Cozen Oconnor Public Strategies - The Beltway Briefing

All eyes are on Virginia. As the election nears, our political insiders unpack the campaigns, candidates, and key issues driving the race—and what these contests could reveal about the nation’s political trajectory heading into 2026. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Julia Hammond, and Heidi Hertz, along with Jerry Kilgore, former Virginia Attorney General and co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s state attorneys general practice.

Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, joins host Howard Schweitzer to reflect on her decades leading one of the nation’s most influential business organizations. Together, they explore how New York’s fabric is defined by its bottom-up composition—diverse voices across sectors united by a shared vision. The city’s resilience and commitment to public-private collaboration offer lessons for how government and business can work together to solve complex challenges. Featuring Public Strategies CEO Howard Schweitzer and Partnership for New York City CEO Kathy Wylde.

From hostage negotiations in the Middle East and peace talks in Ukraine to strikes on suspected cartel vessels off Venezuela’s coast, President Trump appears active on virtually every major global front. Yet as the government shutdown grinds on at home, the question remains: when will he weigh in and push to bring it to an end? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Patrick Martin.

From a breakthrough in Middle East diplomacy to the deployment of troops in Chicago, President Donald Trump’s recent moves highlight the complexities of governing at home and abroad. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and John Dunn.

With the 24 hours of the government shutdown underway, Washington is on edge—but is the rest of the country paying attention? In New York, Mayor Adams’s sudden exit from November’s race has upended the political landscape, setting the stage for a potential showdown between Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani and moderate Andrew Cuomo. How will the shutdown and shifting federal-local dynamics play into the mayoral contest? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Jamie Ansorge.

How will shutdown politics shape Virginia’s elections? Will the state serve as a litmus test for the 2026 midterms? Can Democratic messaging around threatened health care subsidies break through to voters? And how much will candidates themselves matter—versus the weight of national politics? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Julia Hammond.

Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension has reignited debates over free speech, cancel culture, and political power. The episode breaks down all things Jimmy Kimmel—what his case reveals about hypocrisy on both sides, the role of government pressure, and what it means for the future of public discourse. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

America faces unprecedented division. With citizens operating from two incompatible sets of facts and losing any sense of common ground, the dehumanization of both parties is pushing the nation toward a dangerous tipping point in political violence. How can today’s leaders rise to meet this moment? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Eight months into Trump’s presidency, Washington faces shutdown politics, shaky economic signals, and questions about his legacy. As recession fears grow and populism surges, the GOP’s midterm prospects may rest on how Trump lands the economic plane. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Veteran media and technology executive Peter Cherukuri joins host Howard Schweitzer to reflect on his career at the intersection of media, policy, and technology—building platforms that shape how we consume news and leadership insights. Together, they explore how executives, policymakers, and innovators can cut through the noise to make thoughtful decisions as America faces a technological inflection point. To stay competitive on the global stage, how can today’s leaders harness new tools to stay ahead of the curve? Featuring Public Strategies CEO Howard Schweitzer and upNEXT Founder Peter Cherukuri.

RealClearMarkets editor John Tamny joins host Howard Schweitzer to share his counter-conventional thinking on today’s most pressing economic debates. From fiscal policy to the national debt, Tamny challenges widely held assumptions and urges business and political leaders to think differently. Featuring Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ CEO Howard Schweitzer and RealClearMarkets’ John Tamny.

Today, Public Strategies takes the Beltway Briefing outside the Beltway to explore Democratic and Republican governors' relationships with the second Trump administration. How do policies and messages vary from state to state? What impact is the administration having on the balance of power between the states and the federal government? And which governors might be on the 2028 presidential bingo card? Featuring Public Strategies’ Pat Carey (Illinois) and Julia Hammond (Virginia).

What’s top of mind for voters this summer? While the Epstein files dominate airwaves, pocketbook issues remain center stage. How are leaders leveraging infrastructure investments—especially in artificial intelligence—to spur economic growth? And how does voter trust vary across levels of government when it comes to delivering on these promises? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French, and Jim Davis.

Episode 348 - The Trump Agenda Six Months In by Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies

New York Democrats nominated a Democratic socialist in the Democratic primary for mayor, sparking national debate over the future of the Democratic Party, its ideological direction, and the role of moderates. What does this mean for New York City, New York State, and national politics? Meanwhile, have events in the Middle East bolstered President Trump's political standing and foreign policy chops? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer and Rose Christ.

Award-winning Wall Street Journal writer Gregory Zuckerman joins host Howard Schweitzer to explore how today’s political landscape is shaping global markets. Drawing on nearly 30 years of reporting, Zuckerman offers sharp insights into the intersection of markets, politics, policy, and culture. Featuring Public Strategies’ CEO Howard Schweitzer and WSJ’s Gregory Zuckerman.

With New York City’s primaries just weeks away, the political season is heating up. Who are the key candidates in the mayoral, comptroller, and city council races? What dynamics and strategic alliances are emerging? What role will federal decision-making play in shaping the city's future—and how are local candidates positioning themselves in response? Featuring New York Public Strategies’ Katie Schwab, Jamie Ansorge, and Ashley Thompson DiNardo.

As Republicans continue negotiations to finalize the reconciliation package and the Supreme Court takes up oral arguments on birthright citizenship, Trump heads to the Middle East to pursue a series of economic deals—from AI chips to a Qatari jet. Featuring Public Strategies’ Patrick Martin, Towner French, and Meagan Foster.

The Public Strategies team breaks down New York’s response to the federal landscape—from congestion pricing and the SALT cap to the high-stakes mayoral race. Plus, a look at the global stage: what the appointment of the new American Pope means for U.S. influence in the Vatican and beyond. Featuring insights from Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French, and Jamie Ansorge.

Back in office with the energy of a first term and unburdened by the political considerations of a second, Trump has acted with urgency to do what he said he was going to do on the campaign trail, deploying a high-stakes tariff strategy, shrinking the federal government, and enforcing strict immigration policies. But with bold action comes complexity, and the administration must try to manage a delicate economy and a changing world order. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.