Podcast Summary: Smart Girl Dumb Questions – "Who’s Running for NYC Mayor?" with Eric Adams
Release Date: August 1, 2025
In this compelling episode of Smart Girl Dumb Questions, host Nayeema Raza sits down with Eric Adams, the current Mayor of New York City, who is running for re-election in a highly contested race. The conversation delves deep into the complexities of governing one of the world's most dynamic cities, exploring Adams' policies, challenges, and visions for the future of NYC.
1. The Role of the Mayor vs. the President
Eric Adams begins by emphasizing the significance of his role compared to the President of the United States.
Eric Adams [02:01]: "There are moments, I believe, for the individual person, being mayor is more challenging than being president."
Adams highlights the Mayor's visibility and direct interaction with the community, contrasting it with the more insulated and secure life of the President.
2. Embracing the "Nightlife Mayor" Identity
Adams proudly identifies as the "Nightlife Mayor," a title reflecting his commitment to revitalizing NYC's bustling nightlife and supporting the workers within the industry.
Eric Adams [03:26]: "As this nightlife mayor, when I came into office, our nightlife industry was decimated. Covid."
He discusses his hands-on approach, frequently visiting kitchens and engaging with restaurant staff to understand and address their needs.
3. Background and Personal Journey
Adams shares his humble beginnings in Jamaica, Queens, and the challenges he faced growing up, including undiagnosed dyslexia and encounters with law enforcement.
Eric Adams [05:24]: "People want the person who drives the limousine to be able to afford to be in the city and a person who sits in the back of the limousine to understand their contribution."
His narrative underscores his commitment to representing all New Yorkers, from the working class to affluent communities.
4. Policies on Affordability and Economic Support
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Adams' initiatives to make NYC more affordable and financially supportive for its residents.
Eric Adams [08:50]: "People don't know that we put $30 billion back in the pockets of New Yorkers. We are paying off medical debt."
He elaborates on forgiving medical debts and eliminating income taxes for low-income individuals, aiming to alleviate financial burdens on the city's most vulnerable populations.
5. Critique of Opponent Zoramdani's Policies
Adams critically examines his opponent Zoramdani's promise of free buses, questioning the feasibility and funding of such an initiative.
Eric Adams [16:23]: "The free buses... he knows he can't deliver."
He argues that Zoramdani's proposals lack practical implementation strategies, especially without support from the state legislature.
6. Media Representation and Communication Challenges
Adams expresses frustration over how his administration's achievements are underreported, attributing it to a biased media landscape.
Eric Adams [22:40]: "They never get what we have done... They don’t know I paid off medical debt."
He emphasizes the importance of direct communication channels, such as his podcasts, to share his policies and successes with the public.
7. Relationships with Other Political Figures
The conversation touches on Adams' interactions with prominent figures like Donald Trump and Andrew Cuomo, highlighting the complexities of political alliances and oppositions.
Eric Adams [44:13]: "President Biden said the Justice Department under him was politicized. He pardoned his son."
Adams discusses how both Trump and Biden have commented on his legal challenges, framing them within broader political narratives.
8. Addressing Crime and Public Safety
Adams delves into the multifaceted issue of crime in NYC, identifying severe mental health issues, random acts of violence, and flaws in the criminal justice system as key factors.
Eric Adams [52:25]: "One, severe mental health issues... Number two, random acts of violence... Number three, revolving door."
He outlines initiatives to improve mental health services, enhance public safety measures, and reform bail policies to reduce recidivism.
9. Immigration and Sanctuary City Status
Adams firmly defends NYC's status as a sanctuary city, advocating for compassionate yet secure immigration policies.
Eric Adams [48:38]: "If you pay taxes, those taxes go to the delivery of goods and services. You have a right to call the police if you're a victim of a crime."
He contrasts his stance with Trump's policies, emphasizing the city's commitment to supporting all residents while maintaining public safety.
10. Sanitation Efforts and Rat Control
The Mayor discusses his administration's proactive measures to manage NYC's sanitation issues and combat the pervasive rat population.
Eric Adams [68:06]: "We're exploring different things... It's an urban myth."
He highlights the success of initiatives like containerizing garbage and increasing park maintenance to create a cleaner urban environment.
11. Healthcare Innovations
Adams shares innovative healthcare policies, including forgiving medical debt and introducing plant-based menus in hospitals to promote preventative health measures.
Eric Adams [59:11]: "We're now having plant based food as a default menu in all of our hospitals and it has been a success."
These measures aim to improve public health outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
12. Education and Mental Health in Schools
Focusing on the younger generation, Adams talks about incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation in schools to enhance emotional intelligence and resilience.
Eric Adams [65:54]: "We have to really start giving our children the tools they need to go inward and survive."
He underscores the importance of addressing mental health proactively within the education system.
13. Final Thoughts and Personal Insights
In a light-hearted segment, Adams shares personal preferences and engages in a “lightning round” with fun questions about food and leisure, humanizing his public persona.
Eric Adams [69:45]: "I make my own cauliflower crust pizza with vegan cheese, some tomatoes, some seasoning and avocado."
Conclusion
The episode provides an in-depth look into Eric Adams' administration, highlighting his dedication to economic support, public safety, and inclusive governance. Adams' candid responses and comprehensive policy discussions offer listeners a nuanced understanding of his approach to leading New York City amidst contemporary challenges.
Notable Quotes:
- Eric Adams [02:01]: "Being mayor is more challenging than being president."
- Eric Adams [08:50]: "We are paying off medical debt."
- Eric Adams [16:23]: "The free buses... he knows he can't deliver."
- Eric Adams [22:40]: "They don’t know I paid off medical debt."
- Eric Adams [48:38]: "If you pay taxes, those taxes go to the delivery of goods and services."
- Eric Adams [52:25]: "Number three, revolving door."
- Eric Adams [59:11]: "Plant based food as a default menu in all of our hospitals."
- Eric Adams [65:54]: "Give our children the tools they need to go inward and survive."
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the conversation between Nayeema Raza and Eric Adams, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed in the episode.