Off Topic/On Politics

Latest Episodes:

NY1 debate night: The race for City Hall hits a fiery final stretch Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Bonus episode: Jessica Ramos shocks the mayor's race: A Cuomo endorsement no one saw coming Jun 07, 2025

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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.

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Debate drama: Nine candidates face off Jun 06, 2025

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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.

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Regarding the landscape: From Cuomo's candidacy to Rangel's legacy May 30, 2025

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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.

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What the Cuomo investigation means for New York's mayoral contest May 23, 2025

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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?

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The future of Rikers May 16, 2025

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This week, a federal judge ordered the city to hand over the operations of its troubled jails on Rikers Island to an outside manager. Lawyers for detainees on Rikers Island have argued in court that the practices, violence and mismanagement in city jails violate the constitutional rights of the people awaiting trial there. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli, discuss this massive development in the ongoing saga of Rikers Island and where it goes from here.

After that, the "Off Topic" team continues their weekly series of profiles on Democratic mayoral primary candidates. This week's installment finds them discussing the candidacy of Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller who was initially considered a favorite in this year's mayor's race, but is significantly behind in the polls.

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Election season in New York: The campaign trail heats up May 09, 2025

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With the June primary about seven weeks away, the campaign trail in the race for mayor is heating up with new ads and policy proposals. Andrew Cuomo released his mental health plan and announced plans to run on a third-party ballot line this November, while Zohran Mamdani rallied with hundreds of supporters in Brooklyn and Brad Lander released his first campaign ad of the cycle. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayanna Harry break down the latest developments in the crowded race.

After that, the "Off Topic" team continues its weekly series of profiles on Democratic mayoral primary candidates. This week's installment finds them discussing the candidacy of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who promised to shake up the race when she announced her campaign in March.

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The state budget: Better late than never? May 02, 2025

Show notes

Gov. Kathy Hochul this week announced there's finally a deal on a state budget — albeit a month late. The $254 billion plan includes much more than fiscal policy, also encompassing everything from criminal justice reforms to a school cellphone ban. Meanwhile, the ballot has been set in the June Democratic mayoral primary race with Zohran Mamdani getting top placement. But does the location of a candidate's name on the ballot affect election results? NY1 statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan, investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporter Bobby Cuza break this all down.

After that, the "Off Topic" team continues its series of profiles on Democratic mayoral primary candidates. This week, the focus is on Zellnor Myrie, a Brooklyn state senator who's gotten attention as a legislator but is struggling to gain traction in the race.

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Democratic Primary deep dive: Endorsements, strategies and surprises Apr 25, 2025

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The mayor's race got a jolt this week when three unions and the New York State Attorney General backed Adrienne Adams for mayor. Unions for municipal and hospitality workers endorsed the City Council Speaker, whose campaign had failed to gain momentum so far. The endorsements come as Andrew Cuomo has continued to lay low, perhaps resting on his lead in the polls. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli break down the latest developments in the race for mayor.

After that, the "Off Topic" team continues its weekly series of profiles on Democratic mayoral candidates. This week, they discuss Scott Stringer — the former city comptroller now making a second run at the city's top job.

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Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

Following Andrew Cuomo's bumpy campaign trail Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

This week, mayoral candidate and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo had some highs — and some lows. He was once again confirmed to be a frontrunner in a new Siena College poll, but he was also denied millions of dollars in public matching funds because of a so-called technical glitch. Meanwhile, Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is the first mayoral candidate to max out on public matching funds. Mamdani, along with some of the other candidates, spent the week going after President Donald Trump. NY1 political director Bob Hardt, investigative reporter Courtney Gross and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down a busy week in the race for mayor.

After that, the "Off Topic" team continues its series of profiles on Democratic mayoral primary candidates. This week's installment finds them discussing Jessica Ramos, the Queens state senator running to the left of most of the other candidates.

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Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

ABOUT THE SHOW

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.

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