Power & Politics

Power & Politics

By WRGB CBS6, Power And Politics, Tom EschenSociety & CultureNewsGovernment
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Power & Politics episodes

  • Threat at NYS Capitol, data center NDAs, Albany's Budget and Where's Upstate? Guests: NYS Asm. John McDonald, Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs and Financial Advisor Bob Ward, August 21st, 2026

    00:00:00 Intro to Power and Politics; preview of Capitol threat, data centers, Albany deficit, and the “upstate NY” debate.

    00:01:00 Thwarted Capitol Plot – FBI complaint against Jessica Bowie, alleged ISIS support, and targets from the NYS Capitol to Times Square and beyond.

    00:04:34 Data Centers, NDAs, and Public Pushback – Pennsylvania’s executive order on data centers, local approval power, NDA ban, and parallels to New York’s data center and transparency debates.

    00:08:21 Albany’s $22 Million Budget Hole – How the deficit went from 22 million to 7 and back again, driven by healthcare under-projections, higher pensions, and a revenue shortfall.

    00:11:40 Capitol Security with John McDonald – McDonald on tightened security at the Capitol, active-threat training, home protection for lawmakers, and coordination across law enforcement.

    00:20:08 Mayor Applyrs and Bob Ward on Fixing Albany’s Finances – Multi-year plan to stabilize Albany: realistic numbers, state aid, bond rating hit, rising debt costs, and what’s on the table for taxes and cuts.

    00:46:25 Power and Pop Culture: Where Is Upstate New York? – Tom and Olivia debate where “Upstate” starts—Rockland, Albany, Syracuse—and how Long Island and city perspectives shape the map.

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    55 min
  • Data Centers, New Siena Poll, New Flock Standards, Municipal Budgeting and more. Guests: Kiran Keshav, Sen. Kristen Gonzalez and David Flynn, August 14th, 2026

    Several voices in the data center conversation joined Power & Politics this week: Empire AI Director of Research Computing Kiran Keshav, NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D-Queens) and David Flynn, leader of Phillips Lytle’s Environmental Law Practice Team.

    EmpireAI is one of the exceptions to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul's Executive Order implementing a one-year moratorium on new data center development above 50MW. Keshav speaks to their work and growth since implemented in 2024 (now EmpireAI Beta), and why it's exempt.

    This week, New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez announced a statewide tour, visiting 13 communities across New York where data centers, or data center proposals are happening. That includes Albany's Kenwood Commons proposal. Gonzalez is the Senate sponsor of the Responsible Data Center Development Act, which passed the State legislature in bipartisan fashion during this year's legislative session. She's pushing the Governor to sign it into law as a part of the data center omnibus.

    David Flynn, leader of Phillips Lytle’s Environmental Law Practice Team, works with clients who have considered data center construction in New York, saying Governor Hochul's Executive Order of a One-year Moratorium has a "bit of a chilling effect" across the industry. He speaks to the challenges developers would face in complying with a potential framework set forth when the Moratorium is lifted in July 2027...something he's concerned won't happen by then.


    0:00-17:27

    Introduction and Headlines

    17:32-32:36

    Empire AI Director of Research Computing Kiran Keshav

    32:37-44:24

    NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D-Queens)

    44:45-1:00:54

    David Flynn, leader of Phillips Lytle’s Environmental Law Practice Team

    1:00:55-1:09:07

    Closing Thoughts, Power & Politics & Pop Culture

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    1 hr 12 min
  • George Pataki, former New York State Governor, and New York State Acting Chief Cyber Officer Michaela Lee, August 7th, 2026

    Former New York State Governor George Pataki appeared on Power & Politics this week, speaking with Tom Eschen on the heels of the dedication of the "Governor George E. Pataki Center" on Spring Street in Albany.

    The conversation, taking place in a room adorned with photos of Pataki from his tenure as Governor, covered portions of his time in the State Legislature, as Governor, discussing the dynamic of politics and government at play then, and now too. They also discussed 9/11, and what he believes has changed since then.


    New York State Acting Chief Cyber Officer Michaela Lee also joins the show, discussing $9 million will be awarded to 153 local water projects on the heels of cyber attacks in other States.

    • 00:00 – Pataki Building & Public Service
    • 01:45 – Governing vs. Partisan Politics
    • 05:10 – Silver v. Pataki & Governor Power
    • 06:40 – 9/11, Unity & Division Today
    • 09:25 – Lock One & Reviving Downtown Albany
    • 10:20 – Cyber Grants for NY Water Systems
    • 15:10 – Nation-State Threats & Critical Infrastructure
    • 17:55 – Outro & Subscribe

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      22 min
    • Ray Brescia, Associate Dean for Research and Intellectual Life at Albany Law School, on Supreme Court's latest term, July 31st, 2026

      Ray Brescia, who helped pen a recent commentary piece in SCOTUSBlog, discusses the impact of the most recent Supreme Court term, and what he believes it means for the balance of power in the Federal Government.


      1. Intro & Setup – [0:00–0:42]
      2. Roberts Court & Power Shift – [0:42–6:23]
      3. Partisanship & Conservative Supermajority – [6:23–12:36]
      4. History & Birthright Citizenship – [12:36–19:05]
      5. Tariffs, Learning Resources & Executive Power – [19:05–27:26]
      6. Court Reform, Term Limits & Wrap – [27:26–end]

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        36 min
      7. NY Governor Kathy Hochul on data center moratorium Executive Order, July 24th, 2026

        NYS Governor Kathy Hochul joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing her data center moratorium Executive Order.

        "The brilliant people at these AI companies, and we welcome AI innovation, by the way, very much so, as we welcome all innovation in New York," she told CBS6's Tom Eschen in an exclusive interview. "You (AI companies) created a powerful force, a technology that has the possibility of changing civilization and how we work and how we communicate, how we live. Artificial intelligence. Why can't you harness that power and ask the question: Can you receive what you need without these huge hyperscale data centers. Can they be smaller? Can they go vertical? Can they use less power? Can they use less energy? Can they use less water and make less noise? I think that they should be at the table trying to innovate this. Given that all across the country, you know, Democrats, Republican, Independent doesn't matter your party. They're losing the public relations war, and they can be a lot smarter about how they handle this."
        The Governor's Executive Order, in part, will establish a framework for municipalities to use while engaging with companies looking to build data centers in their area.
        0:00 – Moratorium on Data Centers
        Governor Hochul explains her new executive order and why New York is hitting pause on large data centers.
        1:21 – Protecting Local Communities
        How state agencies will set new rate structures, environmental standards, and a community investment framework.
        3:23 – Pushing AI and Data Centers to Innovate
        Hochul challenges AI companies to shrink power usage, bring their own power, and improve public perception.
        4:14 – Who the Moratorium Actually Hits
        Why only 50+ megawatt hyperscale facilities are targeted and concerns about grid readiness.
        6:55 – No More Tax Breaks for Data Centers
        Hochul on why profitable data center companies don’t need local tax subsidies and what communities should demand.
        9:47 – Empire AI and Cutting Red Tape
        Using the Empire AI public‑private partnership to review regulations, cut fees, and modernize state government.
        12:46 – Final Word on Energy, Business, and AI
        Hochul’s closing message on balancing economic growth, energy costs, and the promise of AI in New York

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        17 min
      8. NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and GOP Comptroller Nominee Joseph Hernandez, July 17th, 2026

        Following his Democratic primary win, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli joined Power & Politics, discussing the campaign along with other big issues impacting New Yorkers right now.

        He also is looking ahead to the general election in November, where he faces challenger Joseph Hernandez.

        Hernandez provides his thoughts on the Democratic primary, and how he'd approach the office if elected in November


        These interviews were taped on July 1st, 2026

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        51 min
      9. Rebecca Nagle, award winning journalist and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, July 10th, 2026

        Rebecca Nagle, award winning journalist and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, joined Power & Politics this week.

        Nagle is the host of the "First America" podcast, which she says tells a more complete story of the founding of America, the podcast launching alongside celebrations of America's 250th birthday. Nagle travels to a variety of places, telling the story of interactions between settlers and Native Americans, including Upstate New York.


        1. 00:00 – 01:00 | Intro & First America
        2. 01:00 – 05:30 | New York, Sullivan’s Campaign, and Genocide
        3. 05:30 – 10:30 | What We Were Never Taught About the Revolution
        4. 10:30 – 15:30 | Founding Myths, Racism, and Erased Histories
        5. 15:30 – 21:30 | From Boston Tea Party Costumes to Chiefs Tailgate
        6. 21:30 – 27:30 | Mascots, Harm to Native Youth, and Tribal Consent
        7. 27:30 – 31:20 | Fixing the Story: Schools, Memory, and Rebecca’s Story


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          36 min
        8. Jay Jacobs, New York State Democratic Committee Chair, July 3rd, 2026

          New York State Democratic Committee Chair Jay Jacobs joined Power & Politics this week, providing his reaction to the 2026 Primary Election.

          Zohran Mamdani-endorsed candidates won three Congressional races in New York City, creating a stir throughout the State and Country.

          Statewide, incumbent Comptroller Tom DiNapoli (D) soundly defeated his first primary challengers in nearly two decades in office, which stuck out to Jacobs.


          1. Primary Results & DiNapoli’s Win

            • [0:00:00 – 0:02:01]
              Intro, Jay Jacobs’ role, what voters signaled, and Tom DiNapoli’s primary and validation.

            • Israel–Palestine, AIPAC & Voter Priorities

              • [0:02:01 – 0:05:28]
                Israel–Palestine as a factor in NYC races, losses of incumbents, AIPAC’s role, and why most voters still focus on pocketbook issues.

              • Republican Messaging & Democratic Response

                • [0:05:28 – 0:09:30]
                  GOP “socialist city” rhetoric, Jacobs’ rebuttal, DSA’s growth, MAGA parallels, and the need for bold Democratic ideas.

                • Working-Class Identity & Big Reforms

                  • [0:09:30 – 0:13:00]
                    Are Democrats still the working-class party, party legacy (wages, Social Security, etc.), and crisis politics driving the need for large-scale reforms.

                  • Fighting Trump & Using Power

                    • [0:13:00 – 0:19:19]
                      Frustration with “strongly worded letters,” Schumer/Jeffries/Hochul’s role, why impeachment without conviction votes is a mistake, and what Democrats would do with majorities.

                    • DSA, NY-21 & Redistricting

                      • [0:19:19 – 0:22:26]
                        Zohran Mamdani and the big-tent argument, NY-21 and Blake Gendebien vs. “DSA” labeling, and closing thoughts on redistricting and public education.

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                        27 min
                      • Peter Guidarelli, GOP political strategist and Jason Palmer, former Democratic Presidential candidate, on primary election results, June 26th, 2026

                        Peter Guidarelli, a GOP political strategist and former Schenectady County Legislative Chairman along with Jason Palmer, Founder of Together! and former Democratic Presidential candidate, join Tom Eschen to discuss Tuesday's primary election results

                        • 0:00 – Introduction and overview
                          New York primary results; NY-21 setup and guest introductions

                        • 0:56 – Peter Guidarelli on Constantino vs. Smullen
                          Trump endorsement, money, and outsider vs. insider framing

                        • 4:00 – Organization, county committees, and turnout
                          How money plus Trump shaped the primary

                        • 7:03 – Positioning for the general in NY-21
                          Constantino’s message, independents, DSA label on Democrats, partisan lean of the district

                        • 9:48 – Solar farms and upstate backlash
                          Climate policy, farmland preservation, and risks for Democrats in the North Country

                        • 12:10 – “Man of the district” questions
                          Constantino’s business background, energy prices, and tying costs to Democratic climate policy

                        • 15:22 – Constantino’s demeanor and “reset”
                          Tone in the primary, rap videos, why NY-21 may become a national race

                        • 17:41 – General election money dynamics
                          GOP strategy, Constantino’s spending, and Democratic identity crisis after DSA gains

                        • 23:54 – Younger voters and socialism
                          Appeal of democratic socialism, GOP opportunity on environment, generational shifts in both parties

                        • 24:10 – Governor’s race: Hochul vs. Blakeman
                          Affordability, climate policies, Trump alignment, and the Vote Affordable line

                        • 28:31 – Transition to Jason Palmer
                          National lens on NY primaries and DSA’s surge

                        • 28:44 – A “political earthquake” on the left
                          DSA wins, Mondami’s influence, party tensions among Democrats

                        • 30:31 – Person vs. label and DSA’s growth
                          Comparisons to Tea Party/MAGA and what Democrats should learn

                        • 32:22 – NY-21 from the Democratic side
                          Moderates vs. “socialist” caricatures and messaging challenges

                        • 34:27 – Future of the Democratic Party
                          Big-tent vs. left insurgency and reclaiming working-class voters

                        • 35:37 – Together’s strategy
                          Younger, centrist candidates in purple districts and a shrinking political center

                        • 36:36 – The Trump factor
                          Primary strength, general-election liability, and how endorsements shape both parties

                        • 39:13 – AI and politics
                          Regulation, backlash to data centers, and why Congress needs AI-literate members

                        • 40:23 – AI on the issue agenda & close
                          Where AI ranks among voter concerns, and podcast subscribe CTA

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                          45 min
                        • Blair Horner, NYPIRG Senior Policy Advisor, talks late budget, Hochul, lobbyists, and more, June 22nd, 2026

                          Blair Horner provides his perspective on this year's legislative session, discussing Governor Hochul's approach to the budget process, the legislature's power, the bills that passed (redistricting), the ones that didn't (lobbying), and Zohran Mamdani


                          00:00 – Cold open and introduction to Blair Horner, NYPIRG
                          00:29 – Hochul’s budget “hostage” strategy and compressed legislative calendar
                          01:33 – Primaries, pay pressure, and why lawmakers left Albany
                          02:04 – Governor’s constitutional budget power and late-budget leverage
                          04:05 – Pros and cons of strong executive power and secretive budget add-ons
                          05:34 – Lobbying muscle in Albany: Uber, auto insurance, and rising spending
                          06:19 – What needs to change: extenders, reforms, and an independent budget office
                          07:17 – Legislative leadership, lack of political will, and fear of courts
                          09:19 – Missed transparency bills and why “no-brainer” reforms stalled
                          11:21 – Packaging bill, floor debate time, and organized industry opposition
                          12:03 – Redistricting fight, partisan gerrymandering, and the 2014 reforms rollback
                          15:28 – How “independent” is the IRC and what’s really at stake
                          15:57 – Governor–NYC mayor alliance, city influence, and Democratic unity
                          17:18 – Urban aid, tradeoffs, and looming budget crunch

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                          23 min

                        About Power & Politics

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                        A Murrow Award winning podcast that brings you inside the issues impacting our communities. Every week, Tom Eschen sits down with local leaders and power brokers for a frank, sometimes blunt,…

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