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Meaningful People
  • October 28, 2026

Bruce Blakeman & Mike Lawler: What You Don’t See in the Attack Ads

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In this special episode, Nachi Gordon sits down with Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive and Republican candidate for Governor of New York, and Congressman Mike Lawler, who is running for reelection in one of the most closely watched House races in the country. Bruce shares the promise he made to his grandfather at nine years old, why he's running for governor, how he handled the protesters who tried to storm a shul in his county, and the story of Nachi's very first job, driving Bruce to Jewish events.

Mike opens up about his father's last words to him, what the nonstop attack ads cost his family, what he wishes more people understood about the Orthodox and Chassidic community, and why his race could once again decide control of Congress. With Election Day just days away, this is a chance to see who both men really are beyond the campaign ads and lawn signs.

This episode is sponsored by:

► Chesed 24/7 Run 24/7

On Sunday, November 15, join Chesed 24/7 for Run 24/7 at the American Dream Mall, a 5K walk or run for women and girls, with a new track this year for ages 11 to 14. Enjoy brunch on the go plus exclusive access to the DreamWorks Water Park from 9 to 11 a.m., all supporting Chesed 24/7's hospital rooms and meals for patients and their families. Transportation is available from Brooklyn, Monsey, Lakewood and the Five Towns. Registration closes November 7.

https://chesed247-psi.vercel.app/?utm_source=MM&utm_id=Chesed24-7

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro: "Vote as If This Was the Most Important Vote in Your Life"
1:39 Bruce Blakeman and the Promise to His Grandfather
3:26 Why Bruce Blakeman Is Running for Governor: Taxes, Utilities and Safety
6:48 The Attack Ads, Kathy Hochul and Zohran Mamdani
10:27 Yeshiva Tuition, Vouchers and Parental Rights
12:53 Antisemitism and the Protest at the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst
15:29 Bruce Blakeman's Message to Jewish Voters, and Nachi's First Boss
19:28 Mike Lawler on 9/11, Public Service and His Father's Last Words
23:10 The Attack Ads and the Price of Public Service
25:53 What Mike Lawler Wishes People Knew About the Orthodox and Chassidic Community
32:08 Why the Lawler Race Could Decide Control of Congress
33:37 Karaoke, Star Wars and Three Hours of Sleep
36:06 "Half the Country Decides They Don't Like You"
37:14 Closing: Please Vote