The Brian Lehrer Show City Politics: Previewing the Second Debate and Other Races
Jun 12, 2025
Elizabeth Kim, a reporter for Gothamist/WNYC covering NYC politics, joins Rachel Holliday Smith, managing editor for The City, to dissect the heated dynamics of the upcoming Democratic primary debate. They delve into the influence of key endorsements and the fallout from mayoral candidates' debates. The discussion expands to highlight competitive borough president races, tensions surrounding local issues like housing, and even the impact of national politics on Brooklyn's elections. A lively and informative look at the city's political landscape!
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LA Raids Shape NYC Race
- The LA immigration raids have sharpened focus on how NYC mayoral candidates might confront federal enforcement.
- This crisis crystallizes specific challenges and forces candidates to differentiate their responses.
Cuomo's Tactical Shift
- Andrew Cuomo was initially reluctant to attack Trump in the mayoral race but shifted after a federal investigation.
- He uses allegations against him to argue Trump opposes his mayorship, thus rallying support.
Progressives Differ in Style
- Brad Lander and Zaran Mamdani are aligned on progressive immigration policies but differ in style.
- Lander focuses on institutional actions like court watching; Mamdani is more confrontational and activist.