Off Topic/On Politics

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Can Cuomo close the gap? Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani apologized to the NYPD for making a social media post in 2020 in which he called the police force racist and homophobic. Meanwhile, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is changing his tune about Rikers Island and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa is promising to take off the beret if elected. As election day nears, can Cuomo close in on Mamdani with another mayoral debate next week? NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry break down the latest in the race for mayor.

After that, as we hit the final stretch before Election Day, the "Off Topic" team takes a closer look at the leading candidates: their visions for New York City, the policies they're pushing and how each could reshape the city's future. This week's installment focuses on Andrew Cuomo, who Harry was been covering.

Rikers revamp and Albanian adventures Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Fresh off dropping his reelection campaign, Mayor Eric Adams went on an unexpected trip to Albania. Back home, the three remaining major mayoral candidates marked the anniversary of Oct. 7, while former Gov. Andrew Cuomo surprised many by reversing course on his earlier support for closing Rikers Island. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli break down another eventful week in the race for mayor.

Later, as we head into the final stretch before Election Day, the "Off Topic" team begins taking a closer look at the leading candidates and what they're proposing for New York City. The first installment focuses on Republican Curtis Sliwa.

Mayoral race takes shape after Adams abandons bid Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

This week, Mayor Eric Adams announced in a nearly nine-minute video that he was dropping his struggling reelection bid. While some were surprised, others saw it as inevitable. What does his exit mean for the rest of the field and how are the remaining candidates pivoting? The team also looks at how this move shapes Adams' legacy. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down the latest from the campaign trail.

Later, the federal government shutdown continues with no end in sight, as the Trump administration looks to strip New York of billions in transportation funding. What impact will this have on the Empire State? The "Off Topic" team digs into the president's decision to withhold funds and what it means for New Yorkers.

Live from Chelsea: New York Decides with Cynthia Nixon and J.C. Polanco Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

This week, NY1 presented a special podcast event — "New York Decides: Live from Chelsea", featuring a crossover episode of its political podcasts "Off Topic/On Politics" and "You Decide." Hosted by Errol Louis, Courtney Gross and Bobby Cuza, the discussion centered on the latest developments in the New York City mayoral campaign, including the stunning announcement by Mayor Eric Adams that he's dropping out of the race.

The program also featured interviews with Emmy Award–winning actress and activist Cynthia Nixon and J.C. Polanco, a professor of law and former president of the New York City Board of Elections — who had very different takes on Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. Rounding out the evening, Spectrum News New York political director Bob Hardt joined the panel to provide historical perspective on this year's race.

Bribery accusations hit the mayor's race while a casino fight is underway in the city Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

This week, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa leveled bribery accusations against rival Andrew Cuomo, while Mayor Eric Adams surprised many by repeatedly weighing in on the city's transgender bathroom policy. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down what it all means for the closing stretch of the campaign.

Meanwhile, another high-stakes competition is playing out this fall: the race for three state-issued gaming licenses. Proposals for three Manhattan-based casinos have been rejected, but bids in Yonkers and Queens are advancing. The "Off Topic" team looks at the logistical challenges and neighborhood implications of placing casinos in these locations.

Mamdani scores key endorsements, while Adams targets horse carriages Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

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.

Mamdani is dominating the polls. Will any candidate catch him? Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

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.

The Political dance: Trump, Adams and the future of New York Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

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.

Can Mayor Eric Adams revive his reelection campaign? Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

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.

Bike lanes, cash and a TV cameo: Mayor Adams' former aide faces new corruption charges Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

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.

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