NYAIR Episode 49
The State of Play in U.S. Politics
In this high-stakes NY-AIR episode, former three-term New York Governor George Pataki joins moderator Robert Akeson to dissect America’s political, economic, and social landscape in a year like no other. From post-9/11 rebuilding to COVID-era upheaval, Governor Pataki offers a roadmap for stability, civic trust, and sustainable leadership, while unpacking what the future may hold for New York and the nation at large.
Featured Guests
George Pataki
Senior Counsel, Norton Rose Fulbright; Former Governor of New York
Governor George Pataki brings unmatched experience from the highest levels of public service and global counsel. As New York's three-term governor, he led the state through the September 11 attacks, delivered bipartisan economic recovery, and became celebrated for pioneering energy, environmental, and infrastructure solutions. Pataki is currently Senior Counsel at Norton Rose Fulbright and founder of the Pataki-Cahill Group, advising on climate, energy, and transformative public-private partnerships. A graduate of Yale and Columbia Law, he is recognized globally for his pragmatic, cross-sector leadership on issues from clean power to urban redevelopment.
Key Insights From This Episode
2020: The Most Unpredictable Election Year
Governor Pataki underscores that this cycle is defined by unprecedented disruptions and cautions against certainty in any outcome—debates, not polls, will decide the next president.
Mail-In Voting Risks and Realities
Absentee voting is robust, but universal mail-in ballots pose risks for fraud and confidence. Pataki shares first-hand lessons from the 2000 Florida recount and advises strong checks and bipartisan oversight.
Divided Government, Divided Results
With partisan lines hardening, the risk of a split between White House, Senate, and House has profound implications for policy, stimulus, and market stability.
The Future of New York—Flight, Taxes, & Remote Paradigms
Pataki warns of an exodus of talent and capital to low-tax states like Florida unless leadership reimagines New York’s value proposition beyond high cost and regulatory friction.
Innovation, Energy, and Climate Strategy
America’s path is through technology: from grid parity in solar, to carbon-negative nanofibers, to bold high-speed rail. Solutions must be economic, scalable, and globally exportable.
Access the Full Conversation
Access the complete episode and a downloadable insights deck for actionable takeaways on election risks, governance, and recovery. It’s a vital resource for policymakers, investors, and allies shaping the future of New York and the nation.
Soundbites Worth Saving
“Absentee balloting works. Universal mail-in ballots? That’s where fraud and doubt take root.”
— George Pataki
“New York will come back. But the question is: three months, three years, or thirty? That depends on leadership and the right policies.”
— George Pataki
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