Photo:
Age: 28
Job: Political pundit, author of Party Crashing: How the Hip-Hop Generation Declared Political Independence, out this week from Basic Books.
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Who’s your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
Jackie O. The First Lady, not the rapper.
What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in New York?
French fries at Bette, followed by cheesecake at Veniero’s.
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
I write and talk about politics.
Would you still live here on a $35,000 salary?
I practically do!
What’s the last thing you saw on Broadway?
Come Back Little Sheba. S. Epatha Merkerson will win the Tony, and she deserves it!
Do you give money to panhandlers?
Rarely, although I am a sucker for anyone with a pet or a clever sign. There’s a guy that used to hang around NYU with a sign that said “Paying Off My Student Loans.” I think he made a small fortune off of that sign.
What’s your drink?
Hot chocolate with no marshmallows, but extra whipped cream.
How often do you prepare your own meals?
About as often as I balance my checkbook — every now and then but not as often as I should.
What’s your favorite medication?
Loehmann’s. Bargain shopping is better than any drug.
What’s hanging above your sofa?
A cheap painting.
How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
A haircut I’m not sure, but really great extensions are priceless.
When’s bedtime?
Somewhere between 1:52 a.m. and 2:26 a.m. (approximately).
Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
Neither. Times Square is for tourists.
What do you think of Donald Trump?
Good businessman. Bad hair.
What do you hate most about living in New York?
The cost!
Who is your mortal enemy?
Anyone whose cell phone rings during a great movie or show. Those who actually answer their phones and proceed to have a conversation are my super-duper mortal enemies.
When’s the last time you drove a car?
Two years ago and it wasn’t pretty. Thank goodness for cabs!
Who should be the next president?
Chris Rock.
Times, Post, or Daily News?
The Post for headlines, the Times for news.
Where do you go to be alone?
Away from New York. I just got back from a solo trip to Belize.
What makes someone a New Yorker?
Chutzpa.
