This Week in Politics: A Reality Check on the States of the States

WNYC News | Jan 19, 2019

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo both gave their State of the State addresses this week. And the two Democrats served up plenty of optimism for the year ahead.

But there was also no avoiding the political realities of 2019.

We look beyond the speeches with New York Times editorial board member, Mara Gay and New Jersey Public Radio's Nancy Solomon. They join David Furst to talk about which proposals will become law, and which will remain legislative fantasy.

While Cuomo used his speech to portray unity against a federal government assaulting New York values, Murphy spent part of his speech launching a surprise sideways attack on the second most powerful Democrat in the state: Senate President Steve Sweeney. Democrats in New York may be ready to unleash a torrent of progressive legislation, but Democrats in New Jersey appear to be preoccupied with sharpening knives.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

One Refugee’s Journey Through ICE Detention

In 2025, ICE began detaining people at immigration hearings, an unprecedented step. The staff writer Jonathan Blitzer shares the story of one detainee whose life was turned upside down.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Black and Latino Leaders React to DSA Wins

Jeffery Mays talks about how Black and Latino political leaders feel as members of DSA have gained power in NYC.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Jewish elected leaders criticize Mamdani’s rhetoric after Upper West Side stabbings

Authorities charged the suspect, Raul Morales, with hate crimes on Friday.
Gothamist |

Cat Cohen's New Comedy Musical 'Broad Strokes'

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE