City Journal Audio

In this insightful discussion, Renu Mukherjee, a commentator on demographic trends, and Santiago Vidal Calvo, a political analyst focused on urban politics, explore the factors behind Zohran Mamdani's unexpected victory in New York City's mayoral race. They delve into the impact of immigrant voters, the shifting dynamics within the Latino community, and how Mamdani's campaign strategy resonated with diverse populations. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for progressive policies and the changing electoral landscape in America.

In this engaging discussion, Daniel DiMartino, a keen observer of economic and political shifts, teams up with Stu Smith, a reporter with deep insights into radical movements. They delve into the rising popularity of socialism among younger Americans and explore the DSA's growing influence. Topics include the internal dynamics of the DSA, the tension between electoral politics and grassroots organizing, and the cultural factors driving socialist sentiments. They also warn of the potential consequences of radical policies, highlighting Venezuela as a cautionary tale.

Stephen Eide, a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and expert on social policy, joins to discuss New York's social-democratic experiments. He delves into why expansive programs often fail compared to Europe, exploring the challenges of middle-class burdens and demographic shifts. Eide explains the misconceptions around social democracy in NYC and warns about the implications of welfare policies. He emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and trust while examining the growing influence of Democratic Socialists in local politics.

Mike Solana, publisher of Pirate Wires and local politics commentator, joins the discussion to analyze the New York City mayoral results. The panel debates polling discrepancies and local scandals surrounding Eric Adams. They also explore San Francisco's political turnaround and its lessons for NYC, along with the challenges of Mamdani's agenda concerning public safety and housing policies. The implications of the election on crime policy and the urgency to close Rikers Island by 2027 are highlighted, making for a lively and insightful conversation.

Neetu Arnold, a higher-education researcher and former Cornell student, teams up with Renu Mukherjee, a policy analyst focused on college rankings. They dive into new college rankings emphasizing free speech and curricular rigor. The conversation uncovers the experiences of conservative students feeling isolated, the critical role of faculty diversity, and challenges with identity politics in admissions. They also discuss how superficial diversity can hinder genuine debate, guiding parents in choosing colleges that offer meaningful educational environments.

Nicole Gelinas, an urban policy expert, and John Ketcham, a municipal governance analyst, share insights from the recent NYC mayoral debate. They dissect Mamdani's lack of substance and Cuomo's strong performance contrasting crime strategies. The duo discusses the complexities of rent freezes, critiques Mamdani's vending policy, and addresses the implications of recent ICE raids. Their analysis extends to Rikers Island reconstruction plans and the broader impact of candidates' rhetoric on public sentiment and election dynamics.

Tal Fortgang, a conservative commentator and expert on privilege, teams up with Daniel Di Martino, who has firsthand activism experience from Venezuela, for a lively discussion on protest culture. They delve into the motivations behind activism, contrasting generational differences and the legitimacy of various protest movements. Tal critiques contemporary campus activism versus historic civil rights protests, while Daniel shares insights on the stakes of protesting under authoritarian regimes. The conversation challenges the coherence of modern protests and examines media portrayal, revealing the complexities of today's activism.

Abigail Shrier, the author of 'Bad Therapy,' critiques modern therapeutic parenting, while psychologist Rob Henderson shares insights on resilience stemming from his experiences in foster care. They delve into the roots of the youth mental health crisis, discussing how schools' therapeutic models may undermine parental authority. Together, they argue that high expectations and firm guidance are often more beneficial than therapy. Their conversation highlights the isolating effects of social media and the dangers of permissive parenting in today's culture.

James Hankins and Allen Guelzo join Brian Anderson to discuss their new book project, "The Golden Thread: The History of the Western Tradition."

What does it mean for American media when someone like Bari Weiss is tapped to lead one of the country's legacy news outlets? Rafael Mangual, Jesse Arm, Carolyn Gorman, and Kerry Soropoulos analyze Paramount's acquisition of The Free Press and the appointment of Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. The panel explores Weiss's track record of challenging orthodoxies and what her rise signals for journalism's future. They also discuss California's shifting political dynamics, spotlighting Representative Katie Porter's potential gubernatorial run.