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Off Topic/On Politics

Off Topic/On Politics
Author: Spectrum News NY1
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What 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.
182 Episodes
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This week, Zohran Mamdani scored a key endorsement from Gov. Kathy Hochul, who had spent months on the fence about whether to fully embrace the Democratic candidate for mayor. State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie also lined up behind Mamdani, who is leading in the polls over his rivals. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Ayana Harry and Kelly Mena break down the latest developments and analyze Hochul’s endorsement. Plus, the team discusses Andrew Cuomo’s shifting views on the war in Gaza. Then, Mayor Eric Adams announced an unexpected proposal to ban horse carriages in the city, something his predecessor, Bill de Blasio, promised but never delivered. The "Off Topic" team takes a closer look at Adams’ sudden push to reign in the industry and the expected battle he will face by the City Council.
We’re now less than two months from Election Day, and a new round of polls shows Zohran Mamdani holding a comfortable lead over Andrew Cuomo. But a lot can shift in the weeks ahead and the numbers suggest Mamdani’s margin would narrow considerably in a one-on-one matchup with Cuomo. So the big question is: can anyone catch Mamdani? NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry are joined by political director Bob Hardt to weigh in on whether Mamdani is truly untouchable. Plus, straight from the campaign trail: will Mayor Eric Adams actually drop out of the race? How is Andrew Cuomo trying to turn the 9/11 anniversary into a political moment? And what’s behind Mamdani’s viral video of him playing soccer? The “Off Topic” team breaks down another busy week in the mayor’s race.
This week, there were two separate reports that Trump administration officials are considering offering Mayor Eric Adams a job if he drops his reelection bid, possibly helping Andrew Cuomo against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani in the mayoral race. But after Mamdani soundly defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary, would such a move even work? And where does Republican Curtis Sliwa fit into this unpredictable mayoral mix? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down a chaotic week in the mayor’s race. After that, Manhattan Rep. Jerry Nadler, a liberal lion and Capitol Hill veteran, announced his retirement after more than three decades in office. What does this mean for the future of Democratic leadership in New York and who might step up to fill his shoes? The “Off Topic” team looks at Nadler's lengthy career in New York politics.
As summer winds down, the mayoral campaign season is kicking into high gear. This week, Mayor Eric Adams is trying to resuscitate his campaign following last week’s indictment of a former top aide. Meanwhile, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani met with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, though no endorsement came from the meeting. And, focusing on Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo held an entire press conference to attack the frontrunner. Looking at all of the developments, NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss what voters should watch for this fall as the general election approaches. After that, President Donald Trump is hinting that the National Guard needs to patrol New York. How is Gov. Kathy Hochul responding to Trump’s threats? The "Off Topic" team discusses the working relationship between two “frenemies” — the governor and the president.
This week saw another political bombshell at City Hall. Mayor Eric Adams’ former top aide, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, was hit with four new indictments tied to sweeping bribery schemes during her time in the administration. Six others were charged as well, including Lewis-Martin’s son, another Adams aide and real estate developers. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down how this latest wave of scandal could shape the mayor’s chances in the November general election. Then, the "Off Topic" team dives into the rest of the campaign trail, from the debate over legalizing sex work to President Donald Trump’s potential involvement in the race.
The New York City mayor’s race continued to heat up this week with a rent-stabilized apartment showdown between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo; former Governor David Paterson throwing his support behind Mayor Eric Adams; and Mamdani hitting all five boroughs on an anti-Trump tour. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss a scorcher of a week in the dog days of summer. After that, the focus shifts to Albany, where Gov. Kathy Hochul’s approval numbers are ticking upward in a new Siena University poll, even as her lead over likely challenger Elise Stefanik narrows. The “Off Topic” team breaks down what the numbers could mean for Hochul’s reelection strategy more than a year out from the vote.
Mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo unveiled a comprehensive public safety plan this week, pledging to bolster the NYPD through increased starting salaries, performance bonuses and stronger community policing efforts. He also criticized his opponent, Zohran Mamdani, citing Mamdani’s past criticism of the NYPD. Meanwhile, Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorsed Mamdani, calling him the future of the Democratic Party. Speculation also began to swirl about former President Donald Trump’s possible involvement in the race, raising the stakes even higher. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down how these developments could reshape the crowded race ahead of the November general election. After that, the “Off Topic” team examines Gov. Kathy Hochul’s response to Texas’ congressional redistricting by suggesting that New York might consider similar moves, despite constitutional hurdles. They also assess Hochul’s broader national strategy and the growing buzz around a potential challenge from Rep. Elise Stefanik in next year’s election.
This week, in New York City's deadliest shooting in decades, a Las Vegas resident entered a Midtown office building and shot multiple people with an automatic weapon. That includes NYPD officer Didarul Islam, who was laid to rest Thursday. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss the broader political ramifications of the tragedy and how it affects the race for mayor. After that, the Office of Cannabis Management's failure to properly oversee legal cannabis dispensaries accidentally allowed dozens of stores to open too close to schools and churches. This mistake is causing a major disruption for small business owners in the cannabis industry. The “Off Topic" team looks at the impact of these regulatory missteps.
This week, the Democratic nominee for mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is thousands of miles away from New York City, vacationing in his native Uganda. Back in the city, Mayor Eric Adams is creating distance between himself and the Trump administration. His recent remarks questioning the conditions at a federal immigration center in Lower Manhattan have put him on a collision course with federal authorities. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Kelly Mena and Bobby Cuza unpack the race for mayor. After that, there’s another high-stakes battle heating up this summer — the race for one of three coveted downstate casino licenses. The “Off Topic” team looks at who the winners and potential losers may be.
This week, former governor Andrew Cuomo announced he is officially back in the race for mayor as an independent candidate, but is it too late for him? Meanwhile, Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdani met with business leaders and Democrats in Washington looking to shore up support. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Kelly Mena and Ayana Harry have the latest news and analysis in the race for mayor. After that, five major lawsuits have been filed against Mayor Eric Adams in the last two weeks, alleging corruption, cronyism and promotions for sale at the NYPD. The “Off Topic" team examines the lawsuits and what it means for Mayor Adams’ reelection prospects.
Zohran Mamdani is now the Democratic nominee for mayor, riding a wave of post-primary momentum that includes major endorsements from the teachers union and key political figures. Will the rest of the party — and the city — fall in line? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry unpack the evolving dynamics of the Mamdani campaign, including recent staff shake-ups and what these endorsements could mean for the general election. After that, their focus shifts to the Democratic holdouts who are running as independent candidates. But Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams are spending more time attacking each other rather than Mamdani. The “Off Topic” team explores how the opposition is gearing up to challenge Mamdani, the contrasting strategies of Cuomo and Adams, and the unpredictable influence of President Donald Trump’s latest remarks on the campaign.
Continuing his stunning political rise, Zohran Mamdani officially won the Democratic primary for mayor on Tuesday. After the Board of Elections conducted its ranked-choice voting tabulations, Mamdani ended up with 56 percent of the vote — compared to Andrew Cuomo’s 44 percent. Now, it’s on to November. NY1’s investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, break down what the general election will look like and where Mamdani goes from here.
Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is poised to win the Democratic mayoral primary — easily outperforming Andrew Cuomo, Brad Lander and eight other candidates . NY1’s investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob Hardt break down the results of primary day and discuss what this may mean for the November general election when incumbent Eric Adams is running as an independent candidate. After that, will Andrew Cuomo stay in the race? And what will Mayor Adams' strategy be this fall? The "Off Topic" team weighs in on whether Adams can mount a strong campaign and if Cuomo will continue fighting. Leave a message at (212) 379-3440 or email yourstoryny1@charter.com
Political history was made in New York City on June 24, and once NY1’s live TV coverage wrapped early Wednesday morning, NY1’s Errol Louis, Courtney Gross and Bobby Cuza broke down the surprise results of the Democratic primary in this special crossover episode of Off Topic/On Politics and You Decide. Queens Assemblyman and Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, 33, pulled off an upset over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, an outcome few insiders predicted. The team unpacked how Mamdani’s grassroots movement energized young voters and what his win means for the future of the Democratic Party.
A new Marist University poll shows former Gov. Andrew Cuomo holding his lead in the Democratic primary for mayor, but the race is tightening. Could Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani have enough time to close the gap? Meanwhile, the shocking arrest of mayoral hopeful and City Comptroller Brad Lander at an immigration court made headlines this week. Will the high-profile incident give his campaign a boost? NY1’s investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down a high-action week on the campaign trail. After that, the race for city comptroller heats up. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan share progressive values but differ in political style. Will a Bernie Sanders endorsement give Brannan the boost he needs to overtake Levine? The "Off Topic" team weighs in.
With early voting about to begin and the Democratic mayoral primary heating up, NY1 hosted the final debate in the race and it didn’t disappoint. The heated debate, moderated by NY1’s Errol Louis, Katie Honan of THE CITY and WNYC’s Brian Lehrer saw seven candidates take the stage, but the spotlight was on former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who are currently polling first and second respectively. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and political director Bob Hardt break down the biggest moments, standout performances, and what it all means heading into Election Day. Leave a message (212) 379-3440 or email yourstoryny1@charter.com.
Mayoral candidate Jessica Ramos, once a critic of Andrew Cuomo, has endorsed his candidacy, emphasizing experience over 'performative politics.' The announcement was held at a union rally, stirring the political landscape. In this special bonus episode of "Off Topic/On Politics," NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, dive into Ramos' previously critical comments about Cuomo and her sudden support for him, raising questions about political strategy and future alliances. The “Off Topic" team also discuss the potential impacts of this endorsement on the race and speculate on further developments. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com
Nine candidates for mayor faced off in a two-hour debate on WNBC, co-sponsored by Telemundo and Politco this week. The debate marked the first time Andrew Cuomo was on the stage with his fellow candidates. The mayoral frontrunner withstood the bulk of attacks from his rivals. On the heels of the debate came Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's endorsements for the mayoral race. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, recap the highlights from Wednesday night’s contest. After that, the "Off Topic" team turns to another election: the governor’s race next year. Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado announced he would primary Gov. Kathy Hochul next year — a clear indication of how much their relationship has deteriorated. The team assesses how vulnerable the governor may be next year. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com
For the last several months, “Off Topic/On Politics” has been discussing the top Democratic candidates for mayor, looking at their policies, platforms and political challenges. This week, their focus is on Andrew Cuomo. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry examine the legacy, controversies and promises of Cuomo’s candidacy, just as a new poll indicates his support may be slipping. After that, Charles Rangel, the longtime Harlem congressman and influential Democratic lawmaker, died this week at the age of 94. Rangel was the last surviving member of the influential political coalition known as the "Gang of Four" and served in Congress for 46 years, becoming one of the most powerful Democrats in Washington. The “Off Topic" team looks at the incredible political career of the New York congressman. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com
Andrew Cuomo is under criminal investigation. The Justice Department is examining whether the former governor - and current mayoral frontrunner - made false statements to Congress regarding the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down whether this development propels or harms Cuomo’s candidacy. After that, the “Off Topic” team continues their series profiling Democratic mayoral hopefuls. This week, they focus on Zohran Mamdani, the Queens assemblymember whose grassroots campaign has stunned political insiders. With over 18,000 individual donors and a solid second-place position in recent polls, what’s fueling Mamdani’s momentum? Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com