Power & Politics

WRGB CBS6, Power And Politics, Tom Eschen

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, conversation about the current political environment and how their decisions and stances shape and alter all of our lives. Whether it’s your tax bill, public safety, schools, immigration, or healthcare – politics affects every day and every aspect of your life. From the corridors of power to the heart of the debate, this podcast aims to ask the tough questions you want answered – to hold leaders accountable, to cut through the rhetoric and the canned responses. It’s a conversation that really matters.

  1. 2d ago

    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. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min

  2. Jun 26

    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 overviewNew York primary results; NY-21 setup and guest introductions 0:56 – Peter Guidarelli on Constantino vs. SmullenTrump endorsement, money, and outsider vs. insider framing 4:00 – Organization, county committees, and turnoutHow money plus Trump shaped the primary 7:03 – Positioning for the general in NY-21Constantino’s message, independents, DSA label on Democrats, partisan lean of the district 9:48 – Solar farms and upstate backlashClimate policy, farmland preservation, and risks for Democrats in the North Country 12:10 – “Man of the district” questionsConstantino’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 dynamicsGOP strategy, Constantino’s spending, and Democratic identity crisis after DSA gains 23:54 – Younger voters and socialismAppeal of democratic socialism, GOP opportunity on environment, generational shifts in both parties 24:10 – Governor’s race: Hochul vs. BlakemanAffordability, climate policies, Trump alignment, and the Vote Affordable line 28:31 – Transition to Jason PalmerNational lens on NY primaries and DSA’s surge 28:44 – A “political earthquake” on the leftDSA wins, Mondami’s influence, party tensions among Democrats 30:31 – Person vs. label and DSA’s growthComparisons to Tea Party/MAGA and what Democrats should learn 32:22 – NY-21 from the Democratic sideModerates vs. “socialist” caricatures and messaging challenges 34:27 – Future of the Democratic PartyBig-tent vs. left insurgency and reclaiming working-class voters 35:37 – Together’s strategyYounger, centrist candidates in purple districts and a shrinking political center 36:36 – The Trump factorPrimary strength, general-election liability, and how endorsements shape both parties 39:13 – AI and politicsRegulation, backlash to data centers, and why Congress needs AI-literate members 40:23 – AI on the issue agenda & closeWhere AI ranks among voter concerns, and podcast subscribe CTA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min

  3. Jun 22 ·  Bonus

    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, NYPIRG00:29 – Hochul’s budget “hostage” strategy and compressed legislative calendar01:33 – Primaries, pay pressure, and why lawmakers left Albany02:04 – Governor’s constitutional budget power and late-budget leverage04:05 – Pros and cons of strong executive power and secretive budget add-ons05:34 – Lobbying muscle in Albany: Uber, auto insurance, and rising spending06:19 – What needs to change: extenders, reforms, and an independent budget office07:17 – Legislative leadership, lack of political will, and fear of courts09:19 – Missed transparency bills and why “no-brainer” reforms stalled11:21 – Packaging bill, floor debate time, and organized industry opposition12:03 – Redistricting fight, partisan gerrymandering, and the 2014 reforms rollback15:28 – How “independent” is the IRC and what’s really at stake15:57 – Governor–NYC mayor alliance, city influence, and Democratic unity17:18 – Urban aid, tradeoffs, and looming budget crunch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min

  4. Jun 19

    NY 21st Congressional District Democratic Primary Debate, Blake Gendebien and Stuart Amoriell, June 19th, 2026

    Blake Gendebien and Stuart Amoriell are competing in the New York 21st Congressional District Democratic Primary, and debated at the CBS6 studios prior to the election. The moderator is CBS6's Tom Eschen. 00:00:00 – Introduction and Debate Rules00:01:31 – Stuart Amoriell Opening Statement00:03:11 – Blake Gendebien Opening Statement00:04:41 – “What Kind of Democrat Are You?” – Ideology and Coalition-Building00:09:04 – Key Differences Between the Candidates00:12:07 – Immigration Policy: Border Security, ICE, and Guest Workers00:21:56 – Farmers, Gas Prices, and the Iran War Debate00:29:25 – “Showing Up”: Constituent Services and Presence in the District00:34:34 – Trump Administration, Checks and Balances, and Use of Power00:41:33 – Establishment vs. Grassroots: Endorsements, Money in Politics, and Motivation to Run00:45:43 – Green Energy vs. Farmland: Solar, Hydro, and Local Rates00:49:43 – Rapid Fire: Biden 2024, 2028 Democratic Field, and the Olympics in Lake Placid00:51:10 – Blake Gendebien Closing Statement00:52:41 – Stuart Amoriell Closing Statement and Sign-off This debate was recorded on June 11, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min

  5. Jun 19

    Albany County Executive Dan McCoy discusses decision to pull the plan for a new bus terminal in Albany's South End, June 19th, 2026

    Albany County Executive Dan McCoy joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing his decision to pull the plan for a new bus terminal in Albany's South End. The decision came less than 24 hours after McCoy posted an update on the project on social media, saying: "The Advance Albany County Alliance, in partnership with Albany County, is advancing plans for the development of a new Intercity Bus Terminal at 106 South Pearl Street." As for what changed, McCoy said it was a buildup of certain opposition to the project. 00:00 – IntroTom Eschen introduces Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and the South End bus terminal debate. 00:29 – Why this siteMcCoy explains why bus companies wanted the former McDonald’s site and his vision to fix an “eyesore.” 03:53 – Pushback and pivotHe describes local opposition and shifting the property toward arena overflow and a potential sale. 13:21 – Timeline and fundingMcCoy talks about timeline of project and lays out how the project fit into a larger downtown funding package. 17:41 – Dropping the planHe explains why he’s walking away to focus on other county priorities and projects. 19:40 – Was it worth it?Tom Eschen asks if the process was a waste; McCoy reflects on loud voices versus broader community sentiment. 21:37 – What should go there?He recounts alternative ideas and argues the bus terminal was one of few viable options. 23:08 – Working with the new mayorMcCoy says future city projects will follow the new mayor’s vision, with the county in a supporting role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    18 min

  6. Jun 12

    NYS Comptroller Democratic Primary Debate, Drew Warshaw and Raj Goyle, June 12th, 2026

    Drew Warshaw and Raj Goyle, Democratic candidates for NYS Comptroller, discuss their priorities and motivations in running for office at the CBS6 Studios in Schenectady. NYS Incumbent Comptroller Tom DiNapoli was invited, but declined the invitation. 0:00 – Introduction and Debate Setup0:24 – Opening Statements: Goyle2:38 – Opening Statements: Warshaw4:11 – Why Run Now? Trump, ICE, and Pension Politics8:23 – Palantir, ICE, and Israel Bonds Debate10:35 – What Is the Comptroller’s Job? Competing Definitions and Powers13:18 – Pension Fund, Housing Crisis, and Investing Outside New York19:24 – State Budget Growth, Tier 6, and Taxing the Rich21:44 – Medicaid, Utility Bills, and “Value for Money” in State Spending32:01 – Upstate Cities in Crisis, Bandwidth, and Municipal Audits (Buffalo Focus)37:16 – Is the Pension Fund Being Politicized? Fossil Fuels, Israel Bonds, Palantir45:13 – Candidate Contrast: Experience, Records, and Progressive Cred49:02 – Rapid-Fire Round: Refund Checks, AI, and Unclaimed Funds53:37 – Closing Statements and Final Appeals to Voters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min

  7. Jun 8

    Bonus: Melinda Person, President of New York State United Teachers, June 8th, 2026

    NYSUT President Melinda Person discusses the organizations recent resolution calling for more restrictions regarding technology and Artificial Intelligence in schools in New York State. 00:00 – Introduction and NYSUT ed tech resolution00:16 – Parent concerns, screen time, and attention research01:31 – Assumption that more tech = more learning challenged03:29 – Computer-based testing vs. paper and pencil options04:28 – AI in classrooms, foundational learning, and guardrails06:07 – Companion chat bots, mental health apps, and student relationships07:05 – Teacher voice in ed tech decisions and AI-detected work09:48 – Technology balance, phone-free schools, and Albany next steps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    15 min

  8. Jun 5

    Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford and Finance Commissioner JoAnne Kiernan on city's budget deficit, June 5th, 2026

    Saratoga Springs, NY — Following an update on the city's finances, displaying a potential $5.1 million budget deficit, the Saratoga City Council approved a hiring freeze on Tuesday night. Finance Commissioner JoAnne Kiernan, who started her term in January 2026, showed the Council a powerpoint presentation detailing the City's financial situation. Kiernan tied the deficit in part to increasing overtime costs, health insurance, retirement and liability insurance. "Our employees and their benefits are 83% of our budget, so any employee-related thing is very expensive," Kiernan told CBS6 on Wednesday. "Everyone is seeing increased utility costs, increased material costs. It's just everything we're in an inflationary period, everything's more expensive." She says the hiring freeze is an "interim solution", giving them time to look deeper into the budget itself. They will now form a recovery leadership team, review vacant positions, identify critical positions and review purchasing, all while developing a revised 2026 budget. 0:00 – Intro & Fiscal SnapshotSetup of the interview and basic outline of the deficit. 1:30 – Deficit Numbers & Unsound BudgetHow the gap grew and why 2025’s budget was a problem. 3:00 – Message to TaxpayersWhy residents need to understand the situation. 4:45 – Public Safety Costs & OvertimeFire/police staffing, overtime, and SAFER grant impact. 8:50 – Structural Budget IssuesOne-year budgeting and missing long-term projections. 10:45 – Hiring Freeze & Immediate ControlsFire hiring freeze and early cost-containment steps. 14:10 – Revenue & BelmontSales, occupancy, parking, cannabis, and Belmont’s net effect. 20:40 – Fund Balance RisksDrawdown of reserves and charter minimum concerns. 23:10 – Looking AheadVacancy review, contract talks, efficiencies, and audits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min
See All (200)

Trailer

About

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, conversation about the current political environment and how their decisions and stances shape and alter all of our lives. Whether it’s your tax bill, public safety, schools, immigration, or healthcare – politics affects every day and every aspect of your life. From the corridors of power to the heart of the debate, this podcast aims to ask the tough questions you want answered – to hold leaders accountable, to cut through the rhetoric and the canned responses. It’s a conversation that really matters.

Information

  • Creator
    WRGB CBS6, Power And Politics, Tom Eschen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sinclair Broadcast Group
  • Show Website
    Power & Politics

You Might Also Like