Dominic Carter's blog

Stop and Frisk Trial is Over

2013-05-21T01:23:10-04:00

Here is my report from the Federal Courthouse wrapping up closing arguments where Judge Shira Scheindlin was quite critical of the City/NYPD.

Quiet and Methodical: The Bill Thompson Campaign for NYC Mayor

2013-05-14T22:50:13-04:00

For weeks here in the New York City area folks have asked me, what is Bill Thompson doing?

Is he a candidate for NYC mayor?

Does he really want this or is he just going through the motions?

Where is Thompson's passion?

Well, if Thompson's personality was not so low-key, he might respond with the slogan line of that Kia Sorrento TV commerical: "How you like me now."

Yes, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn remains the far favorite in the race based on polling, but as the front-runner she has a big bulls-eye on her back, and her numbers are slowly headed south. Quinn has to worry about peaking too early. Yet Thompson, like the steady beat of a drum, is building momentum, with an impressive display of endorsements.

There is the complete X factor of what happens, should former Congressman Anthony Weiner enter the race? Weiner, if he can get past the tabloids, has a real shot of connecting with voters. The guy does well in debates, and his one-liners of protecting the middle-class will resonate with voters.

But for now, even the Weiner factor benefits Thompson because Weiner, Quinn, and Public Advocate Bill Deblasio are fighting for the same base.

The point is, Thompson, known as a moderate, is starting to look like a candidate most of the city could rally around.

At first, Thompson's support of the controversial stop and frisk police policy seemed to come out of left field, but now an umbrella group of law enforcement unions is on the verge of endorsingThompson. For the record, Thompson wants to modify "stop and frisk." He comes into the race with the strong support of the African American community, but if he gets the law enforcement endorsement, it will go a long way towards establishing Thompson as a possible law and order mayor as well.

Thompson also has the backing of the city's Top Latino elected official, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. That will go a long way towards pulling together the same Black/Latino coalition that elected the city's first black mayor David Dinkins.

Then you add the endorsement of former Lt. Gov Richard Ravitch, and that sends a strong message to the business community.

So Thompson may know something that the rest of us don't: this primary battle is a long one, and that a candidate wants to peak at the right time. Even America's Mayor, Republican Rudy Giuliani has said if his former deputy mayor Joe Lhota wasn't in the race, he would probably cross party lines and endorse Thompson. Some of Giuliani's guys are even raising money for Thompson.

Some pundits and political observers may argue the days of endorsements carrying real meaning are over.

Then Thompson might remind the same crowd that he was supposed to be nothing more than just the sacrificial lamb to Billionaire Mike Bloomberg four years ago, and even without the help of the top Democrat in the White House that basically abandoned Thompson -- flirting with Bloomberg, Thompson barely lost that race by just four percentage points.

During community forums, the other Democrats are engaging in a circular firing squad, while Thompson is staying above the fray. Stated plainly, it looks like Thompson is running a marathon, while the others are engaging in a sprint. To those that do not believe Thompson has the passion to be mayor, I say look at his debate performance against Mayor Bloomberg when I moderated it for NY1. Thompson is running a quiet and methodical race to be elected mayor. If may just work.

Boy, this primary is going to be fun.

What's in a Name? Debate Over "Redskins" as Team Name

2013-05-10T20:41:13-04:00

I say if a team name offends Native Americans, change the name of name of the team. What do you think?

The owner of the Washington Redskins says the team will NEVER change the name.

Here's how we discussed it on RNN-TV Friday night.

Yes or No in Debates.

2013-05-03T16:27:41-04:00

It's my contention that "Yes or No" questions can be quite effective in debates.

It proved to be a tough night a few years ago for Gifford Miller when he stalled on a question of whether he would send his kids to public school. Another Weiner showed he could hit such questions out the ballpark.

Then there was a few years ago when such questions showed Bloomberg's personality.

Might he be the next mayor: Joe Lhota

2013-04-30T21:21:39-04:00

This week on RNN-TV, we went one-one-one with Republican Candidate for Mayor Joe Lhota.

Here is part one and here is part two for viewing

Yes, Anthony Weiner could be elected Mayor

2013-04-25T22:55:09-04:00

In my opinion, it was a very smart political move by Anthony Weiner as he "tests the waters" for a possible campaign for Mayor.

First of all, I think Weiner has already decided he's running for Mayor, but what I'm referring too is during his set of local TV interviews Wednesday, when I pressed him for RNN-TV, Weiner didn't deny that there could be other photos out there. (Here's part one of the interview)

"If reporters want to go try to find more, I can't say that they're not going to be able to find another picture, or find another ... person who may want to come out on their own, but I'm not going to contribute to that. The basics of the story are not gonna change." Anthony Weiner

Yes, it sounds like a very dangerous Gary Hart challenge, but as the journalist that was sitting just feet away from Weiner and observing his entire body language, his every move, I really felt that he was trying to prove that he has learned a difficult lesson from his past errors. In other words, he told the truth. It seems that Weiner has learned, it's always the cover-up that you finish you off.

Here is the question I asked Weiner that prompted the response and you can see it here
.

"Is this scandal over? Might there be something else to come out that we don't know about? Some face to face meetings (with the women involved) or anything like that."

With his head shaking back and forth, Weiner then responded this way:

"I never met the women that were at the other end of these anonymous conversations, but I can tell you this, I didn't sell pictures to TMZ. (Weiner laughs) I didn't go do interviews. These women at the other end of these conversations, many of them had their lives turned upside down, and they had no choice to do so. I'm not going to participate in that anymore. If reporters want to go and try to find more, I can't say they not going to find another picture, another person that wants to come out on their own, but I'm going to contribute to that.The basics of the story are not going to change. It's behind me. It was a huge mistake." Anthony Weiner

I have been covering Politics for close to 30 years.

In my opinion, Weiner came across as truly sorry, and contrite.

Weiner did not try to see any questions in advance or to set any rules.

By handling the interview the way he did, should an additional photo surface once the Weiner train for Mayor gets underway, this time he may not be completely derailed. Depending on what may be "out there," a set-back yes, but not campaign ending.

Dismiss Weiner at your own peril.

There will be the initial "hit" from the tabloids should he run, but once the race gets going, Weiner has a track record of almost stealing the show in debates with his witty one liners on protecting the middle class.

I have experience with him in that area, having moderated a 4 way debate among democrats running for mayor in 2005. Weiner did so well, he made it to the run-off, but then pulled out of the race in the name of party unity for the city to elect it's first Latino mayor. (In the end, it just wasn't meant to be for Fernando Ferrer. He lost to Bloomberg/Then Bloomberg completing his first term as Mayor)

So in a crowded field, Weiner could stand out again, and let's not forget his campaign warchest that is backing him up. (more than 4 million dollars in the bank, and he will also receive some matching fund with the city's campaign Finance System)

I state again, dismiss Weiner at your own Peril

Follow Dominic Carter on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Dominictv

The Return of Eliot Spitzer; Has Gov. Cuomo Lost His Mojo?

2013-02-11T22:58:10-05:00

The Return of Spitzer: Has Gov. Cuomo lost his mojo? Questions we took on last night on RNN-TV. Just Click Here.

The Return of Eliot Spitzer; Has Gov. Cuomo Lost His Mojo?

2013-02-11T22:56:55-05:00

The Return of Spitzer: Has Gov. Cuomo lost his mojo? Questions we took on last night on RNN-TV. Just Click Here.

THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR

2013-02-06T12:33:38-05:00

I will always remember my friend Ed Koch. He made all of us proud to be a New Yorker.

The fact of the matter is they don’t make politicians like Koch anymore. Koch was not a phony. You knew exactly where you stood with him. Over my 30-year relationship with the mayor, he was the same person in private as he was in public.

Every week for many, many years I interviewed Koch on Television. I saw him at his best, and when his health started failing over the years, but Koch would always bounce back.

Isn’t that the story of the city he governed for 3 terms? Koch played a major role in turning around the finances of NYC. Many of us forget it was his leadership in bringing the city out of the Financial Control Board Period. He also refused to let the subway strike cripple the city, walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. Koch had a flare that few could back then, or even now match.

He was always the chief cheerleader of New York, the Big Apple.

His public trademark question to New Yorkers was “how am I doing?” to New Yorkers.”

But to know Ed Koch is to be aware that he was also concerned with how people were doing privately.

I broke bread with Koch a few months ago. I met him at his lower Manhattan apartment. As someone on television who is used to being stopped and recognized in public, you quickly understand what Koch meant to New York when you were out with him, and that’s because no one else mattered with the public standing next to Koch. All you heard was “Hello Mr. Mayor.” “We miss you Mr. Mayor,” “Will you take this photo with us Mr. Mayor.” And Koch would take those photos, as if it was his job, all these years later after leaving office.

Very few people can redefine themselves after leaving office and stay relevant, but Koch did. The corruption scandal couldn't stop him, and his endorsement meant something. Go ask then-candidate for President Barack Obama. Koch not only endorsed Obama, but also campaigned heavily for him in Florida.

I will always remember looking around Koch’s apartment. He had mementos from his entire tenure as Mayor.

The fact of the matter is, when Koch was mayor, he was a “dream” for myself and other reporters. Koch made the job fun because he was liable to say anything outrageous at any time.

What you saw was what you got.

Our relationship started out kind of rough and difficult, but we became friends over the years. In fact Koch, correctly, would tell people he was the reason why I was on TV… and he was.

After my radio days in the late 80’s, he pushed for CBS to put me on their public affairs show, Sunday Edition, with legendary anchor Jim Jensen, and they did. There was no turning back.

Ed Koch was an icon, combative, larger than life, in your face.

I will miss you Mr. Mayor. Thanks for the memories, and the ride.

Arguing against Stop and Frisk, Did I go too far on TV last night?

2013-01-25T16:38:34-05:00

Stop and Frisk: NYPD Allowed to Resume Practice, But is the End Near?

Arguing against Stop and Frisk, Did I go too far on TV last night?

My conservative buddy David Webb argues Stop and Frisk is a good thing, I argued just the opposite. But did I go too far? Just click here to see the RNN-TV segment.

I also argued against Stop and Frisk while at NY1.

King Day in Warwick

2013-01-21T16:12:17-05:00

I had a great time as King Day Speaker at Union AME Church. Event was amazing, and I learned alot.

To those of you attending that watch me now on RNN-TV, Thank You....and thank you to those that said they watched me for years on ny1.

2013 A Look Ahead: National Issues to Watch

2013-01-07T17:18:23-05:00

2013 A Look Ahead: National Issues to Watch. Here's how we took on the topic on RNN-TV. Expect much more gridlock.

What can we expect in National issues as we entered 2013? More on Gun Control? Marijuana laws? Panel guests Dominic Carter and TJMCormack chimed in on "RIchard French Live"

No more Washington talk. A nation mourns... Demands Assault Weapons Ban

2012-12-17T13:40:37-05:00

On Wednesday we did a segment on Richard French Live titled ‘Guns in America: Does America have a Problem?’ Tragically, neither any of the guests, nor myself realized just how timely the segment would be. A day and half later Adam Lanza blasted his way into the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, using a high-powered rifle to kill 20 children and six adults, including the principal who tried to stop him.

In solidarity, President Obama stood with the community in Connecticut last night, and has shown visible emotion since his first press conference from the White House on Friday. Now all attention must turn to making sure this never happens again, which means the "untouchable subject" in American Politics, gun control, must be faced head-on.

I venture to say most Americans are not comfortable with taking away the rights of fellow citizens, but sadly we have reached a point where something has to give. The National Rifle Association may be a powerful lobby with a lot of money, but the American People deserve better, and collectively, our voices are stronger than any one group.

How many more people have to die? In Movie Theatres, Mosques, in cities like Chicago and New York, and now our babies in school days before Christmas. All we can do now is be thankful for the heroic actions of teachers that put their lives on the line. Frankly, NRA officials should be forced to sit down in a room with those Connecticut parents and teachers and explain to them why the country doesn't need a ban on assault weapons.

In light of this situation, you would think the NRA would be pro-active and announce they are supporting the Assault Weapons ban. That would provide political cover to elected officials that are beholden to the NRA, and those officials that support the second amendment, to work with President Obama and pass another Assault Weapons ban. Such a move was done during the Clinton years, but we need it more than ever now. The National Rifle Association has been able to successfully target some Congress members for defeat, but there are some of us that believe the NRA's power is not what it is believed to be. In other words, the NRA is a paper tiger.

To begin the conversation, and move forward with sane gun laws Congress needs to do the following:

• Take the anger the nation is feeling and immediately re-instate the Assault Weapon ban and crack down on purchasing High Ammunition Clips with more than 10 bullets.

• Ban the Gun show loop-hole which permits people to escape background checks.

• Make it more difficult for the Mentally Disabled to purchase/have guns.

Our children deserve better of Political Leadership. A nation mourns.

This is another piece I wrote for the Huffington Post back in October, titled the Gun Violence Must Stop.

Dominic Carter is a Political Commentator for RNN TV, and the former Political Anchor for NY1

Richard French Live Wed Night-Take a Look/Dominic Carter Guest Host

2012-12-12T20:59:42-05:00

From Fiscal Cliff to control of New York's State Senate, gun violence, and the 12-12-12 concert, they were a number of topics we took on, with Dominic Carter Guest Hosting. Take a look.

http://youtu.be/4yNYUYnweTY Segment A

http://youtu.be/TmVF4_zsSnM Segment B

http://youtu.be/xyFKIK2Rtwc Segment C

http://youtu.be/quxqOnEh0QE Segment D

http://youtu.be/NavQhbnwO-o Segment E

http://youtu.be/Db-WkdPkZxk Segment F

Dominic Carter is a political commentator at RNN and the former political anchor at ny1.

Coming from a pediatrician near you---A Prescription in advance for the Morning After Pill.

2012-11-27T23:13:51-05:00

The Morning After Pill....in advance without parents ever knowing.

I'm just not sure if it's the right thing to do, but the argument can seen from both ways, and I said so on RNN-TV just Tuesday night.

On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) called on pediatricians throughout the country to counsel all of their adolescent patients about emergency contraception and make **advance** prescriptions for it available to girls under 17, without parential knowledge.

In under words, be Preemptive. Young lady, you might not need the morning after pill right now, but here is a prescription in the event that some day you do.

What do you think? Is it a good idea. Will it help with teen pregnancy.

I'm conflicted as a father. Is it a good idea to give a young lady a prescription in advance for the morning after pill, without her parents having any idea?

On the other hand, while it's getting better, there is the problem in the United States of teenagers having babies.

The announcement was controversial with some religious groups.

"Since when should the physicians take over the responsibility of what parents should be doing?," said Michael O'Dea, founder and executive director of Christus Medicus Foundation.

"Parents are the primary educators of children, not physicians or the government," O'Dea said. "This is a violation of parents rights to be the primary educator of their children."

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which represents the country's Catholic church leadership, called the recommendation "tragic."

"It is a very sad day when physicians think that "good medicine" is to attack an adolescent girl's healthy fertility with potent drugs just to prevent a possible pregnancy," said Theresa Notare, assistant director for the Conference's Natural Family Planning Program.

"This recommendation becomes tragic when we consider that the recommendation is built upon overriding a parent's rights over their own children," she said.

We debated the morning after pill many times on ny1 in years past, but now, providing young ladies a prescription for it in advance of when it's necessary? I'm not sure about that one, what do you think?