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Up Close with Bill Ritter

Up Close with Bill Ritter

Written by: WABC-TV Bill Ritter
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About this listen

 “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.Copyright 2025, The Walt Disney Company. All rights reserved. Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Rep. Nicole Malliotakis on redistricting war over NY's 11th Congressional district

    Rep. Nicole Malliotakis on redistricting war over NY's 11th Congressional district
    Feb 1 2026
    On this edition of Up Close, we discuss a legal ruling with big political implications for New York and perhaps the country. A judge ruled that New York's 11th congressional seat, held by Republican Nicole Malliotakis, must now be redrawn. The ruling would make it harder for New York City's only Republican to win reelection. Congresswoman Malliotakis, who says the fight against this is not over, joins Up Close to discuss. Also with his take: Democrat Dan Goldman, who represents neighboring Congressional District 10. We talk with Goldman about the push to change Rep. Malliotakis' district, President Trump's first year in office and controversies over the ICE crackdown. Also coming up: the head of New York City Emergency Management, Zach Iscol. Iscol was appointed to the job by former Mayor Eric Adams back in 2022. Mayor Zohran Mamdani asked Iscol to stay through the winter. So, why is the commissioner leaving next month? The outgoing NYCEM commissioner joins Up Close to talk about his decision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • One-on-one with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani

    One-on-one with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
    Jan 18 2026
    It's been just over two weeks since Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office and became New York City's 112th mayor. He's grabbed national attention for his policy proposals and his outspoken stance on contentious issues like immigration. In a sit-down interview with Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter, the mayor drew a line in the sand, maintaining that New York will remain a sanctuary city. Mamdani also talked about personal topics, like his new home at Gracie Mansion, and whether his parents have offered him advice about the home and being mayor. He said, "yes they have." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • New York Sen. Gillibrand on Minnesota shooting, Venezuela operation and health care battle

    New York Sen. Gillibrand on Minnesota shooting, Venezuela operation and health care battle
    Jan 11 2026
    The new year started with no shortage of political controversies. President Trump ordered a U.S. military operation in Venezuela to capture Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The Trump administration calling it a law enforcement action and insisting it's not an invasion. Meanwhile, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department froze $10 billion in child care funds to New York and four other Democrat-led states. While all this is going on, Obamacare health care premiums have ended for more than 20 million Americans. The Republican-led House and Senate so far resisting Democratic push to extend health care subsidies to lower skyrocketing premiums. Joining Up Close to discuss is Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. And New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in his second week in office continues to push for his ambitious agenda -- from free child care to free buses, to name a few. But can the city afford Mamdani's agenda? New York City's new Comptroller, Mark Levine, gives his take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    28 mins
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