

You Decide with Errol Louis
Spectrum News NY1
NY1's Errol Louis has been interviewing powerful politicians and cultural icons for years, but it's when the TV cameras are turned off that things really get interesting. From career highlights, to personal moments, to stories that have never been told, join Errol each week for intimate conversations with the people who are shaping the future of New York and beyond. Listen to "You Decide with Errol Louis" every Wednesday, wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 21, 2024 • 37min
Understanding Trump's plan for mass deportation
Since Donald Trump's victory two weeks ago, some people are worried about one of his main campaign promises — to launch the largest deportation operation in American history. What does that really mean, and how feasible is it that it will happen at the scale the president-elect is promising? This week, NY1's Errol Louis spoke to three experts — Lee Gelernt, the deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union Immigrants' Rights Project; Elora Mukerjee, director of Columbia Law School's Immigrants' Rights Clinic; and Luis Gomez Alfaro, an attorney in New York and New Jersey, with extensive experience in immigration law — about what Trump can truly do legally. They also discuss the possibility of ending birthright citizenship, what will be happening at the border and the impact Trump's plans will have on millions across the country. And they provided some specific, practical information for immigrants who are worried about being detained. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Nov 14, 2024 • 36min
How red is this wave?
One week after Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris, many across the country are wondering how he won so soundly and what this means for the country moving forward. Trump has wasted little time naming cabinet members to his incoming administration, while Democrats are scratching their heads and pointing fingers about what went wrong. At the same time, while the president-elect won all of the swing states on his road to the White House, Democrats either held onto or won Senate seats in four of those battleground states that Harris lost. So, is it a red wave or just a Trump wave? To help make sense of all of this, veteran North Carolina Spectrum News political anchor Tim Boyum joined NY1's Errol Louis to share his perspective as someone who watched the race play out in a swing state where Trump won the presidential race but the Democrats won the race for governor. They also discussed the realities of mass deportation, and the GOP retaining its House majority. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Nov 7, 2024 • 37min
Trump wins back the White House: What does it mean for New York?
Easily winning on Election Day, Donald Trump will be returning to the White House as the nation's 47th president. While New York was one of the few states Vice President Kamala Harris won, the margin of victory was significantly lower than usual for a Democrat, marking the party's worst presidential performance in the state since 1988. Down-ballot, however, New York Democrats won some key congressional House races, as they will retake some of the seats they lost in the midterm elections in 2022. So what does all of this mean for New York? Spectrum News political anchor Susan Arbetter joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss the results of the election and the impact it will have on New York. They also discussed why they were surprised by the country swinging right and the trouble in predicting elections. Additionally, Errol weighed in on how New York City Mayor Eric Adams may be feeling following Trump's victory. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Oct 31, 2024 • 25min
Zohran Mamdani: Running for mayor from the left
State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani announced his mayoral run last week, looking to unseat Mayor Eric Adams, who faces an uphill battle for reelection as he fights federal corruption charges. Mamdani is running as the most progressive candidate in the crowded race so far and has already received the endorsement of the New York City Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. Mamdani joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss his decision to run for mayor. The conversation also touched on his thoughts on the Adams administration, his role in helping taxi drivers, the war between Israel and Hamas and ways to improve the MTA through new technology. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Oct 24, 2024 • 1h
The Case Against Eric Adams and Company: A Virtual Panel
The first indictment in modern history against a sitting New York City mayor has dominated local headlines. Where is the case headed? What will this mean for the administration's ability to move forward with day-to-day operations? And what are the political implications if Mayor Eric Adams runs for reelection — or steps down? Vital City and the Columbia Journalism School hosted a virtual conversation featuring perspectives from law enforcement, journalism and government on the political and legal consequences of the allegations against Mayor Adams. The conversation was moderated by Errol Louis and included Stan Brezenoff; former First Deputy Mayor Carrie Cohen; former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District Tom Robbins; and investigative journalist and political strategist Basil Smikle. Before that, Errol sits down with Spectrum News Chief National Political Reporter Josh Robin to discuss a brand new national special, "In Us We Trust: A Crisis of Confidence." Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Oct 17, 2024 • 23min
Allan Lichtman: Predicting the 2024 election using 13 metrics
Since 1984, American historian and professor Allan Lichtman has correctly predicted nine of the last 10 presidential races. Lichtman, however, does not use polling data. Instead, he has developed a set of 13 metrics — or, as he calls them, keys. Lichtman appeared on the podcast in February to discuss his elaborate forecasting system, and he promised he'd return after he announced his pick for president. Now, Lichtman joined Errol to discuss why he believes Kamala Harris will be victorious in November. The pair also discussed the possibility of an October surprise, how past predictions have made him unpopular, and why it is governing, not campaigning, that ultimately matters. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Oct 10, 2024 • 36min
Ari Berman: Minority rule and the threat to democracy
With less than 30 days until Election Day and early voting already underway in some states, how we hold elections — and whether the results will be honored — is on the minds of many Americans. Ari Berman is the national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones magazine and the author of "Minority Rule: The Right-Wing Attack on the Will of the People—and the Fight to Resist It." Ari joined Errol to discuss his book, as well as the stakes of the upcoming election. They also talked about the influence of conservative firebrand Pat Buchanan on Donald Trump, how rural states hold disproportionate power in the U.S. Senate, and the ways in which Generation Z could affect future elections. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Oct 3, 2024 • 36min
Will Eric Adams survive the indictment?
This week, Mayor Eric Adams appeared in court, where federal prosecutors said they might bring additional charges against him and indict others. Adams has maintained he will fight the charges and continue doing his job effectively. Many others have called on him to resign. The charges were brought by Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the southern district. NY1's Errol Louis discussed Williams' resume and how he became the first and only Black U.S. attorney in the 235-year-old history of the southern district. He also talked with Katie Honan of The City about what lies ahead for Adams and the city of New York. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Sep 26, 2024 • 28min
Brian Derrick: Creating a one-stop-shop for political giving
Oath is a tech platform that provides data-driven recommendations for Democratic donors to make campaign contributions based on their issue interests, geographic focus or other criteria to maximize their impact. The platform connects donors with candidates and ballot initiatives they never would have found otherwise. Brian Derrick is a political strategist, activist and tech entrepreneur who is revolutionizing civic engagement as the CEO of Oath. He joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss why he created Oath and his hopes for the future of the organization. They also discussed Oath's immediate goals for the upcoming election, the importance of downballot races and the disadvantages of the antiquated methods candidates currently used to raise money. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Sep 18, 2024 • 31min
The 50-year legacy of 'The Power Broker'
In 1974, it would have seemed unlikely that a massive biography of a New York urban planner would become an essential volume in the library of almost every American politician and pundit. But, if anything, Robert Caro's exhaustive examination of the life and legacy of Robert Moses has become even more important and relevant as time passes. "The Power Broker" is often enthralling reading, and NY1's Errol Louis tackles how it continues to captivate its readers, 50 years after its publication. Through conversations with New York City journalists, historians and documentarians, Louis examines the book's ongoing impact and relevance. The discussion delves into Caro's meticulous research for the 1,200-page book while also reexamining Moses' complex legacy. Documentary filmmaker Lizzie Gottlieb, historian Kenneth Jackson and New York Times reporter Dana Rubinstein, and Robert Caro himself (via exclusive NY1 archived interviews), provide a nuanced look at the influence of the book and its subject. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.


