The Brilliant Idiots (S)oy Vey
Oct 24, 2025
The hosts dive into the chaos of NYC politics and rent prices that keep soaring. They reflect on the quirky history of the 'Rent Is Too Damn High' movement and discuss whether the mayor can effectively freeze rents. The debate extends to how billionaires and artists contribute to the city's unique culture. With humor, they explore unconventional housing solutions and the challenges of converting office spaces. Listeners enjoy personal anecdotes, life advice, and a playful critique of public infrastructure.
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Message Trumps Ideology In NYC Race
- Zoran Mamdani's consistent message on affordability drove his visibility in the NYC mayoral race.
- Charlamagne and Andrew note that rent relief resonated more than ideological labels like socialism.
Rent Is The Deciding Issue
- Rent is the dominant issue because it consumes roughly half of many New Yorkers' paychecks.
- Candidates promising the biggest rent reductions gained the most traction regardless of other policies.
Freeze Rents But Build Supply
- Freeze policies can target rent-stabilized units via board appointments within two years.
- But Andrew warns freezing those rents without increasing supply will spike free-market rents elsewhere.
