Up Close with Bill Ritter

WABC-TV, Bill Ritter
  • 5.0 (1)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

“Up Close” is a politics podcast from the No. 1 TV station in the United States, WABC-TV. Hosted by Eyewitness News veteran anchor Bill Ritter, Up Close gets to the heart of the matter, whether it’s about how things are working in government - or how they’re not working. It shows you how public-policy decisions are made. This Eyewitness News podcast goes beyond the headlines and underneath the surface of politics. Sound bites don’t do that – conversation does. Our guests – varied and diverse - are from both sides of the aisle. In addition to full episodes of Up Close, I'm going to be sharing extra content -- interviews, perspective, news digests and more.

  1. APR 5

    Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman on New York gubernatorial race

    On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the latest on the race for New York governor. New polls show the race for governor of New York narrowing a bit. Democrat incumbent Kathy Hochul still has a big lead over Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman. Blakeman is the current Nassau County Executive and a staunch backer of President Donald Trump. We speak with him about the race and what he would do as governor. Meanwhile, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is in a big push for taxes on big corporations in New York City. The push is to help pay for his proposed programs and to make up for the over $5 billion deficit. So, how is the critically important business community reacting to all this? And will some of them decide to move a portion or all of their business to low-tax states? This morning, we talk to Steve Fulop, the former mayor of Jersey City, who is now the president of Partnership for New York City. The group represents businesses in the country's biggest city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    28 min

  2. MAR 29

    Assessing the deadly plane crash at LaGuardia Airport

    On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the deadly crash between a plane and fire truck at LaGuardia Airport. An Air Canada plane last Sunday slammed into a Port Authority fire truck at around 100 mph. The pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crushed cockpit. Meanwhile, 41 others were also injured. So, how did this happen and how do we keep it from happening again? We talk to ABC News Aviation Expert Retired Col. Steve Ganyard and Eyewitness News helicopter reporter John Del Giorno. Also ahead, the latest on the travel chaos for airline passengers at airports amid the partial U.S. government shutdown. The partial government shutdown over funding the Department of Homeland Security has stretched more than 40 days. Late Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA workers and end the long lines at airports. Then, the Senate approved a funding measure. So, was this crisis avoidable? This morning, we talk to New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    28 min

  3. MAR 22

    New York Rep. Tom Suozzi reacts to war with Iran

    On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the latest on the war with Iran and its impact on the U.S. The Pentagon is now asking for $200 billion to fund the war in Iran, that's in addition to all the money that was spent already. As the deadly bombing and missile attacks continue, the price of oil keeps soaring. There's also worry that it could fuel inflation on other items, from flights, to groceries and much more. Joining us to discuss is New York Congressman Tom Suozzi. He talks about the war, its impact and when President Donald Trump's deadly battle with Iran may come to an end. Also ahead, he's a former teacher, a former principal and a former school superintendent. You may not have heard about Kamar Samuels until now. As the current New York City Schools Chancellor, Samuels is in charge of the largest school system in the country. This morning, we talk to the chancellor about his plans for the school system, Mayor Zohran Mamdani's push to open up 2-K and 3-K as well as mayoral control over city schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    29 min

  4. MAR 15

    Rep. Gregory Meeks on war with Iran, security concerns in NY

    On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the ongoing local and national security concerns amid the war with Iran. Last weekend, the NYPD says two men tried to set off homemade bombs during a protest near Gracie Mansion, the place that houses the city's mayor. New York City and the country have been on heightened terror alert since the U.S. and Israel jointly attacked Iran. On Thursday, a vehicle rammed into a synagogue in Michigan and started a fire there. The driver of the vehicle was then shot and killed. So, how real is the threat to the U.S., and how do you protect it? This morning, we talk to a security expect about this. Plus, President Donald Trump offering a public, and at times puzzling, statement that the U.S. has already won the war with Iran. But if that's true, why does the U.S. and Israel keep on bombing Iran? And if Iran is defeated, why does it keep firing missiles at Israel and neighboring countries? Joining us to discuss is New York Congressman Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    28 min

  5. MAR 8

    New York House Rep. Latimer on escalating tensions amid war with Iran

    On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the escalating tensions in the Middle East following joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. The U.S. and Israel continue with a war they launched against Iran. It's a war that President Donald Trump says could go on for weeks. The reasons for going to war in the first place, and the goals the president is trying to achieve, both are still not entirely clear. The president went to war without congressional approval. Most Republican members of Congress are standing behind the president and his decision. Democrats, however, are mostly critical that the president went to war without getting approval from Congress. This morning, we talk to New York Congressman George Latimer, who is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Also ahead, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin is making history as the first Jewish woman to hold the job. So, how is she getting along with the city's first Muslim mayor? Both have a mantra -- that they're working for everyone who is a New Yorker. We talk with Menin about the budget deficits, her push to keep protesters away from houses of worship and a lot more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    28 min

  6. MAR 1

    New Jersey Sen. Kim on Trump's State of the Union

    On this edition of Up Close, one local politician gives his reaction to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. Amid mixed approval ratings and a fight to keep Republicans in control of Congress, President Trump gave the longest State of the Union speech in U.S. history on Tuesday night. During the nearly two-hour talk, Trump claimed the U.S. now has a roaring economy. The president also spent no shortage of time attacking Democrats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the president "spewed lies, propaganda and hatred." This morning, we get reaction from Democratic U.S. Senator from New Jersey, Andy Kim. Meanwhile, there's quite a battle over the congressional seat in the Garden State left vacant after the election of Gov. Mikie Sherrill. Democratic nominee Analila Mejia is facing Republican nominee Joe Hathaway in a special general election next month. Hathaway is currently the mayor of Randolph, New Jersey. Bill Ritter sits down with Hathaway to discuss his campaign and message to voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    28 min

  7. FEB 22

    What's next after SCOTUS strikes down Trump tariffs

    On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the latest defeat for President Donald Trump's economic agenda by the U.S. Supreme Court following its ruling over his administration's imposed tariffs. The high court struck down most of the tariffs that Trump has been imposing on countries around the world. The president using it as a big foreign policy tool and as a lever against big business and countries that aren't doing what the Trump administration wants. Critics say the cost of tariffs is eventually passed onto consumers in the form of high prices. So, where do we go from here? We talk to New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer and New York Congressman Dan Goldman about this decision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    29 min

  8. FEB 15

    Who is Analilia Mejia, Democratic nominee for NJ-11

    Analilia Mejia sent political shockwaves everywhere after winning the Democratic nomination for New Jersey's 11th Congressional district. It was the seat held by Mikie Sherrill before she became governor of the Garden State. Mejia co-founded the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and worked on Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign back in 2020. Her win marks another big victory for progressives. So, how did she win? And what does Mejia plan to do if she's elected in a special election in April? This morning, we ask her these questions and what she would do as a congresswoman. Plus, the Trump administration, under huge pressure nationwide, ended its controversial surge of ICE agents in Minneapolis. But now funding for the Department of Homeland Security has been held up by Congress over ICE agents' actions and tactics, including two killings of American citizens. New York House Rep. Adriano Espaillat weighs in on President Trump's immigration crackdown and where it goes from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    28 min
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About

“Up Close” is a politics podcast from the No. 1 TV station in the United States, WABC-TV. Hosted by Eyewitness News veteran anchor Bill Ritter, Up Close gets to the heart of the matter, whether it’s about how things are working in government - or how they’re not working. It shows you how public-policy decisions are made. This Eyewitness News podcast goes beyond the headlines and underneath the surface of politics. Sound bites don’t do that – conversation does. Our guests – varied and diverse - are from both sides of the aisle. In addition to full episodes of Up Close, I'm going to be sharing extra content -- interviews, perspective, news digests and more.

Information

  • Creator
    WABC-TV, Bill Ritter
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    141
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026, The Walt Disney Company. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Up Close with Bill Ritter