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This edition: Why vote? Is that really a question?

Episode Details

Original tape date: September 26, 2024. First aired: October 8, 2024.

In this episode of the CUNY Forum “Why vote? Is that really a question?”we discuss the issues at stake in the upcoming presidential election, as the very structure of our politics has been under attack, primarily from Republicans.

Issues like voter suppression and unfounded fears about non-citizens voting threaten the integrity of our franchise as we approach next month’s results.
While some disaffected Republicans have endorsed Harris, Democrats face their own challenges, particularly frustration over ceasefire negotiations in Israel’s ongoing conflicts. This could particularly impact Michigan, home to a significant Arab and Muslim population.

Here in New York, Republicans defied national Democratic trends in the 2022 midterms, gaining congressional seats, especially on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley. Democrats are now striving to reclaim those seats, which is crucial for regaining control of the House of Representatives and potentially making Hakeem Jeffries Speaker.

College students have a significant stake in this election, as the outcomes will shape their futures. Will they vote? And will their participation be decisive in swing states and critical congressional districts in New York?

Guest List

Prof. Laird W. Bergad Distinguished Professor of History and Director of the Center for Latin American, Caribbean & Latino Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center

Gerson Borrero Veteran commentator on politics, former editor of El Diario, and current pundit on NY1 News and NY1 Noticias

Lily Shahein Edward Hunter College Student

Robert A. George Member of the editorial board of the Daily News and Bloomberg News

Keena Lipsitz Associate Professor in Political Science at Queens College and the Graduate Center

Louisa Opdycke CUNY School of Labor Student