New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faces growing pressure to resign in the wake of numerous allegations of sexual harassment. The allegations, which followed a mushrooming scandal around the deaths of nursing home residents, are complicating other political priorities in the state including negotiation of the State Budget, leaving many to wonder how long it will take to complete four ongoing investigations, whether the Governor can maintain popular public support, and how long the three-term governor can hold on.


Meanwhile, 2021 New York City mayoral race is heating up, as incumbent Bill de Blasio is barred from running for third term by term limits. The primaries, scheduled for June, will be the first New York City mayoral election to use ranked-choice voting, as opposed to the plurality voting of previous primaries. The new mayor will inherit a city reeling from Covid, high unemployment, surging gun violence, and an exodus of residents.

New York Public Strategies’ Ken Fisher, Stuart Shorenstein, Katie Schwab, and Rose Christ guest-host today’s discussion and break down the state of New York politics.

Episode 187 : What's Going On in New York

On the heels of the just-enacted $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief law, President Biden unveiled on Wednesday his $2 trillion infrastructure plan, a far-reaching program that he will seek to pay for with a substantial increase in corporate taxes. If his full set of proposals become law, they would mark a new era of ambitious federal spending to address longstanding social and economic problems. 
Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Kaitlyn Martin debate the infrastructure plan, including the challenge Biden has in balancing his big goals and the growing national debt, and discuss corporate America’s willingness to criticize Georgia’s new voting law and otherwise speak out on social justice issues.

Episode 189 : The Era of Big Government is Not Over

In 2012, voters in Colorado and Washington made their states the first in the country to pass measures legalizing cannabis. At the time, 51% of registered voters polled said they supported legalization. On March 31 and April 7, 2021, New York and Virginia became the 15th and 16th state, respectively, to legalize adult-use cannabis for residents 21 and older. And a recent survey indicates that support for legalizing marijuana use in the U.S. is the highest it has ever been, as roughly seven in 10 adults surveyed recently said that marijuana use should be legal.
 
Public Strategies’ multi-state cannabis team – including Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Ashley Allen, and Jamie Ansorge, discuss the rapid pace of cannabis law changes across the U.S. and provide an overview of the current legalization status by state – beginning with Illinois, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
 
N.B. Under federal law, the use and possession of cannabis in the U.S. is illegal, by way of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.

Episode 191 : Special Episode: Cannabis Legalization

On his 99th day in office, Joe Biden pitched an ambitious plan to reshape America in his first major address to Congress, striking a decidedly optimistic tone and ushering in a new era of big government and big government spending.  It was a historic evening, as for the first time in US history, two women were seated behind the president addressing a joint session of Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Patrick Martin discuss Biden’s populist, direct appeal to working-class Americans and break down his sweeping proposals which, despite broad bipartisan support among voters, face a partisan reality check.

Episode 193 : The New "New Deal"?

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation on Tuesday, a week after State AG Tish James issued a scathing report detailing accusations of sexual harassment and one day after state lawmakers convened for impeachment proceedings.  Underscoring both the tarnished brand of her soon-to-be predecessor and the public’s desire for a reset, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is signaling the start of a new era in Albany politics as she prepares to become the Empire State’s first female governor and the first governor since Grover Cleveland to represent Western New York.

Public Strategies’ NY team, including Ken Fisher, Stuart Shorenstein, Katie Schwab, Rose Christ, and Jamie Ansorge, discuss Ms. Hochul’s experience and leadership style, how it stands in sharp contrast to Cuomo’s, and what the transition may mean for the future of New York City and State.

Episode 203 : Beltway Briefing Special Episode – New York: A New Era in Albany

A solemn nation on Saturday marked two decades since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, a milestone that came less than a month after President Biden formally ended the war in Afghanistan launched in response to the attacks.
 
Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Towner French, and Kaitlyn Martin talk about their memories of that calamitous day in American history and how the country has changed in the 20 years since, and discuss how August turned into a month of crises for Biden’s presidency – with the Taliban toppling Kabul and the Afghan government, the killing of 13 U.S. service members in Afghanistan, rising Covid-19 cases and deaths, persistent inflation concerns, declining poll numbers, and an uncertain path forward for his sweeping infrastructure agenda.

Episode 204 : 9/11: 20 Years Later

A barrage of divisive economic signals played a role in recent market turmoil. On Capitol Hill, politicians are pouncing on the numbers to support their political agendas ahead of the critical 2022 midterm elections. Meanwhile, the path forward in the war in Ukraine remains unclear, as what many predicted would be a swift victory for the Russian military enters its third month, with no end in sight.

Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Kaitlyn Martin take a step back from the minutiae of Washington to reflect on the bigger picture of politics and try to bring some perspective to the challenging environment in which the country finds itself.

Episode 231 : Forest and Trees

From “Walking in a Biden Blunderland” to “Must be Santos,” the Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies team embraced the holiday season yet again with Christmas carol parodies, reflecting on 2023’s political and legislative challenges and sharing their hopes for the new year. Featuring CPS’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Hon. Rodney Davis, Towner French, and Kaitlyn Martin.

Episode 289 : Jingle All The Way

With the Iowa Caucus on the horizon, the Public Strategies team analyzes past nomination paths and illustrates scenarios for a presumptive Biden-Trump 2024 rematch. While Nikki Haley may have a “Hail Mary” with Independents in New Hampshire, former president Donald Trump’s momentum among the GOP base appears to be inescapable. Featuring Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Hon. Rodney Davis.

Episode 290 : Decoding The Iowa Caucus

Following Iowa and New Hampshire, the path to the Republican nomination narrows for Nikki Haley, moving former president Donald Trump one step closer to securing the nomination. As the reality of a Biden-Trump rematch weighs heavy on the minds of voters, the Public Strategies team pulls back the curtain on a hypothetical second Trump term. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Hon. Rodney Davis, Towner French, and Kaitlyn Martin.

Episode 292 : Biden-Trump Rematch: The Unamused Voters

The special counsel report on President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents reignites doubts about his age and mental fitness as he seeks reelection. With no clear Democratic alternative questions are swirling about Biden’s ability to finish out a second term. Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, political greed derails the bipartisan border deal, cementing immigration as the new third rail. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and the Hon. Rodney Davis

Episode 294 : The 2024 VP Choice Matters

As we enter President’s weekend, would the former leaders be disappointed we aren’t further along in our nation’s trajectory? Is the end of American exceptionalism closer than we know? Join Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Towner French as they look back at our country’s historical struggles, discuss whether Tom Suozzi’s win is a good omen for the Democrats in November, and ask whether the absence of a clear foreign enemy today is at the root of all this internal dysfunction.

Episode 295 : “Are Washington and Lincoln turning over in their graves?”

Despite the influx of dollars into Nikki Haley’s campaign, the South Carolina primary could mark its end of the road. But, until the financial well runs dry, will Haley power through in the off-chance Trump’s court cases take a political toll? Looking to Washington, the Public Strategies team analyzes the ebb and flow of Capitol Hill over the last decade, including a loss of bipartisan socialization, a degradation of party unity, and a consolidation of executive power. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Towner French, and Kaitlyn Martin.

Episode 296 : The Ebb & Flow of Capitol Hill

As Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving leader of the Senate GOP, announces his planned resignation from leadership, all eyes turn to the “three Johns”  – Barrasso, Cornyn, and Thune – each plotting to fill McConnell’s shoes. Coupling this leadership shake-up with the potential for a second Trump presidency, the Public Strategies team navigates turbulent political waters, exploring the normalization of impeachment and the events of the January 6th insurrection. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, the Hon. Rodney Davis, and Towner French.

Episode 297 : A Leadership Shuffle: The “Three Johns” Eye McConnell’s Seat

Following Super Tuesday and President Biden’s State of the Union address, Public Strategies teams up with Cozen O’Connor’s state attorneys general (SAG) practice to discuss key races and issues ahead of November. From presidential to congressional to gubernatorial to state attorneys general races, they dissect the looming specter of aging presidential contenders, the economic pulse, immigration, discourse surrounding abortion rights, and Israel-Gaza conflict, among other pivotal issues. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer and the Hon. Rodney Davis and SAG’s the Hon. Jerry Kilgore and Stephen Cobb.

Episode 298 : “Double-Hater” Voters to Determine the 2024 Presidential

As 2024 shapes up to be a turnout election, both Democrats and Republicans are working to fine-tune their messaging to mobilize voters. Can President Biden reshape the economic narrative effectively? Will the "uncommitted" movement, fueled by progressive concerns over the Israel-Gaza conflict, influence the outcome? How are Republicans reframing their discourse on abortion? Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and the Hon. Rodney Davis.

Episode 299 : 2024 Turnout Tactics: Messaging Matters

The intricate interplay between economic perceptions and immigration places President Biden in a delicate balancing act with swing state voters. Given the outcomes of the past two elections hinged on this pivotal electorate, the prevailing political polarization and prominence of these issues could be enough to tip the scales. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and the Hon. Rodney Davis.

Episode 300: Biden Walks the Political Tightrope: The Economy & Immigration

State supreme courts have become as political as courts get. Could the recent Arizona Supreme Court ruling on reproductive rights cost Republicans the November election? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Episode 301: Politics of Choice

As norms and institutions encounter scrutiny, the political pendulum remains in motion, illustrated by the foreign aid discussion on Capitol Hill, the contentious discourse surrounding the Middle East conflict on college campuses and in major urban centers, and the unfolding of Trump’s first criminal trial in New York City. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Episode 302: Trump’s Criminal Trial: A “Stormy” Day in NYC

In recent years, the Philadelphia suburbs have emerged as a bellwether for presidential elections. With national voter enthusiasm at an all-time low, is the Commonwealth’s senate race overshadowing the presidential election? The fate of the nation hangs on the smallest shifts in historical voter demographics, encompassing critical issues such as the border crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, the Hon. Rodney Davis, and Kyle Anderson.

Episode 303: Hold Your Nose & Vote

Having once sat on a pedestal, big tech finds itself grappling with a maze of state and global privacy and data security regulations. Now, some major tech companies are asking Congress to force privacy standards. With the unveiling of a new bipartisan, comprehensive data privacy framework, the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA), the question arises: will this be the year Congress finally acts on privacy legislation? Featuring Public Strategies’ Patrick Martin, Madison Smith, and Meagan Foster.

Episode 304: Navigating Big Tech's Regulatory Labyrinth

As Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene attempted to oust Speaker Mike Johnson through a motion to vacate, Democrats calculated that the public's frustration with Washington dysfunction could harm their electoral prospects. Meanwhile, at the forefront of the campaign trial, the competition narrows between Biden, Trump, and the couch. From the hush-money trial to college campus Israel-Hamas protests to concerns about the economy and immigration, voters who harbor discontent toward both candidates, often termed 'double-haters,' face a pivotal choice. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer and Kyle Anderson.

Episode 305: “It’s All About Clicks & Eyeballs”

The vilification of politics creates a perception that nothing gets done in Washington. While Congress often appears dysfunctional, it continues to govern, quietly advancing bipartisan, critical pieces of legislation. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Towner French.

Episode 306: The Vilification of Politics

With the Trump hush-money verdict in, Trump supporters are more emboldened than ever in their backing of the former president. Meanwhile, concerns are reignited over Biden’s age — is this merely a Republican deflection, or are Democrats genuinely panicking? In an effort to rally support, Biden might be playing politics at the Southern Border with his latest Executive Order restricting immigration, but is it too little, too late? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, the Hon. Rodney Davis, and Kyle Anderson.

Episode 307: Biden’s Age Concerns: GOP Deflection or Democratic Panic?

Returning to Capitol Hill for the first time post-presidency, Trump found support among Republican leaders and members aiming to emulate the party’s 2016 success. Immigration and economic challenges remain top concerns for American voters, mirroring the recent rise of the far-right in Europe. Shifting focus to the Supreme Court, concerns about judicial politicization, ethics, and impartiality underscore the need for reform to preserve the system's credibility. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Patrick Martin.

Episode 308: The Politicization of the Bench

As droves of migrants arrive at the Southern Border, the consequences of the federal government’s inaction on immigration profoundly affect major cities like New York City and Chicago. Members of Public Strategies' Federal, New York, and Chicago teams discuss the national perspective and the localized impact, emphasizing the need for comprehensive federal immigration reform and support to alleviate the burdens of the migrant crisis on urban areas.
Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French (Federal), Katie Schwab (New York), and John Dunn (Chicago).

Episode 309: Migrant Crisis: National Issue, Local Impact

One of the most divisive and intensely personal presidential campaigns in contemporary history is coming to a close tomorrow.  Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer and Mark Alderman discuss the two presidential candidates’ starkly different political identities and make their final predictions for the election that is likely to be a referendum on the president. Will it be Mr. Trump, who has largely wasted his chance to show emphatic leadership, has shifted almost exclusively to law-and-order rhetoric, and effectively has no second-term message beyond four more years of himself? Or will it be Mr. Biden, who has offered himself as the candidate best equipped to halt the nation’s raging coronavirus pandemic and heal its economic decline and whose key message is that the election is a fight for the soul of the nation?

Episode 168 : Final Predictions

The grinding 2020 presidential election that rendered millions of Americans exhausted and frustrated represented a big test for our democracy, a test the country would eventually pass. The election system appears to have worked in the face of many challenges – including a pandemic and the resulting unprecedented shift to widespread mail-in voting, as well as a threat from foreign interference from sophisticated adversaries.
 
Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Kaitlyn Martin reflect on the bruising route to the White House and share their views on how President-elect Biden’s administration is taking shape after he unveiled his national security and foreign policy team and top White House staffing moves.

Episode 172 : What Doesn’t Kill you Makes You Stronger

As an unprecedented winter storm crippled the Lone Star state’s deregulated electrical grid and triggered mass outages - leaving millions trapped without heat for days in freezing homes and putting nearly half of all Texans under a boil-water advisory, Ted Cruz, the junior senator from Texas, made a spectacularly ill-timed decision to leave with his family for a vacation in Cancun in the middle of the energy crisis. Speaking of government blunders, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been trying to contain political fallout from revelations that his administration had concealed the full extent of nursing home-related deaths during the Covid pandemic.

 

Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Stuart Shorenstein discuss the impact of these scandals and whether they seem to indicate the return to old-school, rough-and-tumble, hardball-style politics.

Episode 183 : Return of the Old-School Political Scandal

Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, Matt Glavin, and Kaitlyn Martin discuss the contentious legislative negotiations over the proposed stimulus package and grade the new administration’s efforts during its first 30 days to meet the daunting challenge to balance Biden’s stated desire for bipartisanship with his sense of urgency to provide the much-needed relief to the economy. Matt provides a unique view of the events inside the Beltway from Chicago and Springfield.

Episode 184 : Promise of Unity, Reliance on Partisanship

Listen for of-the-moment insider insights, framed by the rapidly changing social and cultural forces that shape political outcomes. Always bipartisan, never predictable. Featuring former Congressman Rodney Davis, Patrick Martin, Towner French, and Kaitlyn Martin who mix it up with hosts Howard Schweitzer and Mark Alderman.

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