The Brian Lehrer Show Brian Lehrer Weekend: New Speaker; IRC's Miliband; Remembering Rob Reiner
Dec 20, 2025
Julie Menon, the incoming New York City Council Speaker, discusses her commitment to consumer rights and universal child care, alongside her shift from the Progressive Caucus. David Miliband, CEO of the International Rescue Committee, examines the alarming humanitarian crises highlighted in the IRC's report, noting significant aid cuts and their devastating toll. The segment concludes with Richard Rushfield celebrating Rob Reiner's impactful career, inviting listeners to share their favorite memories of the beloved filmmaker.
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From 9/11 Business Loss To Public Service
- Julie Menon described how her restaurant two blocks from Ground Zero was devastated on 9/11 and how that launched her civic work.
- She chaired Community Board 1 and built a nonprofit to help small businesses and residents rebuild the Lower Manhattan community.
Practical Progressivism Over Labels
- Julie Menon frames her politics around getting things done, focusing on consumer and worker protection.
- She highlights concrete wins like paid sick leave, living wage laws, and an Office of Health Care Accountability.
Caucus Labels Don’t Tell The Whole Story
- Menon left the Progressive Caucus over a pledge to cut NYPD funding she did not support, showing limits to ideological labels.
- She argues substantive policy achievements better define her record than caucus membership.