Power & Politics

SUNY Chancellor John King took over the role in January 2023, and says the SUNY System is turning the tide with its enrollment, seeing increases in 2023. With that in mind, he also discusses the potential $1 billion budget deficit for SUNY within the next decade, and what's needed within enrollment and State aid to help offset those shortfalls. He also speaks about civic engagement, and their approach to protests and potential encampments moving forward. Multiple institutions have seen significant declines in Black and Hispanic students since the Supreme Court struck down Affirmative Action, and Chancellor King goes through ways they're working to maintain diversity on their campuses. He also speaks about his future as SUNY Chancellor, and his vision for 5-10 years in the future.

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Following a conversation at the U.S. Capitol in June, New York Democratic Congressman (NY-20), joined Power and Politics to recap the August District Work Period, while also looking forward to the House's return to session on September 9th. The discussion ranged from constituent concerns, Kamala Harris' policy proposal, border policy, campus protests, Farm Bill expiration, potential Government shutdown, sports betting, and he also addressed the recent news of a Kathy Hochul aide being accused of working for the Chinese government.

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Capital Region civil rights Activist Dr. Alice Green passed away on August 20, 2024, leaving behind a lasting legacy of fighting for civil rights in the Capital Region and beyond. In this podcast, we look back at recent conversations with Green on a variety of topics.

-Reparations in New York

-Bail Reform

-Prison Reform

-Relationship between Police and Community

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Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan joined CBS6' Power and Politics for a virtual interview from Chicago in the midst of the Democratic National Convention. She spoke about:

-The message that's resonated with her the most

-What she expects from Kamala Harris, and her background as a prosecutor

-Republican accusations of Biden's stepping down as a "coup"

-Border Policy

-Lil' John

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As he continues his independent Presidential campaign, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sat down with CBS6 on Power and Politics for a wide-ranging, 30-minute interview.

Their conversation begins with RFK Jr.'s thoughts on the recent federal trial in Albany regarding a lawsuit by Democrats to get RFK Jr. off the ballot in New York State.

From there RFK addressed leaving the Democratic Party, and his family's reaction to that, as some have since endorsed the Biden-Harris campaign. He says he stands for a Democratic Party which believes in freedom of speech, pro-life and bodily autonomy, anti-war and that represents the American middle class.

RFK's "America Strong" platform is his plan to "unify America", with many of its tenets focused on ending "politically motivated" prosecutions of private and political figures, so CBS6 asked if he would pardon Donald Trump if elected. RFK Jr. said he'd need to investigate further, and also, when asked if he'd be in Mr. Trump's cabinet, resolutely said "No."

His views differ on American support in Ukraine and Israel, which he discussed at length, saying the United States is fighting a proxy war of their own in Ukraine, and that Israel has a right to defend themselves after the attacks from Hamas.

He says he wants to address and reverse negative U.S. health outcomes, and address the impact of artificial intelligence moving forward.

CBS6 also asked him why the "skeletons" in his closet are different than any other politician. He responded by saying he is telling the truth, and never planned on running for President of the United State, and that he "wouldn't run for Pope."

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Upstate Republican Congressman Brandon Williams, who represents New York's 22nd District, joined CBS6 on Power and Politics at the U.S. Capitol. Williams, based in Central New York, is a former nuclear submarine officer, and founded a software company.

Williams spoke about:

-Bringing his experience in tech industry to federal government

-That New York is "the worst place in American for solar [power]"

-Facilitating Micron's entry to Upstate New York

-The Interstate 81 Viaduct Project

-Supporting Ukraine in their war against Russia

-Border policy, reacting to the impact of the Biden Administration executive orders, along with legislation in Congress and the Senate that's failed to move forward

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Republican Congressman Marc Molinaro, who represents New York's 19th Congressional District, joined CBS6 for Power and Politics on location at the U.S. Capitol.

As the interview commenced, Molinaro drafted new legislation regarding a convicted illegal immigrant database.

The conversation included discussions on:

-Molinaro being named the 2nd most bipartisan member of Congress

-His reflections on his time in office as a Freshman Congressman

-Donald Trump's criminal cases

-Israel/Hamas War "Israel has every right to remove Hamas from the face of the planet"

-Push to make Opvee legal in New York

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Members of Columbia County Sanctuary Movement is preparing for its 1st Annual Caribbean Festival, their goal is to bring together Albany's diverse culture, people, businesses and also its new residents seeking asylum. They also discuss some of the current challenges and successes of immigrants in the Capital Region

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At the U.S. Capitol, CBS6 spoke at length with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who reflected on her last 15 years in office, along with some of her areas of focus right now.

Gillibrand addressed the concerns regarding Joe Biden's vitality and Donald Trump's felony conviction in this Presidential race, also discussing the Farm Bill and the fight to restore maximum SNAP benefits.

Gillibrand also spoke about immigration, and the impact of Joe Biden's executive action bringing border crossings to a 3-year low in June, but also addressing her concerns around immigrants and instances of crime.

Foreign policy, and current aid to Ukraine and Israel were also a discussion point, as Gillibrand proposed a different approach for Israel's fight against Hamas.

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New York Democratic Congressman Paul Tonko spoke with CBS6 as a part of Power and Politics on location at the U.S. Capitol, discussing many issues currently impacting New Yorkers and beyond.

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