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
How Uber Disrupted New York
May 10, 2019 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBAhead of Uber going public, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze how the tech giant disrupted New York City's taxi industry and discusses their treatment of drivers. They also discuss a push in the state legislature to decriminalize sex work. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
How New York's Attorney General is Fighting Trump and the NRA
May 03, 2019 09:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBWith New York Attorney General Letitia James in the headlines for her case against the National Rifle Association, NY1's Grace Rauh, Juan Manuel Benitez, and Zack Fink analyze her approach to the office and her legal fights with President Donald Trump. They also discuss an emotional City Council hearing over school segregation and whether there is political will to work towards integration. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For mo...
How Much Energy will New Yorkers Put Into Going Green?
April 26, 2019 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBAs Mayor de Blasio announces his support for a controversial new law to curb emissions, NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benitez and Courtney Gross discuss how far people are willing to go to slow down climate change. They also analyze Governor Cuomo’s 35 questions about our political environment and whether Democratic voters are looking for a moderate voice. Join the Conversation: #NY1OffTopic or @ZackFinkNews @JuanMaBenitez @CourtneyCGross For More Information: ny1.com/offtopic
The Case of Judith Clark: When Has Someone Done Their Time?
April 19, 2019 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBAfter Judith Clark was granted parole this week after spending nearly four decades behind bars for a deadly 1981 armored car robbery, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss how long it should take for someone to get parole. They also analyze Mayor de Blasio's issues fundraising from people who have business before the city. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
An Outbreak in Brooklyn: Can the City Require Parents to Vaccinate Their Kids?
April 12, 2019 09:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBWith Mayor de Blasio declaring a public health emergency over the outbreak of measles in Brooklyn, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss whether government can force vaccinations. They also discuss the so-called "Twitter bubble" and analyze how to figure out when social media reflects public opinion, and when it is distorting reality. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
Introduction to "Crosstown with Pat Kiernan"
April 10, 2019 09:00 - 4 minutes - 9.01 MBNY1's Pat Kiernan already makes sure your day is off to a good start. Now, you can listen to Pat on demand, wherever you are. NY1's "Crosstown with Pat Kiernan" is a weekly exploration of NYC's biggest stories, from the perspectives of the trusted NY1 reporters who were first on the scene. Here's a brief preview for "Off Topic/On Politics" listeners. Subscribe to "Crosstown" to listen every Thursday morning.
Rent Fight: What Will Happen to the Regulations for One Million City Apartments?
April 05, 2019 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBWhat's the next big fight in Albany? Rent regulations and whether state lawmakers will make the city more affordable. NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez also discuss City Council Speaker Corey Johnson's approach to punishing his members for their speech and behavior. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
BONUS: Why a Big Deal in Albany Means Big Changes for New York
April 01, 2019 21:32 - 15 minutes - 11.1 MBBig changes are coming to New York: NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez tell you everything you need to know about what state lawmakers agreed to as part of the new state budget. The team walks through congestion pricing, a plastic bag ban, criminal justice reform, campaign finance, and much more. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
A Plastic Bag Ban, Congestion Pricing, and Other Potential Changes to Life in New York
March 29, 2019 21:58 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MBAs New York state lawmakers feverishly hammer out major policy decisions ahead of the April 1 state budget deadline, Grace Rauh and Juan Manuel Benitez are joined by Zack Fink in Albany to get the details on a plastic bag ban, a possible fee for driving into Manhattan, the pied-à-terre tax, and much more. They also analyze Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's first presidential campaign rally and discuss why South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg was the talk of New York City. Join the conversation on Twitt...
Should the SHSAT Determine Entrance to NYC's Elite High Schools?
March 22, 2019 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBAs this year's special high school admissions renews concerns over a lack of diversity at the elite schools, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss the debate over eliminating the entrance exam. They also discuss whether taxpayer dollars should be used to finance campaigns as Albany weighs campaign finance reform. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
2020 Vision: Why is Bill De Blasio on the Presidential Campaign Trail?
March 15, 2019 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBAs Bill de Blasio heads off to New Hampshire, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss why the mayor of New York is flirting with a run for president. They also analyze whether state lawmakers will pass a tax on multimillion-dollar second homes in the city. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
Politics & Marriage: What Should a First Lady's Role be at City Hall?
March 08, 2019 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBAs New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray's mental health program comes under scrutiny, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Bob Hardt discuss whether an unelected political spouse should be given a role in government. They also weigh in on a growing debate over parking on city streets and whether police officers and other city workers are abusing their privileges, and if it matters. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @bobhardt For more information...
NYC Gets its Newest Advocate: What Jumaane Williams Says He is Prepared to Fight for
March 01, 2019 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBAfter Jumaane Williams was elected New York City Public Advocate on Tuesday, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss how he did it and what it means for city politics. And fresh off last week's discussion, they analyze Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio joining forces this week to push for congestion pricing and whether the pair can get it done. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: n...
BONUS: There's an Election on Tuesday — Here's Everything You Need to Know
February 25, 2019 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBIn a special bonus episode, NY1's Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benitez, Courtney Gross, and Bobby Cuza walk you through everything you need to know about the public advocate election before you vote Tuesday. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @JuanMaBenitez @ZackFinkNews @CourtneyCGross @BCuza For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
The Push for Congestion Pricing: Is New York Ready to Toll Our Streets?
February 22, 2019 10:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBTo create revenue for the MTA, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has a plan to charge drivers a fee to enter parts of Manhattan. NY1's Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benitez, and Courtney Gross discuss. They also analyze whether Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has moved the Democratic Party in New York too far to the left. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @courtneycgross, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
Why Amazon Took a Prime Pass on New York
February 15, 2019 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBAmazon made a stunning decision to cancel its plans to open a massive campus in Queens, and Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze the move. They also break down a story first reported on NY1, the controversy surrounding Bronx Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. for comments he made about the gay community. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
Still on Schedule? Debate Over Amazon Deal Grows Bitter
February 08, 2019 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBAs the debate over the deal to bring Amazon to Queens heats up, Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss why the plan has so much opposition. They also highlight some top moments in the lively NY1 debate in the race for public advocate and talk about who they thought stood out in the crowded field. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
Reaching a Deal: The Trump Administration Gets Oversight of NYC Public Housing
February 01, 2019 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.8 MBNY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze the unprecedented deal between the Trump Administration and Mayor Bill de Blasio to give federal officials increased oversight over the city’s troubled public housing authority. They also discuss how the 2021 race for mayor unofficially got started this week, whether we wanted it to or not. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
Passing the Dream: How New York Deals With Immigration
January 25, 2019 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBWhile the federal government is at a standstill because of a fight over immigration, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss how New York is taking steps to support immigrants. They also discuss how City Hall and Albany are approaching issues of sexual harassment in the workplace. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
Off to the Races: Gillibrand Runs for President and Albany Democrats Take Action
January 18, 2019 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBWith New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand officially in the race for president, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze her rise and how she might stand out in a crowded field. They also tackle the unusually busy start to the year in Albany, where state legislators are wasting no time getting their agenda done. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
Looking at De Blasio and Ocasio-Cortez's Recent Moves
January 11, 2019 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBOn the day Mayor de Blasio laid out his vision for New York City, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez sat down to give their analysis of some of his biggest policy ideas. And with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's first full week in office behind her, the team discusses why the New York congresswoman has become such a lightning rod in the political conversation. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1...
A Subway Surprise: What Happened to the L Train Shutdown?
January 04, 2019 10:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBJust months before the much-dreaded shutdown of L train service between Manhattan and Brooklyn, Gov. Andrew Cuomo surprised New Yorkers when he announced a new plan that would prevent full closure. NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez try to figure out exactly what happened. And with the special election for Public Advocate now just weeks away, they analyze the race between nearly two dozen candidates. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkN...
How to Get Ready for a New Year in New York Politics
December 21, 2018 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBIn their final episode of the year, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez look ahead to what we can expect from Mayor Bill de Blasio, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and the New York political world when we return in 2019. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
The Case of Jazmine Headley: The Backlash After a Brooklyn Mom Was Arrested While Holding Her Son
December 14, 2018 10:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBNY1's Grace Rauh, Juan Manuel Benitez, and Courtney Gross discuss the case of Jazmine Headley, the young Brooklyn mother whose arrest in a social services office as she struggled to hold onto her child was caught on video. They also debate whether New York should legalize marijuana and put the cash towards subway repairs. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
Are the Mayor's Absences from City Hall Hurting NYC?
December 07, 2018 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBAfter the botched firing of a top commissioner, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss Mayor de Blasio's absences from City Hall and whether they are hurting the way the city is run. They also debate whether lawmakers in Albany should get their first raise in almost 20 years. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
Two Guys from Queens: Can Trump and Cuomo Find Common Ground to Help NY?
November 30, 2018 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBAfter Gov. Cuomo went to Washington to have lunch with President Trump, NY1's Grace Rauh, Courtney Gross, and Joel Siegel discuss whether the two men from Queens can find common ground to help New York. They also debate whether the city should allow e-bikes and e-scooters on city streets. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic, or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, and @JuanMaBenitez. For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
Amazon Moves to Queens: A Prime Deal for New York?
November 16, 2018 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBNY1’s Grace Rauh, Zack Fink and Juan Manuel Benitez debate the controversial deal to bring Amazon to New York City. They also discuss the future of the city’s troubled public housing authority after a judge rejected a plan to overhaul NYCHA. Join the Conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh @ZackFinkNews @JuanMaBenitez For More Information: ny1.com/offtopic
After the Election: What Just Happened in New York?
November 08, 2018 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBFresh off a busy election night, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss Max Rose's shocking upset over incumbent Dan Donovan, what Democratic control of the state Senate could mean for New Yorkers, and Andrew Cuomo's third term in office. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic, or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, and @JuanMaBenitez. For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
What New York Needs to Know Before Election Day
November 05, 2018 19:44 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MBIn a special bonus episode, NY1’s Grace Rauh, Zack Fink and Juan Manuel Benitez walk you through everything you need to know before you vote on Tuesday. They discuss the latest poll numbers in the race for governor, the fight to flip the state Senate and whether a blue wave will hit Congress. Join the Conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh @ZackFinkNews @JuanMaBenitez For More Information: ny1.com/offtopic
After Pittsburgh: A Call to Arm?
November 01, 2018 09:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBAfter 11 people were gunned down in a Pittsburgh synagogue, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss the debate over arming more people to prevent future attacks. They also analyze the feisty debate for state attorney general and whether New York will be a one-party state after Tuesday's election. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, and @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
A Shaken New York: Package Bombs Sow Confusion
October 26, 2018 09:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBGrace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss the packaged pipe bombs sent to Trump critics that caused chaos and confusion in New York and around the country. They also analyze the first and likely only debate between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his Republican challenger Marc Molinaro, which included off-color jokes about sausages and singing in the shower. Join the Conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic
2020 Vision: Gillibrand Charts Her Path
October 19, 2018 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBNY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez dissect Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's national ambitions, and analyze the controversy over a private Republican club inviting divisive Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes to speak in Manhattan. Editor’s note: This podcast was recorded on Thursday, October 18, 2018, before Senator Kirsten Gillibrand backed out of participating in a debate against Chele Farley on NY1.
Too Hot to Handle: NYC's Climate Crisis
October 12, 2018 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBAfter a new report from the United Nations says we are heading towards a climate crisis, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez debate whether we'll ever see New York lawmakers use their political capital to protect our planet. They also analyze the fight for Congress in New York City's only Republican-held district, as well as whether Governor Cuomo will agree to a general election debate.
Reading 14,000 pages of emails
October 05, 2018 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBNY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez break down what the thousands of pages of emails between the Bill de Blasio Administration and the so-called "Agents of the City" reveal about the inner workings of City Hall. They also analyze the split in New York's Democratic Party as the Working Families Party decides what to do with its November ballot line. Keywords: albany, blasio, city, cuomo, cynthia, de, election, government, governor, hall, new, nixon, politics, york, 742095
Gridlock above and below
September 28, 2018 09:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBNY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Bob Hardt break down the key congressional fights in New York ahead of the midterm elections. With the city on gridlock alert this week, they also discuss whether it will ever be easier to get around town — both above and below ground.
Mayor Mike for president?
September 21, 2018 09:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBNY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze Michael Bloomberg's possible run for president in 2020. They also discuss whether Republicans have a shot at a statewide office in November, and if New York Democrats are really coming together after the primary.
About last night...
September 14, 2018 22:25 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBAfter a wild state primary night in New York, NY1’s Grace Rauh, Zack Fink and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss Andrew Cuomo’s win over Cynthia Nixon, Letitia James’ big victory in the campaign for attorney general and the many upsets in the state Senate.
Bagels & lox: A primary primer
September 11, 2018 23:17 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBBefore you cast your vote on Thursday, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink and Juan Manuel Benitez bring you up to date on the races up and down the ballot. They discuss the primary fight between Andrew Cuomo and Cynthia Nixon, the tossup race for state attorney general and the sudden spotlight on the state Senate. The crew also taste tests the breakfast that's stirred up so much Twitter heat: Cynthia Nixon's cinnamon raisin bagel with lox, cream cheese and capers.
Down the homestretch
September 07, 2018 09:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBWith one week until Primary Day, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze the final week of campaigning for Andrew Cuomo and Cynthia Nixon in the race for governor. They are also joined by NY1 Education Reporter Lindsey Christ to talk about the start of the new school year and the fight over the de Blasio administration's desegregation plan.
A debate worth sitting for?
August 31, 2018 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBFrom the highly-anticipated showdown between Andrew Cuomo and Cynthia Nixon, to the fiery clash between the four candidates for state attorney general, NY1's Juan Manuel Benitez, Courtney Gross and Bob Hardt analyze a week filled with primary debates.
Fire in the Belly
August 24, 2018 03:57 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBNY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze the cast of New York characters tied up in President Trump's legal troubles, and debate whether Cynthia Nixon has the fire in the belly to unseat Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming primary election.
It was never that great
August 17, 2018 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBNY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze Gov. Andrew Cuomo's recent quote about America's greatness, and break down the very competitive race for state attorney general.
New York hits the brakes
August 10, 2018 09:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBNY1’s Grace Rauh, Zack Fink and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze Governor Andrew Cuomo's primary campaign battle with Cynthia Nixon. They also discuss whether a candidate's personal finances should be brought up in a political campaign and break down New York City's unprecedented move to cap ride-hailing services, including Uber and Lyft.
Your New York political cheat sheet
August 03, 2018 12:20 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBOn the debut episode of NY1's "Off Topic/On Politics," Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez get you up to speed as election season heats up. They discuss New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's primary fight for reelection against a fellow Democrat, TV star Cynthia Nixon. Plus, they break down the start of Mayor de Blasio's second term leading New York City. And they bring you the first installment of their "Most New York Thing of the Week."
An Introduction to "Off Topic/On Politics"
July 24, 2018 18:28 - 1 minute - 1.27 MBHosts Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez give a look at what to expect from the first-ever podcast from NY1. Subscribe and listen to the premiere episode on Friday, August 3rd.