The first season of Desus and Mero premiered in February. Desus (Daniel Baker) and Mero (Joel Martínez) are both from the Bronx. They got their start with a podcast called “The Bodega Boys.” Outspoken about everything from politics to pop culture, they landed a big deal with Showtime which gives them a far bigger platform.

During their first season, they interviewed two presidential candidates, NJ Senator Cory Booker and NY Senator Kristen Gillibrand. They also interviewed two political rock stars, NY Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and 2018 Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacy Abrams.

In a New York Times interview, Mero says, “We’re opening them (Showtime) up to an audience they might not reach, and they’re opening us up to an audience we might not reach.”

The interview with Stacy Abrams focused on her gubernatorial campaign. Desus and Mero asked how she felt about her loss. She referred to her opponent, Brian Kemp, as a “cartoon villain: he was the contestant, score keeper, referee. He made certain one million voters were purged, fifty-three thousand not able to vote and he still won. My refusal to concede is the reason we have to address voter suppression.”

With a sports analogy, Abrams explained that in sports, referees review plays on video to make sure they called them right. The same should be done in politics, she said.  “You can’t fight a fight you aren’t willing to acknowledge.” They explained that in NYC, they have bodegas, “corner stores” that have bright lights with a sign. Abrams said that her sign would say, “voter suppression is real and lead from the outside.”

Desus and Mero visit presidential candidates, Senators Cory Booker and Kirsten Gillibrand, in their hometowns. They call these segments “Home Turf!” The interview is interactive, unlike anything else on television. The candidates can show their personal side, which is something no CNN Town hall can show.

The interview is interactive, unlike anything else on television. The candidates can show their personal side, which is something no CNN Town hall can show.

Desus and Mero pick up Booker at his home in Newark. He is wearing sweat pants because they are going to play basketball at the local school. Immediately the conversation is about drug laws and Booker talks about the generational injustice. Bouncing the ball, Desus ask Booker, “People say you’re not progressive enough. How do you respond?” Booker says, “Well, i think the most progressive thing you can do is stand up for people.” I have a good track record of that.”

Over dinner at a diner, Desus tells Booker that, “on Twitter, people comment that you’re corny. How do you respond?” Laughing Booker says, “Yes, yes, i am corny, but I’m corny cool.” Later he talks about being the first president of the hip-hop generation. Desus asks, who is performing at the inauguration?” Booker mentions some New Jersey music legends. Walking back to Booker’s home, they take up his personal relationship. Booker says he has a long-term future with actress Rosario Dawson. Then the three of them mimic an R&B video from the 90’s, laughing as they walk.

Desus and Mero visit Senator Kristen Gillbrand in her hometown of Troy, NY. While she cooks them omelettes for brunch, Desus asks, “why did you decide to run?” Gillbrand responds, “I think that what President Trump has done is horrible. The fact that he is creating hate and division. You have to fight against it. You have the economy set up in a way, it corrupts. They briefly discuss institutional racism.

During their conversations, they use Bronx terms. In one funny scene, Desus uses the term “banging” and Kirsten says she doesn’t know what that means. Desus says “Oh, my bad. It means amazing.” Then the screen shows “urban dictionary: banging: to be extra good.” He jokingly asks if they can be her “street consultants” so she can better understand and connect with Black/brown people. They all laugh. Next, Gillbrand takes them to a local bar. Desus asked what makes her stand out in this presidential election? She says, “I’m a mom, I worry about children, transgender kids, babies at the border, health care, public education. She says that education and healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.”

In another episode, the Bodega Boys visit Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in her Washington, DC office. Congresswomen Ihan Omar and Rashida Tlaib joined in the casual discussion of the future of America. To remind her of their Bronx hometown, they bring a huge Puerto Rican flag, which Mero suggests she hang out her office window. They hang a pair of sneakers from the ceiling, and present a poster of themselves, Cardi B and legendary Yankee Derek Jeter. In another segment, they briefly discuss the Green New Deal and AOC’s controversial wealth tax reform. When asked what her bodega sign would be, she says, “Keep it 100.”

Desus and Mero discuss the MSNBC town hall meeting on climate change. They ridicule FoxNews’s Tucker Carlson because Tucker disrespected MSNBC’s Chris Hayes. They stood up for him because he’s also a Bronx native who went to elementary school with Desus. Then they read examples of their Twitter feud with Tucker.

It’s going to be a long year with this political firestorm. According to Politico, in 2016, Black voter turnout dropped about five percent from the 2012 Obama election. The percentage of the Latino vote barely changed. Desus and Mero’s show will surely help keep Blacks and Latinos engaged enough to vote in 2020.

Desus and Mero’s show will surely help keep Blacks and Latinos engaged enough to vote in 2020.

The new show is gaining national attention from mainstream media. Forbes Magazine put them on the list of shows to watch this season. Even, the Washington Post says, “They bring a fresh and funny take and add all-too-rarely heard Black and Latino perspectives.”

*The opinions and ideas expressed are solely those of the author, and may not reflect the opinions of The Bronx Brand*

Elizabeth Roldan was born and raised in the Co-Op City neighborhood of the Bronx. For her, diversity is the Bronx. It is like no other place. It has produced so many renown leaders, educators, artists, athletes and more.  She feels she’s a well-rounded person today because of the many rich cultural experiences the Bronx gave her. It’s what inspired her to study international affairs and become passionate about community issues.

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