City Journal Audio

In this special edition of the City Journal podcast, Daniel Di Martino, Josh Appel, and Rafael Mangual reflect on the magic of the holiday season in New York City. They share some of their favorite traditions, discuss the enduring lessons of movies like It's a Wonderful Life, and consider deeper questions about individualism versus social obligation.

In this discussion, Judge Glock, a public-policy commentator focusing on homelessness, and Adam Lehodey, a policy analyst and housing expert, dive into New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's controversial pledge to cease homeless encampment clearances. They unpack the argument that outside sheltering is a human right, contrasting it with the necessity of indoor shelters for safety. Their conversation also touches on the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, examining the complexities and risks of giving nonprofits first rights to housing.

Natalya Murakhver, a documentary director and the force behind the Keep NYC Schools Open movement, joins the discussion to share her insights on the school closures during COVID-19. She candidly describes the human cost, particularly the impact on student-athletes and lost opportunities. The conversation delves into political pressures and the role of unions in prolonging closures. Natalya also reveals shocking footage from Zoom calls where NGOs viewed the pandemic as a chance to reshape society, marking a significant shift in her own political perspective.

Jim Copland, a seasoned policy analyst, and Tal Fortgang, a sharp cultural commentator, dive into the intriguing dynamic between Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Donald Trump. They discuss the implications of Mamdani's approach to immigration and public safety, debating if he's truly the radical he appears. The conversation touches on the legal limits of mayoral power against federal authority and the potential for unrest in New York City. With insights on mass protests and changing civic norms, the stakes for residents are laid bare.

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.