Max Politics Podcast Summary
Episode: Dan Goldman on His Bid for Reelection to Congress in NY-10
Date: January 17, 2026
Host: Ben Max
Guest: Rep. Dan Goldman

Episode Overview

In this episode of Max Politics, host Ben Max engages Congressman Dan Goldman—incumbent Democrat in New York’s 10th Congressional District and former lead counsel in President Trump’s first impeachment—in a far-reaching conversation. With a pivotal primary looming against progressive Brad Lander, Goldman discusses his legislative record, approach to opposition under a Trump administration and Republican Congress, immigration enforcement crises, party unity, and local Democratic politics—including his relationship with the new mayor, Zoram Mamdani, and policy divides over Israel and Gaza. The episode offers a comprehensive look at Goldman's priorities and political philosophy as he seeks reelection in a competitive primary.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Navigating Priorities in Tumultuous Times

[06:22 – 11:13]

• Goldman reflects on the challenge of prioritizing urgent issues in the face of "Donald Trump's strategy…to flood the zone."
• Asserts the need for a multipronged approach: defending the most vulnerable, safeguarding democracy, and countering authoritarian tactics.
  • “Some of the worst stuff he is doing is really attacking our most vulnerable communities... But we cannot leave just to the side his very methodical and intentional attempt to usurp all government power.” (Dan Goldman, 07:49)
• Describes Congressional Democrats' strategies in opposition—leveraging procedural tools like discharge petitions to force action despite minority status.

2. Cracks in Republican Unity and Democratic Leverage

[11:13 – 13:52]

• Cites recent Republican defections—particularly on mental health and Social Security issues—as evidence of pressure working.
• Notable victory: Trump’s failed attempt to claw back $2 billion in mental health and substance abuse funding.
  • “Within 24 hours he rescinded his order to hold back the funding.” (Dan Goldman, 12:38)

3. Civil Rights, ICE Actions, and Homeland Security Appropriations

[13:52 – 24:12]

• Describes the current, aggressive ICE enforcement as the civil rights issue of this era; likens recent ICE activity to “secret police” tactics.

• Calls Kristi Noem (Homeland Security Secretary) “totally unqualified” and supports impeachment efforts against her (19:10).

• Outlines specific legislative proposals:

  • No Secret Police Act—ban ICE agents from operating in masks or without ID.
  • “ICE Out Act”—narrows qualified immunity for ICE officers.
  • New oversight measures for detention facilities.
  • Enhanced transparency and hiring reform for ICE.

• Emphasizes rare leverage in upcoming DHS appropriations and calls for united Democratic opposition until “significant reforms” are enacted.

  “We need to...eliminate ICE and start over with a different agency or entity...” (Dan Goldman, 24:27)

4. Local Action: NYPD’s Role in Resisting ICE Overreach

[25:35 – 31:50]

• Goldman and Lander have both called for NYPD to enforce state/local laws against abusive ICE officers.
• Goldman wrote to Commissioner Tisch encouraging police training to identify when ICE exceeds authority.
  • Cites NYPD positioning between protesters and ICE as a sign of shifting attitudes: “They formed a line…to simmer tensions so that there wouldn't be any more violence.” (Dan Goldman, 28:45)
• Realistically sees local prosecution of ICE misconduct as via after-the-fact DA investigations, not on-the-spot arrests.

5. Democratic Leadership, Intra-party Critique & Party Unity

[31:50 – 39:21]

• Calls for Democrats to use “absolutely every lever” to fight Trump and protect the vulnerable.
• Praises Hakeem Jeffries’s effectiveness as House Democratic Leader, seizing minoritarian leverage when available.
  • “He is effectively governing in many ways from the minority right now, and we're making progress.” (Dan Goldman, 38:24)
• Declines to speak for Schumer or weigh in on Senate dynamics.

6. The Primary Challenge: Goldman vs. Lander

[39:39 – 44:24]

• Goldman says he hasn’t heard a “coherent rationale” for Lander’s challenge, feels record speaks for itself.
• Outlines progressive legislative achievements:
  • Robin Hood Act: “would make the wealthy pay their fair share and generate $30 billion...for universal childcare.” (Dan Goldman, 41:33)
  • Affordable housing tax credit reform, small business Covid refund efforts, and immigrant family support.
• Framing: “The job as a member of Congress is...to be both in Washington and on the ground using the position, using the power...to complement the outside advocacy in order to get results.” (Dan Goldman, 46:48)

7. Answering Progressive Critiques and Local Politics

[44:24 – 58:05]

• Responds to claim he isn’t “organizer” enough: emphasizes balancing inside power with outside allyship (45:19).
• On the district’s progressive leanings and the mayoral election (Mamdani's victory): acknowledges Lander's focus but insists his record is among “the most progressive in Congress” and that the district isn’t monolithic (53:03).
• On Israel/Gaza:
  • Acknowledges both Jewish constituents’ security concerns & the horror of Gaza civilian casualties.
  • Distinguishes between Israel’s government and the state—opposes Netanyahu, supports two-state solution.
  • “Labels are really beside the point...what has happened there has been just devastating, dreadful, and...unacceptable.” (Dan Goldman, 65:17)
  • Open to conditions on U.S. aid where appropriate, especially to prevent settler violence.

8. District & Political Map: Redistricting and Down-ballot Endorsements

[66:44 – 70:40]

• On the possible redistricting that could move him into NY-11 and a general against Malliotakis: open to it if party leadership asks, but focus is “fully” on current district.
• Stays neutral on Velazquez’s and Nadler’s open seats, preferring not to endorse in competitive neighboring primaries.

9. Constituent Services and Closing Statement

[70:40 – end]

• Cites “6,000 constituent cases closed” as evidence of effective on-the-ground work and responsive office.
• “I'm proud of what we've been able to do...and that's really what my focus is, making sure that everybody in the district...has a full picture of what we've done over the last three years.” (Dan Goldman, 71:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On ICE:
  “It is beyond comprehension to me that the American government would send unqualified, untrained, masked agents into our cities to snatch and disappear people who simply look like they may be immigrants.” (Dan Goldman, 14:38)

• On Leadership:
  “He [Jeffries] is effectively governing in many ways from the minority right now, and we're making progress. It's not enough and it's, it's frustrating...but I think he's really figured out how to use those levers, use that leverage when it is there and get, get results.” (Dan Goldman, 38:24)

• On Intra-Party Critique:
  “It's very important to be helping with those [protest/activist] efforts, which I do, but also to recognize that I'm in a unique position as a member of Congress with constitutional authority and a platform…” (Dan Goldman, 46:57)

• On Israel/Gaza:
  “Labels are really beside the point in my view because I certainly agree that what has happened there has been just devastating, dreadful, and as I said, unacceptable.” (Dan Goldman, 65:17)

• On Redistricting:
  “If...Leader Jeffries wants me to run in a different district against a Republican because it gives us an opportunity to flip a seat, you know, I'm a team player...but that's not my focus right now.” (Dan Goldman, 68:12)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 06:22 — Goldman's approach to prioritizing issues in Congress
• 13:52 — Immigration enforcement as the civil rights crisis of the era
• 19:10 — Articles of impeachment against Kristi Noem
• 24:27 — Calls for abolition/replacement of ICE
• 25:35 — NYPD, ICE, and local resistance to federal overreach
• 31:50 — Critique and reflection on Democratic leadership style
• 39:39 — Responding to the rationale for Lander’s challenge
• 45:19 — Balancing inside and outside advocacy
• 54:14 — Handling of Israel-Gaza, rise in antisemitism, and the mayoral relationship
• 63:18 — Position on conditioning US aid to Israel
• 66:44 — Redistricting and potential campaign pivot
• 70:40 — On neighbor district endorsements and constituent services

Flow & Tone

The conversation is candid, wide-ranging, and reflective of Goldman's lawyerly style: both policy-rich and attentive to political realities. He combines frustration over slow progress with pride in tangible wins, balances inside-the-system moves with alliance-building, and marshals both principle and pragmatism in defending his record from the left. Max’s interviewing remains focused, probing for clarity, and frequently grounds discussion in the realities and diversity of NY-10’s politics.

This summary captures all major policy and political points from the episode, structured for clarity—while maintaining the podcast’s dynamic between proactive advocacy, intra-party debate, and constituent-centered values.