Off Topic/On Politics

After 11 people were gunned down in a Pittsburgh synagogue, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss the debate over arming more people to prevent future attacks. They also analyze the feisty debate for state attorney general and whether New York will be a one-party state after Tuesday's election. Join the conversation on Twitter: #NY1OffTopic or @GraceRauh, @ZackFinkNews, and @JuanMaBenitez For more information: ny1.com/offtopic

Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss the packaged pipe bombs sent to Trump critics that caused chaos and confusion in New York and around the country. They also analyze the first and likely only debate between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his Republican challenger Marc Molinaro, which included off-color jokes about sausages and singing in the shower.

NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez dissect Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's national ambitions, and analyze the controversy over a private Republican club inviting divisive Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes to speak in Manhattan. Editor’s note: This podcast was recorded on Thursday, October 18, 2018, before Senator Kirsten Gillibrand backed out of participating in a debate against Chele Farley on NY1.

After a new report from the United Nations says we are heading towards a climate crisis, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez debate whether we'll ever see New York lawmakers use their political capital to protect our planet. They also analyze the fight for Congress in New York City's only Republican-held district, as well as whether Governor Cuomo will agree to a general election debate.

NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez break down what the thousands of pages of emails between the Bill de Blasio Administration and the so-called "Agents of the City" reveal about the inner workings of City Hall. They also analyze the split in New York's Democratic Party as the Working Families Party decides what to do with its November ballot line.

NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Bob Hardt break down the key congressional fights in New York ahead of the midterm elections. With the city on gridlock alert this week, they also discuss whether it will ever be easier to get around town — both above and below ground.

NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze Michael Bloomberg's possible run for president in 2020. They also discuss whether Republicans have a shot at a statewide office in November, and if New York Democrats are really coming together after the primary.

After a wild state primary night in New York, NY1’s Grace Rauh, Zack Fink and Juan Manuel Benitez discuss Andrew Cuomo’s win over Cynthia Nixon, Letitia James’ big victory in the campaign for Attorney General and the many upsets in the state Senate.

Before you cast your vote on Thursday, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink and Juan Manuel Benitez bring you up to date on the races up and down the ballot. They discuss the primary fight between Andrew Cuomo and Cynthia Nixon, the tossup race for state attorney general and the sudden spotlight on the state Senate. The crew also taste tests the breakfast that's stirred up so much Twitter heat: Cynthia Nixon's cinnamon raisin bagel with lox, cream cheese and capers.

With one week until Primary Day, NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze the final week of campaigning for Andrew Cuomo and Cynthia Nixon in the race for governor. They are also joined by NY1 Education Reporter Lindsey Christ to talk about the start of the new school year and the fight over the de Blasio administration's desegregation plan.

From the highly-anticipated showdown between Andrew Cuomo and Cynthia Nixon, to the fiery clash between the four candidates for state attorney general, NY1's Juan Manuel Benitez, Courtney Gross and Bob Hardt analyze a week filled with primary debates.

NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze the cast of New York characters tied up in President Trump's legal troubles, and debate whether Cynthia Nixon has the fire in the belly to unseat Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming primary election.

NY1's Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze Gov. Andrew Cuomo's recent quote about America's greatness, and break down the very competitive race for state attorney general.

NY1’s Grace Rauh, Zack Fink and Juan Manuel Benitez analyze Governor Andrew Cuomo’s primary campaign battle with Cynthia Nixon. They also discuss whether a candidate's personal finances should be brought up in a political campaign and break down New York City’s unprecedented move to cap ride-hailing services, including Uber and Lyft.

On the debut episode of NY1's "Off Topic/On Politics," Grace Rauh, Zack Fink, and Juan Manuel Benitez get you up to speed as election season heats up. They discuss New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's primary fight for reelection against a fellow Democrat, TV star Cynthia Nixon. Plus, they break down the start of Mayor de Blasio's second term leading New York City. And they bring you the first installment of their "Most New York Thing of the Week."