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The Brian Lehrer Show

City Politics: The Coveted AOC Endorsement

Apr 9, 2025
Elizabeth Kim, a reporter for Gothamist and WNYC, dives into the New York City mayoral campaign's dynamics. She discusses the potential impact of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement on progressive candidates like Maya Wiley. The conversation also explores the intricacies of ranked-choice voting and its influence on voter choices amid debates about public safety and police reforms. Kim highlights the tension around candidate strategies and the significance of endorsements in shaping electoral outcomes.
39:41

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement could significantly impact the New York City mayoral race by consolidating progressive support against established candidates like Cuomo.
  • The divergent views among mayoral candidates on police funding illustrate the ongoing debate in the progressive movement about public safety and reform strategies.

Deep dives

The State of Democracy in Current Politics

Concerns about the state of democracy in the U.S. are growing, particularly with the upcoming 2026 elections. Many, including Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, express fears that these elections may not be free and fair due to increasing political tension and divisiveness. The commentary poses a critical question for the Democratic Party on whether they can effectively challenge Donald Trump’s influence and maintain the integrity of upcoming elections. The discussion underscores a broader anxiety about the potential erosion of democratic norms in favor of more autocratic governance.

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