Is Eric Adams Impervious to Scandal?
Digest
The podcast delves into the ongoing federal investigations surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams' administration, focusing on allegations of corruption, including illegal foreign donations, fast-tracked permits, and potential lobbying schemes. The episode examines the potential impact of these investigations on Adams' reelection chances, considering his low approval ratings and the dynamics of New York City politics. The podcast also explores Adams' unique public persona and how it might affect his political standing, comparing him to Donald Trump in terms of handling scandals and political attacks. Finally, Madeline Baron, a journalist for The New Yorker, discusses her work on the podcast "In the Dark" and the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering wrongdoing and holding powerful institutions accountable.
Outlines
Introduction and Investigations into Eric Adams' Administration
The podcast begins with an introduction and announces a survey for listeners. It then dives into the multiple federal investigations surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams' administration, focusing on allegations of corruption, including illegal foreign donations, fast-tracked permits, and potential lobbying schemes.
Adams' Reelection Chances and Political Strategy
The discussion shifts to Adams' reelection chances, considering his low approval ratings and the ongoing investigations. The episode explores the dynamics of New York City politics and the factors that could influence the upcoming mayoral election. It also examines Adams' unique public persona and how it might affect his political standing, comparing him to Donald Trump in terms of handling scandals and political attacks.
Investigative Journalism and The New Yorker
Madeline Baron, a journalist for The New Yorker, discusses her work on the podcast "In the Dark" and her experience investigating a crime that has gone unpunished for years. She also highlights the importance of investigative journalism and the value of The New Yorker's reporting.
Keywords
Eric Adams
Eric Adams is the current mayor of New York City. He is a Democrat who has been in office since 2022. Adams' administration has been embroiled in multiple federal investigations, raising questions about his political future.
Federal Investigations
The podcast discusses several federal investigations targeting Eric Adams' administration. These investigations involve allegations of corruption, including illegal foreign donations, fast-tracked permits, and potential lobbying schemes.
Political Scandals
The episode explores the political scandals surrounding Eric Adams' administration. These scandals have led to low approval ratings for the mayor and raised questions about his ability to win reelection.
New York City Politics
The podcast delves into the dynamics of New York City politics, highlighting the insular nature of the political system and the challenges of running for mayor. The episode also discusses the role of the press in holding politicians accountable.
Reelection Chances
The episode examines Eric Adams' chances of winning reelection in the face of ongoing investigations and low approval ratings. The discussion considers the factors that could influence the outcome of the upcoming mayoral election.
Public Persona
The podcast explores Eric Adams' unique public persona, characterized by his unconventional statements and actions. The episode examines how this persona might affect his political standing and how it compares to other politicians, such as Donald Trump.
Investigative Journalism
Madeline Baron, a journalist for The New Yorker, discusses the importance of investigative journalism and her work on the podcast "In the Dark." She highlights the role of journalists in uncovering wrongdoing and holding powerful institutions accountable.
The New Yorker
The podcast features journalists from The New Yorker, a renowned magazine known for its in-depth reporting and high-quality storytelling. The episode highlights the magazine's commitment to investigative journalism and its diverse range of content.
Q&A
What are the main allegations against Eric Adams' administration?
The investigations involve allegations of illegal foreign donations from the Turkish government, fast-tracked permits for a Turkish consulate building, and potential lobbying schemes involving the Banks brothers and the Kaban brothers.
How might the ongoing investigations affect Eric Adams' reelection chances?
The investigations have damaged Adams' reputation and lowered his approval ratings. While he still has a chance of winning reelection, the scandals could make it more difficult for him to secure a second term.
How does Eric Adams' public persona compare to Donald Trump's?
Both Adams and Trump are known for their unconventional statements and actions. However, Adams has a different approach to handling scandals, choosing to double down on his loyalists rather than firing them, unlike Trump.
What is the significance of Madeline Baron's work on "In the Dark"?
Baron's work on "In the Dark" highlights the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering wrongdoing and holding powerful institutions accountable. Her investigation into a crime that has gone unpunished for years demonstrates the impact of investigative journalism on public awareness and justice.
Show Notes
Last week, New York City’s police commissioner, Edward Caban, resigned after a federal corruption probe. Shortly after, Mayor Eric Adams’s chief legal adviser also stepped down. But, despite the scandals, Adams remains in contention for reëlection in 2025. “The job of Mayor of New York is a big job,” Eric Lach says. “But it’s also attached to a political system that is insular and small.”
Tyler Foggatt sits down with the New Yorker staff writer Eric Lach to parse the scandals and to preview the upcoming mayoral election.
This week’s reading:
- “Could Eric Adams Lose Next Year?” by Eric Lach
- “What Kind of Trouble Is Eric Adams In?” by Eric Lach
To discover more podcasts from The New Yorker, visit newyorker.com/podcasts. To send feedback on this episode, write to themail@newyorker.com.
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