The Brian Lehrer Show

Elizabeth Kim, a political reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, dives into the surge in early voting with Bridget Bergen, a senior political reporter focusing on election data. They discuss a fivefold increase in early voters, particularly among those aged 55 and up. Additionally, Kim sheds light on candidate Mamdani's strategic silence regarding housing proposals, while both reporters analyze voter coalition shifts and the implications for equity in housing. They also compare grassroots efforts versus paid campaigns, revealing the evolving dynamics as election day approaches.

Seth Berkley, an infectious disease epidemiologist and former CEO of Gavi, discusses urgent lessons from the COVID pandemic. He highlights the critical need for vaccine equity, arguing that vaccinating all countries protects global health. Berkley critiques wealthy nations for hoarding vaccines and explores logistics of delivering doses to low-income areas. He warns against anti-vaccine sentiments and emphasizes the importance of trustworthy science amid rising skepticism, while also addressing the ongoing challenges in developing an HIV vaccine.

Nick Garber, a politics reporter at Crain's New York Business, shares insights on the NYC mayoral candidates' stances on jobs and the minimum wage. He discusses Andrew Cuomo's $20 wage proposal and Zoran Mamdani's push for a $30 minimum, framing it as a living wage. The conversation dives into how candidates are addressing business concerns and the perceived flight of companies from the city. Garber also highlights the complexities of taxes and regulations affecting small businesses, along with the candidates' varying promises to ease red tape.

Listeners express their struggles about voting decisions, revealing their ambivalence towards candidates and ballot questions. A caller weighs the experience of Cuomo against the energy of Mamdani. Discussions turn to concerns over national politics affecting local choices. New Jersey voters share skepticism over negative campaign strategies and demand clearer candidate positions. One caller debates the pros and cons of syncing city elections with federal ones, while another voices confusion over misleading charter revision proposals. The segment wraps up with advice and encouragement.

Grace Yarrow, a food and agriculture policy reporter for POLITICO, and Karen Yi, a local reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, discuss the looming impacts of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits. They highlight how millions could miss payments, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Grace explains the federal contingency fund's limitations, while Karen shares how New York plans to allocate $11 million for food banks. The conversation reveals urgent community needs and explores local resources for those affected.

Joyce Vance, a legal analyst for MSNBC and former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, University of Alabama School of Law professor, and author of the Civil Discourse Substack, and of the new book, Giving Up Is Unforgivable:  A Manual for Keeping a Democracy (Dutton, 2025) talks about the rule of law and offers legal and historical context for the current moment in American history as she calls for citizens to uphold the Constitution.

Nick Corasaniti, New York Times reporter covering national politics, with a focus on voting and elections, talks about how both Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill say they would deal with President Trump if they are elected governor, and other ways the president's influence is being felt in the tight race.

Rosemary Misdary, WNYC and Gothamist health & science reporter, explains the statewide ballot question about preservation in the Adirondacks and expanding skiing facilities.

New York City voters will see several questions on their ballots that aim to make it easier to build housing. Alec Schierenbeck, executive director of the Charter Revision Commission argues in favor of the measures, and Lincoln Restler, New York City Council member (District 33, Greenpoint, Northside Williamsburg, South Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Boerum Hill, Vinegar Hill, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Navy Yard), explains why much of the City Council is opposed to the changes. Then, Andrew Berman, executive director of Village Preservation, shares why his group is opposed to ballot questions 2 through 4.

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.30 Issues in 30 Days: ICE in the City  (First) | 30 Issues in 30 Days: The Case for a Free CUNY (Starts at 17:50) | 30 Issues in 30 Days: Climate and Energy Policy (Starts at 33:13)If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here.