FAQ NYC

Zoran Mamdani's surprising victory shakes up the Democratic Party amid shifting alliances. The challenges of loyalty in a mayoral campaign highlight internal tensions and the impact of money in politics. Summer fun at Rockaway Beach is on the agenda, with updates on activities and lifeguard availability. A new left-wing populist candidate surfaces, showcasing the power of social media in today's elections. Lastly, the speakers express gratitude to their audience and dive into quirky sports discussions, making for a lively conversation.

Katie Honan, Executive Editor at New York Law School, phoned in live from Andrew Cuomo’s concession gathering, capturing the tense atmosphere as supporters processed the defeat. Joined by Ben Max, program director at the same school, they explored the implications of Cuomo's downfall for New York politics and the Democratic Party's future. The conversation touched on shifting voter sentiments, the rise of newcomers like Zohran Mamdani, and the crucial need for reconnecting with diverse electorates amidst changing political dynamics.

The discussion dives into the New York Times' controversial editorial choices and their impact on the mayoral race. The hosts evaluate how endorsements can shape voter perceptions and the disconnect with the readership. They highlight tensions within the political party, particularly the grassroots push against traditional figures. Eric Adams' nuanced relationship with Trump is also dissected, revealing interesting voter dynamics. Lastly, the hosts express gratitude towards their community, celebrating the podcast's growth and support.

Jessica Ramos expresses concerns about amnesia in politics as she unexpectedly endorses Andrew Cuomo, prompting discussions on her shifting loyalties. The hosts explore the fallout of this decision for her credibility with progressives and the implications for her campaign. With debates approaching, they analyze the candidates' focus on national versus local issues, highlighting the complexity of New York politics and the importance of engaging voters. Community involvement and local media's role in the electoral process are also emphasized ahead of crucial local elections.

Polling shows that the mayor’s race is still the governor's to lose — but his lead keeps shrinking and he might well lose it in the home stretch. Cuomo’s limited public appearances haven't exactly inspired confidence, let alone the sort of energy that's evident in Zohran Mamdani's ubiquitous volunteers. Hosts Christina Greer, Katie Honan and Harry Siegel discuss that and much more, including why Zellnor Myrie's appeal never took off and Machiavelli's advice concerning "cruelty and clemency": "It is impossible for the new prince to avoid the imputation of cruelty, owing to new states being full of dangers… Nevertheless he ought to be slow to believe and to act, nor should he himself show fear, but proceed in a temperate manner with prudence and humanity, so that too much confidence may not make him incautious and too much distrust render him intolerable. "Upon this a question arises: whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with. Because this is to be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely; they will offer you their blood, property, life and children, as is said above, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn against you."

FAQ NYC teamed up with Max Politics for a live podcast event on Thursday, with special guest Kathryn Garcia reflecting on her 2021 mayoral race where she came just 7,000 votes short of upsetting Eric Adams , what's different this time around and the difference between politics and policy: "I hope that despite what's happening at the Federal level, people still will choose public service because it actually does matter to people in their day to day lives. Being a politician is not the same as being a bureaucrat, and I am very proudly a bureaucrat, but folks should try both and. In New York City, where you have these opportunities, you shouldn't be afraid to give it a shot. I'm very happy that I did It. It was an incredible experience, somewhat like building a startup, and I would encourage people who might not think that they have it in them to join government as a bureaucrat or actually run for office to do it — and though I did not choose to do it a second time, I've heard that you get better." 
Then hosts Ben Max, Christina Greer, Katie Honan and Harry Siegel dig into the homestretch of this year's primary race, while hearing thoughts and answering questions from an audience of engaged and insightful New Yorkers.

“It's hard to be a human in New York but it's downright dangerous to be a baby squirrel,” says Kyra Tippens-Richan, who spends her work days performing autopsies on animals and her off-hours caring for squirrels. She shares her story, and then Ben Max stops by to run down the competitive races down-ballot ahead of the FAQ NYC-Max Politics live podcast coming Thursday that's all about the mayoral contest along with special guest Kathryn Garcia.

Time's running awfully short for Zohran Mamdani to turn momentum into position, Adrienne Adams to ignite or anyone else to catch up with Andrew Cuomo, who's happy to stay out of the fray, keep unscripted interactions with voters let along other candidates to a minimum and other otherwise trust, like Eric Adams did four years ago, that even Democratic primary voters are more conservative than most of the party's candidates. Christina Greer, Katie Honan and Harry Siegel discuss all that and much more, including Albany's arrogance, The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz, and how the hipster burnt his tongue.

While New York City mayor went to DC to kiss the ring, Newark’s mayor got himself arrested trying to visit a newly opened ICE lock-up in his city. Meantime, Andrew Cuomo was docked $600,000 by the Campaign Finance Board on Monday for illegally coordinating with his own super PAC — but still seems to be on track for a victory in the Democratic primary that often decides the city's mayor unless something changes in the race's closing days. Hosts Christina Greer, Katie Honan and Harry Siegel discuss all that and much more, including Albany's latest quarter-trillion-dollar big ugly and another occupation attempt at Columbia the day before the NYPD came down hard on less radical protesters the next day on Brooklyn College students.

Mamdani momentum is monumental, but Cuomo remains a steep cliff to climb with time running short. Co-hosts Christina Greer, Katie Honan and Harry Siegel discuss that and much more, including Kathy Hochul’s premature “budget deal” proclamation, Eric Adams’ “best budget ever” proposal, and Donald Trump’s brutal federal spending plan that neither New York leader seems to be taking into account. Plus, Maya Kaufman of Politico New York breaks down the landslide loss for longtime 1199 boss George Gresham in that union’s election, and what that could mean for New York politics and the future of organized labor.