In this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck Todd interviews Jonathan Mahler, author of "Gods of New York," a book exploring New York City in the late 1980s through the lens of the AIDS crisis, Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing," and influential figures like Donald Trump, Al Sharpton, and Rudy Giuliani. Todd and Mahler discuss the political and cultural landscape of the era, including the rise of Trump, the activism surrounding the AIDS epidemic, and racial tensions in the city. The conversation also touches on the parallels between New York City's political climate then and now, particularly in relation to the current mayoral race, and the lasting impact of figures like Ed Koch and Larry Kramer. Additionally, Chuck reflects on Trump's recent acknowledgement of his comments, and discusses the political landscape of the 2026 election.
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