not end his campaign
May 07, 2021 05:30 - 35 minutes - 65.1 MBIn the last few days, the conversation around the race for mayor has been somewhat dominated by the way in which Scott Stringer has responded to the sexual harassment and abuse allegations he’s facing. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross, and Bob Hardt analyze how other mayoral hopefuls might stand to benefit from the turmoil. And as part of the series of interviews with the mayoral candidates, Zack and Courtney sit down with former New York City Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia to talk...
An ‘April surprise’: Scott Stringer faces allegations of sexual abuse
April 30, 2021 04:30 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBJust as his campaign seemed to be gaining momentum, mayoral candidate Scott Stringer is facing sexual harassment and abuse allegations. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross, and Juan Manuel Benítez weigh in on what this bombshell means for his candidacy and the rest of the race. And with the June primary around the corner, we are launching a series of interviews with eight leading contenders for mayor. The first one up is housing expert Shaun Donovan, who worked in the Obama cabinet and the Bl...
Most candidates for mayor aren’t lining up to back ‘Defund the Police’
April 23, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBAfter the guilty verdict of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, some of the leading mayoral candidates reacted with renewed calls to reform the NYPD and increase police accountability. NY1’s Zack Fink, Courtney Gross, and Juan Manuel Benítez explain what the mayoral hopefuls are proposing, and discuss the role that public safety is playing during this campaign cycle. They also analyze what the results of our exclusive Spectrum News NY1/Ipsos p...