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PODCAST

Up Close with Bill Ritter

WABC-TV, Bill Ritter

“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

news politics

All Episodes

27:39

Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman on New York...

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/04/05

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the latest on the race for New York governor.New polls show the race for governor of New York narrowing a bit. Democrat incumbent Kathy Hochul still has a big lead over Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman. Blakeman is the current Nassau County Executive and a staunch backer of President Donald Trump. We speak with him about the race and what he would do as governor. Meanwhile, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is in a big push for taxes on big

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27:41

Assessing the deadly plane crash at LaGuardia Airport

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/03/29

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the deadly crash between a plane and fire truck at LaGuardia Airport.An Air Canada plane last Sunday slammed into a Port Authority fire truck at around 100 mph. The pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crushed cockpit. Meanwhile, 41 others were also injured. So, how did this happen and how do we keep it from happening again? We talk to ABC News Aviation Expert Retired Col. Steve Ganyard and Eyewitness News helicopter reporter John Del

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28:45

New York Rep. Tom Suozzi reacts to war with Iran

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/03/22

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the latest on the war with Iran and its impact on the U.S. The Pentagon is now asking for $200 billion to fund the war in Iran, that's in addition to all the money that was spent already. As the deadly bombing and missile attacks continue, the price of oil keeps soaring. There's also worry that it could fuel inflation on other items, from flights, to groceries and much more. Joining us to discuss is New York Congressman Tom Suozzi. He talks about the

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27:40

Rep. Gregory Meeks on war with Iran, security...

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/03/15

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the ongoing local and national security concerns amid the war with Iran.Last weekend, the NYPD says two men tried to set off homemade bombs during a protest near Gracie Mansion, the place that houses the city's mayor. New York City and the country have been on heightened terror alert since the U.S. and Israel jointly attacked Iran. On Thursday, a vehicle rammed into a synagogue in Michigan and started a fire there. The driver of the vehicle was then

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27:41

New York House Rep. Latimer on escalating tensions...

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/03/08

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the escalating tensions in the Middle East following joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran.The U.S. and Israel continue with a war they launched against Iran. It's a war that President Donald Trump says could go on for weeks. The reasons for going to war in the first place, and the goals the president is trying to achieve, both are still not entirely clear. The president went to war without congressional approval. Most Republican members of Congress are

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27:40

New Jersey Sen. Kim on Trump's State of the Union

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/03/01

On this edition of Up Close, one local politician gives his reaction to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. Amid mixed approval ratings and a fight to keep Republicans in control of Congress, President Trump gave the longest State of the Union speech in U.S. history on Tuesday night. During the nearly two-hour talk, Trump claimed the U.S. now has a roaring economy. The president also spent no shortage of time attacking Democrats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said

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28:45

What's next after SCOTUS strikes down Trump tariffs

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/02/22

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the latest defeat for President Donald Trump's economic agenda by the U.S. Supreme Court following its ruling over his administration's imposed tariffs.The high court struck down most of the tariffs that Trump has been imposing on countries around the world. The president using it as a big foreign policy tool and as a lever against big business and countries that aren't doing what the Trump administration wants. Critics say the cost of tariffs is

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27:41

Who is Analilia Mejia, Democratic nominee for NJ-11

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/02/15

Analilia Mejia sent political shockwaves everywhere after winning the Democratic nomination for New Jersey's 11th Congressional district.It was the seat held by Mikie Sherrill before she became governor of the Garden State. Mejia co-founded the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and worked on Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign back in 2020. Her win marks another big victory for progressives. So, how did she win? And what does Mejia plan to do if she's elected in a special election in

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28:55

New York Rep. Mike Lawler on deadly ICE shootings in...

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/02/08

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the latest on President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown on undocumented immigrants across the U.S."We Need to Wake Up After Minneapolis." These words aren't from a Democrat, nor are they from someone who never voted for Trump either. Those words are from Republican New York Congressman Mike Lawler. It came after weeks of protests over the deadly ICE shootings of two Americans: Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. This morning, we talk to

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27:39

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis on redistricting war over...

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/02/01

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

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26:09

One-on-one with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/01/18

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

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27:40

New York Sen. Gillibrand on Minnesota shooting,...

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/01/11

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

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27:40

The inauguration of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2026/01/04

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss reaction to the inauguration of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the road that lies ahead for him. It is the start of a new era in New York City politics. Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic socialist, became the 112th mayor of New York on Thursday. Mamdani's promises include making the city more affordable, free buses and universal child care, just to name a few. We take a look at the promises the new mayor made at his inauguration and the

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28:18

Outgoing NJ Gov. Murphy and FDNY Commissioner Tucker

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2025/12/21

On this edition of Up Close, we speak with outgoing New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker in our latest series of exit interviews.As we get ready to bid adieu to 2025, Up Close has interviews with two prominent newsmakers who are leaving their jobs. Up first is our interview New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. The Garden State governor opens up about his successes and challenges over the last eight years. Also on our program: New York City Fire Commissioner Robert

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27:40

Understanding the fight against Alzheimer's disease

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2025/12/14

On this edition of Up Close, we take a closer look at Alzheimer's disease after one local politician from New Jersey recently opened up about his father's diagnosis.U.S. Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey is talking deeply from his heart about his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis and the journey his family is now on. Kim's father immigrated from South Korea as a young man, came here and earned a doctorate in genetics. His father's medical research included ways to fight cancer and Alzheimer's

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15:01

Phil Murphy talks closing of a chapter as NJ...

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2025/12/13

"It's Jersey baby!" Governor Phil Murphy talked with Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter about his tenure running the state of New Jersey, the incoming governor and his next chapter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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28:40

Eric Adams' exit interview: Mayor reflects on tenure,...

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2025/12/06

An optimistic and defiant Mayor Eric Adams sat down with Bill Ritter at Gracie Mansion on Friday, reflecting on his tenure, legacy and future endeavors as he prepares to leave office come January 1, 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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26:48

Dementia: The Caregivers' Journey | Special...

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2025/11/25

In a special podcast produced by the WABC-TV Community Affairs Department, we present "Dementia: The Caregivers' Journey."Host Nina Pineda examines the challenges that caregivers face as they help a loved one with dementia. She discusses her experience taking the "Virtual Dementia Tour, " an experience created by the Act Now Foundation, a New Jersey nonprofit that helps caregivers of those with the condition. The tour gives caregivers immersive insights into the complex difficulties their loved

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27:40

Nassau County Executive Blakeman talks possible run...

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2025/11/23

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will come to office with high hopes and an ambitious agenda that includes free buses and universal childcare.Can he accomplish those campaign promises, and how will he do it? And how will he deal with the New Yorkers who didn't vote for him? On this edition of Up Close, we talk to former New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who is the executive committee chair of the New York State Democratic Party. She talks about what the new mayor has to do. Also

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27:40

What lies ahead after longest government shutdown in...

Up Close with Bill Ritter ·

2025/11/16

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss what lies ahead for Americans following the end to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.The longest shutdown in the history of the federal government ended Wednesday night after 43 days. In order to shut down the shutdown, eight Democrats in the Senate agreed to join Republicans and allow a measure for funding to go through. What Democrats did not get, however, were subsidies for Obamacare, which expire this year. Next year, the big

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