PODCAST · news
Up Close with Liz Cho
by 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 anchor Liz Cho, 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 from both sides of the aisle. In addition to full episodes of Up Close, I'm going to be sharing extra content -- interviews, perspective, news digests and more.
Episodes
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Eyewitness News Town Hall: Measles
With measles cases on the rise - and new infections reported in New York City and on Long Island - our communities are once again confronting a preventable public health risk. ABC 7 New York brought trusted medical experts together for an Eyewitness News Town Hall to answer your questions about...
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Ray Tierney reflects on the Gilgo Beach murder case
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney joins us on Up Close this week following the guilty plea of Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann, who admitted to murdering eight women. The case, which haunted Long Island and captured national attention, took years to solve despite spanning nearly...
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Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman on New York gubernatorial race
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…
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Assessing the deadly plane crash at LaGuardia Airport
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...
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New York Rep. Tom Suozzi reacts to war with Iran
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...
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Rep. Gregory Meeks on war with Iran, security concerns in NY
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…
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New York House Rep. Latimer on escalating tensions amid war with Iran
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…
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New Jersey Sen. Kim on Trump's State of the Union
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...
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What's next after SCOTUS strikes down Trump tariffs
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…
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Who is Analilia Mejia, Democratic nominee for NJ-11
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...
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New York Rep. Mike Lawler on deadly ICE shootings in Minneapolis
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...
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Rep. Nicole Malliotakis on redistricting war over NY's 11th Congressional district
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...
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One-on-one with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
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...
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New York Sen. Gillibrand on Minnesota shooting, Venezuela operation and health care battle
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...
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The inauguration of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani
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...
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Outgoing NJ Gov. Murphy and FDNY Commissioner Tucker
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...
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Understanding the fight against Alzheimer's disease
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...
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Phil Murphy talks closing of a chapter as NJ governor, his legacy and what's next
"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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Eric Adams' exit interview: Mayor reflects on tenure, legacy and future endeavors
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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Dementia: The Caregivers' Journey | Special Eyewitness News Podcast
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...
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Nassau County Executive Blakeman talks possible run for NY governor
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…
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What lies ahead after longest government shutdown in US history ends
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...
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Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Up Close
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani joined Bill Ritter for an exclusive interview on Up Close on Sunday following his historic win in the November general election. The 34-year-old state assemblyman will become the youngest New York mayor in more than a century. He will also be the first...
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NJ Governor-elect Sherrill on election victory; NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani makes history
On this edition of Up Close, we sit down and talk with Mikie Sherrill, the Governor-elect of New Jersey, following her historic win in the November general election. Sherrill became only the second woman ever and first female Democrat to be elected governor of New Jersey. It was a hard-fought...
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Mikie Sherrill calls election victory a 'warning sign' to GOP in Up Close interview
New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill sat down with Bill Ritter for Up Close, discussing her resounding victory over Republican Jack Ciattarelli on Election night, and what she would do on day one as governor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Countdown to the Election: Candidates for NYC mayor, NJ governor make final case to voters
In this episode of "The Countdown," we analyze the races for New York City Mayor and New Jersey governor, as the candidates make their final case to voters ahead of Election Day on Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Countdown to the Election: Examining 5 key issues shaping the NYC mayor's race
In this episode of "The Countdown," we examine the five key issues shaping the New York City mayoral race. We're talking affordability, crime, education, how the Trump administration has played a role in this race, and transportation. Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter takes us through each of...
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Countdown to the Election: Analyzing latest polls in NYC mayoral, NJ governor's races
This is an Eyewitness News election update. In this episode of "The Countdown," we analyze the latest polls, which shows Zohran Mamdani with a sizeable lead in the New York City mayoral race, and Mikie Sherrill widening the gap between her and Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey gubernatorial…
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The Countdown Election Update: New poll has Mamdani leading Cuomo by double-digits
In this episode of "The Countdown," Eyewitness News breaks down a new poll that has Zohran Mamdani leading Andrew Cuomo by double-digits, but is there a shift happening on the ground? Professor in Urban Studies at Queens College and former NYC councilmember from the Bronx, James Vacca joins Sade...
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Countdown to the Election: Deeper look into early voter turnout in NYC
In this edition of "The Countdown," we take a deeper look into the early voter turnout in New York City one week before Election Day. Joining Mike Marza is ABC News Deputy Political Director Ben Siegel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Countdown to the election: 6 NYC ballot questions: What do voters need to know
Sade Baderinwa and Laura Tamman from Pace University give an in-depth look at the 6 NYC ballot questions and explain what voters need to know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Up Close: Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani
On this special edition of Up Close, Bill Ritter sits down with Democratic candidate for mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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What's at stake amid government shutdown
On this edition of Up Close, we continue to follow the standoff in Washington, D.C. over the government shutdown. The government shutdown is now in its fourth week. It's already the second longest shutdown in U.S. history, and Americans are paying the price. Republicans are pushing for a…
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Countdown to the Election: Top 7 moments of the week
In this edition of "The Countdown," we break down the top 7 moments of the week in the race for New York City mayor, and New Jersey governor, ahead of the start of early voting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Countdown to the Election: Will Adams' endorsement of Cuomo impact the NYC mayor’s race
ABC News Deputy Political Director Ben Siegel and Mike Marza break down the NYC Mayoral debate, whether Adams' endorsement will make an impact in the election, and the White House East Wing demolition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Countdown Update: NYC candidates prepare for final debate, Senator Booker talks government shutdown,
This is an Eyewitness News election update. The countdown is on with a little more than two weeks to go until Election Day. In this episode, we preview the final debate between the candidates for New York City mayor, break down a new poll in the New Jersey gubernatorial race and interview Senator...
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The Countdown election update: Curtis Sliwa remains defiant, while Obama is coming to NJ
This is an Eyewitness News election update. The countdown is on with a little more than two weeks to go until Election Day. On Tuesday, Curtis Sliwa remained defiant as calls continue for him to drop out of the race. Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama is set to campaign with Mikie Sherill…
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The Countdown: NYC mayoral and NJ gubernatorial race updates
Sade Baderinwa and ABC News Deputy Political Director Ben Seigel discuss the latest headlines with the NYC mayoral race and dive deeper into the policies of the candidates for NJ Governor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Up Close: Independent New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo
On this special edition of Up Close with Bill Ritter, we continue to count down to the New York City mayoral election, which is now less than three weeks away. Ahead of the November general election, we are sitting down with the New York City mayoral candidates to have a conversation about issues...
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NYC Mayoral Election Update: Candidates Exchange Jabs Before Debate Night
Mike Marza and ABC News Deputy Political Director Ben Siegel break down what the social media back-and-forth reveals about each campaign’s strategy, plus taking a look at what the candidates need to accomplish when they face off in Thursday's debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
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NYC Mayoral Election Update: Mamdani calls out Trump, Cuomo, Adams dangles endorsement
Sade Baderinwa and ABC News deputy political director Ben Siegel break down Mamdani's first appearance on Fox News, where he called out President Trump and opponent Andrew Cuomo. Plus, Eric Adams dangled a possible endorsement less than 3 weeks before Election Day. Learn more about your ad…
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NYC Election Update: Could President Trump's influence play a role in the outcome of the race?
Mike Marza and ABC News Political Director Averi Harper talk about President Trump's involvement in the race for NYC mayor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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NY Congressman Ritchie Torres on government shutdown
On this edition of Up Close, we continue to follow the latest updates on the government shutdown and races for New York City mayor and New Jersey governor. It was a feisty and contentious final debate in the race for New Jersey governor between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie...
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NYC Mayoral Race Update: Candidates react to AG James' indictment
Back from Albania and no longer in the running to lead New York City, Mayor Eric Adams on Friday, declined to say whether he will endorse a successor, but said when he makes the determination, he will. Meantime, on the campaign trail, the New York City mayoral candidates are weighing in on the…
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Final NJ gubernatorial debate between Ciattarelli and Sherrill
Listen to the full New Jersey gubernatorial debate between Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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NJ Governor's Race Update: Breaking Down the Key Moments
Sade Baderinwa speaks with ABC News Political Director Rick Klein to analyze the NJ governor's debate, their fiery exchange and how it is going over with voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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NJ Election Update: What to expect from the Final Debate
As the NJ governor’s race heads into its final stretch and the final gubernatorial debate one day away, Sade Baderinwa talks to Dr. Ashley Koning from Rutgers University’s Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling to analyze where the candidates stand, how their messages are landing with…
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NJ Election Update: Analyzing candidates ahead of NJ gubernatorial debate
Mike Marza and Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, talk about the heated race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sit down with Republican New York City mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa
In this special edition of 'Up Close' with Bill Ritter, republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa joins the show. Watch 'Up Close' Sundays at 11:00 a.m. on Channel 7 and wherever you stream ABC 7 New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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NYC Mayoral Race Update: Candidates clash over opinions on education, NYC's Gifted and Talented program
Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani is pledging to eliminate early testing and delay entry into Gifted and Talented until third grade, arguing that sorting children at age 4 is unfair and inequitable. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa both take the opposite view, vowing…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
“Up Close” is a politics podcast from the No. 1 TV station in the United States, WABC-TV. Hosted by Eyewitness News anchor Liz Cho, 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 from both sides of the aisle.
In addition to full episodes of Up Close, I'm going to be sharing extra content -- interviews, perspective, news digests and more.
HOSTED BY
WABC-TV, Bill Ritter
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