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Power & Politics

Power & Politics

Written by: WRGB CBS6 Power And Politics Tom Eschen
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About this listen

 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.Sinclair Broadcast Group Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • NYS Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D) and NYS Asm. Phil Palmesano (R-Corning), May 1st, 2026

    NYS Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D) and NYS Asm. Phil Palmesano (R-Corning), May 1st, 2026
    May 1 2026
    NYS Senator Jeremy Cooney discusses his legislation aimed at creating more State regulation around prediction markets, while NYS Assemblymember Phil Palmesano talks about the late State budget, and his remarks on the floor. [0:00:00] NYS Senator Jeremy Cooney [0:00:52] What Are Prediction Markets? – Popularity, NYC mayoral race, consumer risk [0:02:52] Cooney’s Proposal – DFS oversight, licensing, comparison to other financial products [0:04:12] Sports Betting Angle – Role of Gaming Commission, federal-state turf issues [0:07:49] Ethics and State Worker Ban – Hochul’s order, insider info, need for consistent rules [0:12:24] Asm Phil Palmesano and the late NYS Budget [0:12:39] Palmesano on Energy Bills – Disconnect with voters, push for direct ratepayer relief [0:15:51] Climate Law and Costs – Natural gas vs renewables, NYSERDA memo, cost impacts [0:19:01] Transparency and Power Balance – One-party control, governor vs legislature, delays [0:21:30] Utility Deferment Bill – Asm. Hooks’ proposal, optics of benefiting lawmakers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Rikki Shaw, Former Jane Doe NYS Capital sexual assault victim discusses why she came forward, April 30, 2026

    Rikki Shaw, Former Jane Doe NYS Capital sexual assault victim discusses why she came forward, April 30, 2026
    Apr 30 2026
    More than 20 years after she was a victim of gender-based violence at the New York State Capital, a former Jane Doe discussed her decision to step forward and reveal her identity on Power & Politics this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • Walter Masterson on being arrested at the NYS Capitol, April 27th, 2026

    Walter Masterson on being arrested at the NYS Capitol, April 27th, 2026
    Apr 27 2026
    Walter Masterson is one of 18 people arrested at the New York State Capitol with a court date in Albany this week, charged with 2nd degree Obstructing Governmental Administration. Masterson has about 5 million followers on social media, known for his political satire, street interviews and poking fun at a variety of political ideals. "I don't really get a lot of views off of this," Masterson told CBS6. "I just felt like this is something where I wanted to be on the right side of history." He said business-wise, between a speeding ticket on I87 and the Summons to Albany City Court, he may lose money on the endeavor. Arrest and Inside the Capitol Protest – [0:00:13 – 0:00:30]Tom introduces Walter Masterson, fresh off his arrest at the New York State Capitol, and sets up the protest inside Governor Hochul’s office. Why Protest Hochul: CLCPA, Pipelines, Data Centers – [0:00:30 – 0:02:11]Walter explains the sit‑in at Hochul’s office, New York’s climate law (CLCPA), and how pipelines and AI data centers fit into the fight. Gutting the CLCPA: Drilling, Data Centers, Tariffs, Trump – [0:02:11 – 0:04:25]Walter outlines how weakening the CLCPA enables more drilling and data centers, and argues Hochul is using tariffs and Trump as political cover. From Climate Progress to Climate Backslide – [0:04:25 – 0:06:45]They question whether New York ever fully implemented the CLCPA and warn that Hochul’s moves could undo existing climate progress. Jobs, Fossil Fuels, and Hochul’s Political Identity – [0:06:45 – 0:09:11]Walter disputes the jobs case for oil and gas, says renewables are cheaper long‑term, and claims Hochul is governing more like a Republican. Protest Size, Public Opinion, and Donor Politics – [0:09:11 – 0:12:22]Walter reflects on only 18 arrests, unexpected support from some MAGA voters, and argues Hochul is mainly serving donors, not the public. Moral Stand and Challenging the Duopoly – [0:12:22 – 0:16:43]He frames his arrest as a moral stand that hurts his business, then broadens out to criticize unchecked power and the two‑party duopoly. Platforming Voices and What Comes Next – [0:16:43 – end]Walter explains how he uses interviews to amplify populist, working‑class voices, expose insidious actors, and previews future protest plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
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