FAQ NYC

As Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams keep playing centrist chicken, the FAQ NYC podcast digs into all the latest developments in an upside down mayoral race where polls show a generic centrist would be tough to beat but the candidates clogging the middle lane now are each way behind in an upside-down race. Plus, co-host Harry Siegel opens the episode with a tale of two Lower East Side legends as the city honors Jack "The King" Kirby, after a promotional push from Disney, while saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins keeps getting the short end of the stick, and end it with a riff on headless horsemen, Knickerbocker dreams and New Yorkers who again "begin to grow imaginative—to dream dreams, and see apparitions.”

The hosts dive into the political whirlwind surrounding Zohran Mamdani, as he continues to defy establishment attacks. They explore a summer filled with beach safety concerns amid shark sightings, while discussing Eric Adams’ fundraising mishaps in the Hamptons. The complexity of New York's political alliances is unpacked, touching on identity, race, and the ethical dilemmas in journalism. The impetus for genuine voter engagement and the challenges faced by young Black Americans in the political sphere also take center stage.

Join strategists Michael Lang, city historian Asad Dandia, and editor Peter Sterne as they dissect Zohran Mamdani's primary victory and its implications for NYC politics. They explore the dynamics of grassroots activism versus established structures, the significance of connecting with diverse voter demographics, and the evolving strategies of the Democratic Socialists of America. Personal stories weave through the discussion, highlighting the impact of heritage on identity and activism, all while aiming for a united front in the upcoming elections.

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.