Former Assemb. Benjamin Proposes Cuomo-Indian Summit – Former Assemblyman Michael Benjamin, who is calling on Cuomo to continue his successful spate of “summits” (remember the Greek yogurt and wine/beer/spirits events he held in the summer and early fall?) with an event focused on Indian affairs. The administration’s relationship with the state’s tribal nations is strained – at best. Benjamin thinks it’s time to do something about that.
Michael Benjamin on Cuomo’s Change Style – As Governor Cuomo prepares to help President Obama on the campaign trail, former Assemblyman Michael Benjamin is questioning whether Cuomo deserves a second term of his own. He argues that over the past couple years, the governor has become less decisive and less effective. [10/25/2012]
The Governor David Paterson Show – September 4, 2012 – Michael Benjamin, New York Post columnist and former NY Assemblyman, will discuss the Vito Lopez/Sheldon Silver scandal in Albany…should either or both step down? (09/04/2012)
FRED DICKER: LIVE FROM THE STATE CAPITOL – Former Assemblyman Michael Benjamin joined NY Post Albany Bureau chief Fred Dicker to discuss new political corruption cases. (08/27/2012)
CAPITAL TONIGHT – Former Assemblyman Michael Benjamin thinks the renewed call for stricter gun control laws that predictably came in the wake of the Aurora, Colo. movie theater shooting is misplaced.
The problem, he says, is not guns – although he does support stronger regulation of body armor and on-line ammo sales.
Benjamin, a conservative New York City Democrat who used to be a member of the NRA, thinks the focus should be on mental health treatment and catching would-be shooters before they act. His position is unusual, particularly for an urban African-American Democrat. He joined Liz Benjamin to explain his thinking from NY1’s Chelsea Market studios. (07/27/2012)
CAPITAL TONIGHT – Former Assemblyman Benjamin Talks Pay Raises and Retirements – When lawmakers left Albany at the end of session, there was a lot of speculation that they would be back before the end of the year. Possibly to take up some unfinished business, but the big rumor was that they would return after the election and vote to raise their own pay. Legislative leaders and rank and file members swear that there has been no conversations about doing so. Ex-Assemblyman Benjamin makes the case for why they should get a raise. (07/02/2012)
CAPITAL TONIGHT: Former AM Benjamin Talks Redistricting – The proposed congressional districts drawn up by Federal Judge Roanne Mann have former Assemblyman Michael Benjamin making the argument for keeping the legislature in charge of redistricting. (03/08/2012)
NY1 VIDEO: Inside City Hall’s Errol Louis asked the NY1 Wise Guys with guest wise guys and former Assemblymen Michael Benjamin and Richard Brodsky just how important is the Florida primary for the Republican race for president. (02/05/2012)
The Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter (Podcast) Susan and Michael analyze the new legislative redistricting maps released by LATFOR today. (01/29/2012)
Is the Republican primary no longer a ‘wide open’ contest (Foxnews.com ) – 01/14/2012
The Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter (Podcast) – Michael Benjamin discusses shortcomings of the mandated NYC comprehensive sex ed curriculum. (01/13/2012)
2011 Video Archive
Ex-Assemblyman Benjamin Criticizes Economic Development Awards – 12/18/2011 – Michael Benjamin joins CapTon host Liz Benjamin to discuss his criticism of Governor Cuomo’s recent economic development awards.
Attention turns to Newt Gingrich – 11/18/2011
The Capitol Pressroom (Podcast) – 11/1/2011 – Michael Benjamin discusses NYC Parents Choice and the shortcomings of the new NYC sex ed curriculum.
Fmr Assemblyman Benjamin Discusses NYC Sex Ed Curriculum – 10/28/2011
Romney a serious challenge to Obama? – 10/13/21011 – Yes, said ex-Assemblyman Michael Benjamin on Fox last night, batting for the Democrats in a debate over a debate
The Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter (Podcast) – 07/28/2011 – Former Assemblyman & future Congressional challenger Michael Benjamin weighs in on redistricting, fracking, job developing, marijuana legalizing and the Tea Party’s version of “uncompromising”
Capitol Tonight with Liz Benjamin – 01/22/2011
2010 Video Archive
Making Health Equality a Reality – 2010 – NYS Assemblyman Michael Benjamin speaks about the bill A21-12 that he introduced in 2004 that requires regular and mandatory cultural competency. (04/2010)
NYPD Stop and Frisk Database News Conference – Michael Benjamin, NYS Assemblyman on NYPD Stop & Frisk Database City Hall Sun 5/23/2010
Exit Interview with Capital Tonight (Part 1) – CapTon host and State of Politcs blogger Liz Benjamin conducts exit interview with retiring State Assemblyman Michael Benjamin. (07/07/2010)
Exit Interview with Capital Tonight (Part 2) – CapTon host Liz Benjamin conducts exit interview with retiring State Assemblyman Michael Benjamin. (07/07/2010)
The Capitol Pressroom (Podcast) – 12/13/2010 – We talk hydrofracking, partisanship in Albany, pensions & the 2010 elections, as well as his future political career with outgoing Assemblyman Michael Benjamin (studio) who is retiring from the state legislature at the end of the month, but not politics.
2009 Video Archive
Bronx Health REACH – Bronx Food Festival serves up healthy meals for free – Assemblyman Michael Benjamin believes that trend can be changed. “If you get the multigrain bread, it may be a few cents more, but look at the long-term gains.”
Rally for Traditional Marriage – Part two of State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz, Sr. at a May 17 anti-gay marriage rally in front of Governor David A. Paterson’s office. He introduces Assemblyman Michael Benjamin, a fellow Bronx Democrat, who voted against the measure in the Assembly. (05/17/2009)
NYS Stand For Marriage Rally – AM Benjamin addresses NY Stand for Marriage Rally held on the New York State Capitol’s East Steps. Over 2000 people participated from all across New York State on Tuesday, June 9, 2009.
Perspective with Daren Jaime – New York State Assemblyman Michael Benjamin, Assembly District 79, discusses Obesity in the Bronx, Foreclosure, and Mayoral Control of City Schools. (August 9, 2009)
2008 Video Archive
Assemblyman Michael [and Kennedy] Benjamin after Barack Obama’s Acceptance Speech – Michael and Kennedy Benjamin share with NY Observer blogger Azi Paybaragh their reactions to Sen. Barack Obama becoming the first African American candidate to accept the presidential nomination of a major political party. (08/30/2008)
Assemblyman Michael Benjamin offers Greeting to Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Trade (CACCI) – 01/17/2008
2007 Video Archive
The Daily Show – The Comedy Central show’s Dr. Rob Riggle investigates the number one frosted killer of our children. Riggle skewers the muffin mullahs and asks Assemblyman Michael Benjamin why he wants to save the cupcake. Airdate – 10/31/07 (4:57)