Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club Episode featuring Michael Blake

Title: INTERVIEW: Michael Blake Talks Affordability In NYC, Housing Justice Plan, Cuomo's Corruption + More
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Release Date: June 17, 2025

Introduction of Michael Blake
Timestamp: 02:29 – 04:36

The episode features Michael Blake, a mayoral candidate for New York City, as the special guest. Hosted by Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Jess Hilarious, the discussion begins with Charlamagne introducing Michael Blake, highlighting his Bronx upbringing, education at Northwestern University, and his extensive experience, including working under Barack Obama in the White House. Michael shares personal insights about his family, community involvement, and his motivations for running for mayor.

Key Quote:
"I came back home because I wanted to help my people. Quite frankly, I wanted to show these young cats on the block that you can grow up on the block and still make it, go to the White House and come home." — Michael Blake [03:07]

Affordability in New York City
Timestamp: 04:36 – 07:45

Michael and Charlamagne delve into the pressing issue of affordability in NYC. Michael emphasizes the need to end the use of credit scores in housing applications, arguing that they do not accurately reflect an individual's ability to pay rent consistently. He advocates for increasing income limits on housing applications based on local median incomes rather than broader county statistics.

Key Quotes:
"We have to have ending credit scores. Credit scores being used for housing applications. Doesn't make sense." — Michael Blake [04:40]
"You should be ranking Michael Blake first for mayor." — Michael Blake [06:10]

Critique of Current Leadership: Mayor Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo
Timestamp: 06:10 – 13:21

The conversation shifts to a critique of current and former NYC leaders. Charlamagne criticizes Mayor Eric Adams for allegedly neglecting his duties and focuses on corruption under Andrew Cuomo's administration, including misconduct and ineffective handling of crises like COVID-19.

Key Quotes:
"He spent more time trying to stay out of jail than actually helping people." — Charlamagne Tha God [06:14]
"15,000 people died in Covid nursing homes because of policies he did." — Charlamagne Tha God [13:07]

Public Safety and Police Funding
Timestamp: 13:21 – 17:36

Michael and Charlamagne discuss public safety, advocating for a shift from traditional policing to a model that incorporates mental health professionals. Michael proposes employing a thousand mental health professionals on the streets to address crises without relying solely on the NYPD. They also touch upon the importance of accountability through measures like police body cameras.

Key Quotes:
"We should have a thousand mental health professionals on subways and streets to help them immediately, as opposed to the NYPD." — Charlamagne Tha God [15:00]
"If someone is struggling, in need, right, help them." — Charlamagne Tha God [15:12]

Housing Justice Plan: Eliminating Credit Scores and Increasing Income Limits
Timestamp: 22:07 – 29:56

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Michael's Housing Justice Plan. He elaborates on eliminating credit scores for housing applications, advocating instead for consistent rent payment histories and higher local median incomes to qualify for housing. This approach aims to make housing more accessible and prevent displacement, especially for minority communities.

Key Quotes:
"Eliminate credit scores for housing applications and assess, have you paid your rent or mortgage on time?" — Charlamagne Tha God [26:48]
"We need to build about 600,000 units to meet the current supply demand." — Michael Blake [30:27]

Congestion Pricing and Public Transportation
Timestamp: 18:02 – 22:07

The topic of congestion pricing is addressed, with Michael critiquing its current implementation as ineffective and burdensome for everyday New Yorkers. He suggests exemptions for residents and public servants and emphasizes the need for better integration with public transportation systems.

Key Quotes:
"If someone is driving into the zone because they want to go to a show, that's their choice. But for those just trying to get by, it doesn't make sense." — Charlamagne Tha God [20:26]
"There's no way we can say in a $115 billion budget, we can't find what we got to pay for." — Michael Blake [17:40]

Campaign Strategy and Endorsements
Timestamp: 07:45 – 10:14

Charlamagne discusses the strategy behind cross-endorsing candidates like Zoran Madani to consolidate support within the Democratic primary. They explain ranked-choice voting and how it empowers voters to rank multiple candidates, ensuring that Michael Blake remains a top contender.

Key Quotes:
"In New York City, you don't have to just vote for one person. You should actually rank five people." — Charlamagne Tha God [08:15]
"If you don't fill out the ballot, you're actually helping other cats." — Charlamagne Tha God [10:14]

Relationship with Barack Obama and Leadership Advice
Timestamp: 33:14 – 38:34

Charlamagne shares anecdotes about Barack Obama’s mentorship, emphasizing the importance of clear messaging and providing voters with choices. Michael highlights Obama's influence on his campaign strategy, stressing consistency and clarity in policy proposals.

Key Quotes:
"Be very clear about why you're running and giving people choice and contrast." — Charlamagne Tha God [33:32]
"Consistency is what people can't stand about politics right now. They feel like you just say something and keep moving." — Charlamagne Tha God [37:53]

Conclusion and Call to Action
Timestamp: 39:48 – 41:23

As the interview wraps up, Charlamagne urges listeners to vote for Michael Blake, highlighting his unique policies and genuine approach. He emphasizes the importance of ranking multiple candidates to ensure Michael’s victory and encourages listeners to support the campaign through donations and volunteer efforts.

Key Quotes:
"Michael Blake is the only candidate saying the truth around ending credit scores for housing applications. If you want someone who can change the game at all levels, I want to be your first choice." — Charlamagne Tha God [39:48]
"Fill out the ballot. Don't just rank me first. Fill out all five spots of your five choices." — Charlamagne Tha God [40:37]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. "We have to have ending credit scores. Credit scores being used for housing applications. Doesn't make sense." — Michael Blake [04:40]
2. "If someone is struggling, in need, right, help them." — Charlamagne Tha God [15:12]
3. "Be very clear about why you're running and giving people choice and contrast." — Charlamagne Tha God [33:32]
4. "Fill out the ballot. Don't just rank me first. Fill out all five spots of your five choices." — Charlamagne Tha God [40:37]

Conclusion

This episode of The Breakfast Club provides an in-depth look into Michael Blake's mayoral campaign, focusing on critical issues such as affordability, housing justice, and public safety in New York City. Through a candid conversation, Blake outlines his policies and critiques of current leadership, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of his platform and vision for the future of NYC.