Off Topic/On Politics

Latest Episodes:

From t-shirts to tariffs: Unpacking Eric Adams Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

This week, Mayor Eric Adams appeared before the New York City press corps wearing a casual t-shirt bearing the phrase, "In God We Trust." Adams said the outfit was about bringing attention to the faith he relied on during his federal investigation and indictment — which was dropped earlier this month. Adams is now looking to win a second term in office running as an independent candidate. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry look at another tumultuous week at City Hall and the latest 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 Michael Blake, the former assemblyman and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee.

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Political shift: Adams goes Independent Apr 04, 2025

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Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday he's skipping the June Democratic primary and instead running for reelection as an independent candidate. In a campaign video, Adams said his legal troubles had prevented him from mounting a legitimate Democratic primary campaign. The announcement comes a day after a Manhattan judge dismissed the federal corruption case against the mayor. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob Hardt break down a very eventful week in the race for mayor.

After that, the "Off Topic" team begins its weekly series of profiles on Democratic mayoral primary candidates. The first installment looks at Whitney Tilson, focusing on his background, campaign positions on crime, housing and education, and his political strategy.

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Political primaries and Trump tensions Mar 28, 2025

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A new poll this week shows that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo continues to be the frontrunner in this year's crowded Democratic mayoral primary. Since announcing his candidacy, Cuomo has remained at the top of the pack while continuing to deploy a rose garden strategy. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams has finally begun to confront this tough political reality by taking on the former governor in his most pointed language yet. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down all the latest news in the race for mayor.

After that, Columbia University has agreed to sweeping policy changes on campus in an attempt to appease the Trump administration. The changes include hiring more public safety officers, cracking down on discipline and reviewing its Middle Eastern Studies Department. This comes as another New York institution, the law firm Paul Weiss, has capitulated to the Trump administration after the president had signed an executive order attempting to limit the firm's ability to litigate. The "Off Topic" team looks at these dramatic examples of Trump's influence on our city.

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Campaign cash and independent lines: NYC's mayoral race Mar 21, 2025

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As the June primary in the mayor's race gets closer, there was a pivotal campaign finance deadline for the candidates this week. Andrew Cuomo, not surprisingly, pulled in $1.5 million in less than two weeks. But filings showed that Mayor Eric Adams only raisied about $19,000 in the last two months.

Meanwhile, Adams is flirting with the idea of running on an independent line in the general election — perhaps a backup plan if he loses the Democratic primary. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down the latest in the race for mayor.

After that, a highly anticipated report on the closure of Rikers Island was released this week, aimed at charting a path to close the troubled jail complex for good. The plan to build smaller borough-based jails to replace it is far behind schedule, and much of it will be left to the next administration to tackle. The "Off Topic" team looks at the seemingly endless issue of what to do about Rikers Island.

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Mayor Adams bites his tongue while other Democrats question activist's detainment Mar 14, 2025

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Mahmoud Khalil, who helped lead protests at Columbia University last year, was detained by immigration authorities Saturday and is now in an immigration jail in Louisiana. The arrest of Khalil, along with the Trump administration's plans to deport the 30-year-old graduate student, has sparked outrage from many high-ranking New York officials, with the notable exception of Mayor Eric Adams. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Kelly Mena and Ayana Harry weigh in on Mahmoud's detainment and the response from local politicians.

After that, as the race for mayor heats up, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been racking up endorsements despite the united anti-Cuomo messages from his opponents. Many of the endorsements find him cutting significantly into sitting Mayor Eric Adams' base. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who also recently entered the race, may be the biggest challenger to the former governor. The "Off topic" team looks at this very crowded primary, including where Eric Adams fits into the field.

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Cuomo joins the fray while Adams gets grilled on Capitol Hill Mar 07, 2025

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Andrew Cuomo finally made it official: he's running for mayor. The former governor jumped into the race and instantly became the frontrunner. A Quinnipiac poll found him with a double-digit lead over his closest rival – incumbent Eric Adams. Another new entrant, however, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, could shake things up a bit. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss the very crowded race.

After that, New York's sitting mayor, Eric Adams, was in Washington D.C. this week, testifying before the House on sanctuary city policies. His deal with the Justice Department also got scrutiny — and it came from fellow Democrats. Political director Bob Hardt joins the "Off topic" team to weigh in on Adams' Capitol Hill grilling.

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The bloated battle for New York's political future Feb 28, 2025

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While Mayor Adams says he's running for reelection, his already-crowded field of rivals may be getting bigger — with both former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob Hardt weigh in on the mayor's reelection chances, while also discussing the political strengths and weaknesses of the two new quasi-candidates.

After that, for the first time in decades, state correction officers have walked off the job. At at least 38 of the state's 42 prisons, correction officers are on a wildcat strike — a walkout not sanctioned by their union. The strike could have significant implications for the future of state prisons and Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration. The "Off Topic" team discusses how these events might shape New York's political landscape.

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Hochul limits Adams' powers Feb 21, 2025

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After meeting with top Democrats this week about the future of Mayor Eric Adams, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled a plan to set up new restrictions on Adams but emphasized that it was "not a power grab." NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan and political reporter Dan Rivoli break down Hochul's proposals, which include giving City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, City Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams more power.

The "Off Topic" team also gets into the latest with congestion pricing, as the Trump administration looks to pull the plug and the MTA sues to keep the tolling program in place.

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Adams off the hook, but at what cost? Feb 14, 2025

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This week, Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove directed the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York to drop the corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams. But she refused and stepped down. Elected leaders across New York have cast doubt on whether Adams can govern impartially now, saying the charges could resurface at any point, which could compel him to cooperate with Trump's policies on immigration and other issues.

Also this week, the U.S. attorney general called a press conference to blast the state of New York and announce the federal government is suing the governor and the state. Additionally, FEMA has rescinded more than $80 million in funding to New York City, money meant to cover hotels for migrants. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena and political director Bob Hardt weigh in on an unbelievably busy week in New York City politics.

After that, with the corruption scandal temporarily behind him, the mayor seems to be focusing on his reelection campaign. Support among Democrats is wearing thin. Will Adams switch parties and run as a Republican? The 'Off Topic' team looks at the mayor's complicated path to reelection.

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Anesthesia, Albany and Mayor Adams Feb 07, 2025

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It was another week of palace intrigue for the mayor. A day after testifying in Albany about the city's needs, the mayor revealed to the press corps that he underwent anesthesia for a colonoscopy last month. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena weigh in on Adams' mystery illness and his trip to the capital.

After that, the Trump administration's policies are spilling over into New York politics. The mayor is set to testify next month in Washington D.C. about the city's sanctuary city policy. Meanwhile, is the mayor downplaying the fear some immigrant families are feeling, which has led some of them to keep their kids home from school? The "Off Topic" team looks at the Trump effect on the five boroughs.

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