Max Politics

Phil Walzak, a political and communications consultant who served in top roles in Bill de Blasio's campaigns and City Hall, joined the show to discuss the challenges facing Mayor Eric Adams and his administration, while also touching on his experience in the NYPD and previewing the 2025 mayoral race. (Ep 461)

Liz Glazer, founder of the policy journal Vital City, and managing editor Josh Greenman dive into the intricate world of crime and public safety in New York City. They discuss the stark contrasts between pre-pandemic crime rates and recent surges in violence. The pair highlights the importance of transparency in public communication and the evolving perceptions of safety. They advocate for holistic crime reduction strategies, suggesting improvements in community services over traditional policing methods as essential for enhancing quality of life.

Mohamed Attia, Managing Director of the Street Vendor Project at the Urban Justice Center, and City Council Member Pierina Sanchez, a Bronx Democrat, joined the show to discuss efforts to reform street vendor permitting, laws, and rules in New York City. That includes a package of bills currently proposed in the City Council and a push to award thousands of street vendor permits created by a 2021 law. (Ep 459)

City Council Member Julie Menin, a Manhattan Democrat, joined the show to discuss her proposed legislation to require hotel licensing, her law to create health care cost transparency and accountability, the relationship between the Council and Mayor Adams, and more. (Ep 458)

Political strategists Jason Ortiz, CEO of Moonshot Strategies, and Jon Paul Lupo, Founder of Arete Public Affairs, dive deep into the competitive 2025 New York mayoral race. They discuss the impact of national politics on local elections, the complexities candidates face with shifting demographics, and critical fundraising strategies. The role of the teachers' union emerges as a potential game-changer, along with the influence of endorsements and the implications of ranked choice voting on candidate coalitions and public sentiment.

Errol Louis — Spectrum News NY1 Political Anchor and host of Inside City Hall, The Big Deal with Errol Louis, and the You Decide podcast — joined the show to discuss shake-ups in the presidential race, national and New York political trends, and how the mayor is doing. (Episode 456)

Mara Gay, a member of the New York Times Editorial Board, returned to the show to discuss key themes in national and New York politics, including President Biden's status and the presidential election, leadership from Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams, and more. (Episode 455)

Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, a Queens Democrat, joined the show to discuss her top accomplishments and priorities, close alliance with Mayor Eric Adams, exploration of a run for NYC Comptroller, and more. (Episode 454)

Bradley Tusk — a political strategist, venture capitalist, and philanthropist — joined the show to discuss lessons in how politics works, how Mayor Adams is doing, past and upcoming mayoral races, his push for mobile voting, and more. Tusk has been, among other roles, a communications director for Senator Chuck Schumer, 2009 campaign manager for Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and advisor to Uber. (Episode 453)

State Senator Liz Krueger, a Manhattan Democrat and chair of the Senate finance committee, joined the show to discuss her opposition to Governor Hochul's pause on congestion pricing implementation, what could become of MTA finances, and more. (Episode 452)