Max Politics

Gabby Seay, co-director for Battleground New York, joined the show to discuss how the coalition of labor and activist groups is working toward Democratic wins in New York's swing U.S. House of Representatives districts, key electoral dynamics in those districts, and more. Battleground New York launched in 2023 and includes coalition members such as 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the Communications Workers of America, Indivisible, Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts, the Working Families Party, AFSCME, 32BJ SEIU, the NYS Nurses Association, and the Democracy Alliance. (Ep 466) Release date: 17 October 2024

Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman, two authors of Politico's New York Playbook, joined the show to discuss the races to watch in New York in the 2024 elections for the U.S. House of Representatives. New York is home to 26 House seats, seven of which are considered swing congressional districts that will again help determine the balance of power in the House, either allowing Republicans to keep a narrow majority or helping Democrats take control of the chamber and potentially make Brooklyn's Hakeem Jeffries the next Speaker. (Ep 465)

Dan Garodnick, Director of the Department of City Planning and Chair of the City Planning Commission, joined host Ben Max at New York Law School to discuss the Adams Administration's "City of Yes for Housing Opportunity" zoning reform proposal to help build more housing across the city. The proposal has entered the final stage of public review with consideration by and negotiations with the Council Council, and a Council vote by the end of the year. (Ep 464)

On the day that Mayor Eric Adams faced a multi-count federal indictment, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and former City Council Speaker Christine Quinn joined the show to give their reactions to the allegations, the mayor's defiance and claims of innocence, and what comes next. (Ep 463)

Bradley Tusk joined host Ben Max at a live event at New York Law School to discuss Tusk's new book, "Vote With Your Phone: Why Mobile Voting Is Our Final Shot at Saving Democracy." (Ep 462)

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.