The Brian Lehrer Show City Politics: The Trump Factor; Bail Reform & Public Safety; Socialism
Sep 10, 2025
Elizabeth Kim, a reporter for Gothamist and WNYC, and Errol Louis, political anchor for Spectrum NY1 News, dive into the nuances of the New York City mayoral race. They discuss Zoran Mamdani's rise in polls and his innovative public safety proposals. The conversation explores Donald Trump's lingering influence on candidates, as well as the growing interest in socialism among younger voters. They also touch on the complexities of bail reform and its implications for community safety, painting a vivid picture of the city's political landscape.
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Voters Flock To New Ideas When Status Quo Fails
- Voters seek alternatives when the status quo feels broken, even if those alternatives seem unproven.
- Errol Louis says Mamdani's new ideas attract voters tired of current public-safety arrangements.
Crisis Response Helped Mamdani Sustain Support
- Mamdani weathered criticism after the Midtown shooting and maintained relations with the slain officer's family.
- Elizabeth Kim suggests that outreach to rank-and-file and the family reshaped public perception positively.
Bail Reform Vs. Pandemic: Claims Outpace Evidence
- Debate over whether bail reform or the pandemic caused the crime spike remains unresolved and politicized.
- Errol Louis notes commissioners assert opinions without clear empirical evidence linking reforms to crime rises.