Podcast Summary: If Books Could Kill
Episode: UNLOCKED: Eric Adams
Release Date: September 26, 2024

Introduction to Eric Adams

In the episode titled "UNLOCKED: Eric Adams," hosts Michael Hobbes and Peter Shamshiri delve deep into the life and political career of Eric Adams, the 110th Mayor of New York City. Characterized as one of the "weirdest guys in history," Adams serves as the lens through which the hosts explore the complexities and controversies surrounding a prominent political figure during one of the city's most tumultuous times.

Notable Quote:
Michael (00:53): “Eric Adams is the 110th mayor of New York City. He's one of the weirdest guys in history, and he is the mayor at one of the weirder times in history. And this has resulted in me being fascinated with him.”

Early Life and Background

Adams' early life is shrouded in inconsistencies, with the hosts highlighting various instances where his recounting of events appears unreliable. From conflicting accounts of his childhood experiences to questionable claims about his involvement in protests and gang activities, the episode underscores Adams' penchant for storytelling that often blurs the line between fact and fiction.

Notable Quotes:
Peter (04:53): “He's the South Sudan of New York politics.”
Michael (05:17): “A large part of this episode is colored by the fact that Eric Adams is constantly lying.”

Professional Career

Adams embarked on his professional journey as a transit cop in 1984, gradually rising through the ranks while maintaining outspoken views on racism within policing. His tenure was marked by attempts to challenge established figures like Congressman Herman Badillo and confront controversial topics such as the NYPD’s use of stop and frisk.

Notable Quote:
Michael (12:19): “He was fairly outspoken, especially for a cop, about racism in policing throughout his career.”

Transition to Politics

Adams' political aspirations were evident early on, with attempts to enter Congress in the mid-1990s failing amidst allegations of corruption and insufficient support. Despite these setbacks, he founded a group of black police officers advocating for law enforcement reform, positioning himself as a reformer in a predominantly conservative environment.

Notable Quote:
Michael (09:00): “Eric Adams has always wanted to get into politics and that this was always part of his arc in his own mind.”

State Senate Tenure

Elected to the New York State Senate, Adams served two terms where he focused on combating gun violence, as evidenced by a Public Service Announcement (PSA) he produced titled "Combating Gun Violence." The PSA, however, was criticized by the hosts for its unrealistic portrayal of gun-related issues within households.

Notable Quote:
Peter (18:32): “I like that you sent the clip rather than the text. Cause no one can capture it.”

Borough President of Brooklyn

In 2014, Adams was elected as the Brooklyn Borough President, a largely ceremonial role. The hosts describe him as a "retail politician" more interested in public appearances and ethnic celebrations than in governance, suggesting a disconnect between his public persona and effective policymaking.

Notable Quote:
Michael (24:02): “It's just a way of sort of, like, shifting the Overton window by sort of lying about where it currently sits.”

Ethical Issues and Corruption Allegations

Adams' career is marred by numerous allegations of dishonesty and corruption. From misleading narratives about his youth involvement with gangs to accusations of manipulating campaign finances with straw donors linked to Turkish interests, the episode paints a picture of a politician embroiled in ethical controversies.

Notable Quotes:
Michael (07:02): “It's just not true. But, you know, welcome to the Eric Adams episode.”
Peter (45:14): “The Fed sees Eric Adams phone. It's classic Eric Adams. It's corrupt.”

Mayoral Run and Election

Adams secured the mayoral seat in 2021 by positioning himself as a moderate alternative, balancing his reformist roots with a tough-on-crime platform. This strategic pivot allowed him to garner support from both reform advocates and traditional law enforcement, although the hosts argue that his promises to progressives remained unfulfilled.

Notable Quote:
Michael (28:01): “He seems to believe that certain crystals have healing properties and other powers.”

Tenure as Mayor: Policies and Initiatives

As mayor, Adams has initiated several controversial policies. His attempts to address the city's rat problem were met with ridicule, portraying him as out of touch with New Yorkers' lived experiences. Additionally, his stance on police reforms has shifted towards supporting traditional law enforcement measures, contradicting his earlier reformist image.

Notable Quotes:
Eric Adams (38:27): “The idea is that the rats have gotten too cocky.”
Michael (37:24): “I think he's just been unabashedly pro police, anti reform during his tenure and completely abandoned the progressive side of his base.”

Public Perception and Media Coverage

Adams' approval ratings have plummeted, with public sentiment reflecting widespread dissatisfaction. Media outlets have portrayed him as a symbol of the Democratic Party's internal conflicts, with his policies alienating both progressive voters and failing to deliver substantive changes. The hosts critique media narratives that either elevate him as a moderate savior or condemn him as ineffectual and deceitful.

Notable Quotes:
Michael (49:05): “Eric Adams is making white liberals squirm.”
Peter (54:52): “Joe Manchin is one of the most unpopular politicians in America.”

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a scathing assessment of Eric Adams, likening him to a "lefty Trump" and asserting that his blend of dishonesty, political maneuvering, and failed policies render him an unpopular and ineffective leader. The hosts express skepticism about his future in politics, emphasizing the low approval ratings and the persistent controversies that continue to tarnish his reputation.

Notable Quotes:
Michael (58:27): “What Eric Adams tenure actually proved is that, no, progressives are a sizable constituency, at least in New York, because they fucking hate him.”
Peter (59:09): “Something as simple as a crack pipe.”

Key Takeaways

• Unreliable Narrator: Eric Adams' recounting of his early life and career is often inconsistent and questionable.
• Political Maneuvering: His shift from a reformist to a tough-on-crime stance suggests a strategic, rather than principled, approach to politics.
• Controversial Policies: Initiatives like the "trash revolution" and rat control measures have been met with public ridicule and skepticism.
• Corruption Allegations: Persistent allegations of campaign finance violations and ties to foreign donors have marred his administration.
• Public Discontent: Low approval ratings and significant opposition from progressive factions highlight the challenges of his mayoral tenure.

Notable Moments and Quotes

• Citing Multiple Cities:
  Eric Adams (01:57): “Everyone knows that New York City is the Athens of America, is the Istanbul of America, is the key of America the soul of America. We are the Tel Aviv of America. New York City is the Islamabad of America. The Zagreb of America. We are the Lima of America. New York City is Mexico city of America. This is the doubling of America.”

• PSA on Gun Violence:
  Eric Adams (18:32): “What I would like to show here is to empower parents on how to search a room inside their home.”

• Trash Revolution Announcement:
  Eric Adams (39:31): “Welcome to our trash revolution.”

• Corruption Allegations:
  Michael (45:14): “The Fed sees Eric Adams phone. It's classic Eric Adams. It's corrupt.”

Final Thoughts

"UNLOCKED: Eric Adams" offers a critical examination of a complex political figure, highlighting the discrepancies between his public persona and actions. Through incisive analysis and pointed commentary, the hosts present a narrative that challenges listeners to question the integrity and efficacy of one of New York City's most controversial mayors.