Sarah and Victor Kovner: A Couple that Defines Long-Time Dem Activism in the City
Our columnist gives a behind the scenes peak at an upper west side couple who have been at the epi-center of political activism in the city going back to the days of the Kennedys. Obama has been to the Kovners’ apartment and so has Hillary Clinton.
| 29 Apr 2024 | 01:29
A photo on the wall of the Kovners’ apartment on W. 67th captures the time when Barack Obama stopped by for a fundraiser. Photo: Courtesy of Sarah and Victor Kovner
Not long after my husband and I moved to New York from Los Angeles in 1983, a couple named Sarah and Victor Kovner—long -time Upper West Siders—invited us to their home. We had barely unpacked, so we were touched by the generosity of their invitation. There we were at this gorgeous brownstone on W. 67th among folks like their neighbor Peter Yarrow, (of Peter, and Paul and Mary fame) journalists from the New York Times and “60 Minutes,” and others. I believe there was a cause of some sort being discussed. But then, there is always a cause being discussed at the Kovners’ home.
“We’ve had hundreds of events here over the last 50 years,” says Sarah, a tiny woman filled with warmth and grit. “We had 120 people for Obama when he was running for a second term. “It is just wonderful to be here,” said Obama at that event. “It’s a testimony to how long the two of them have been friends and supporters.” Hillary Clinton has been there many times as well.
“They are the most amazing couple, “says former Councilwoman and Borough President Ruth Messinger. “They’ve been doing it so long and so thoughtfully.”
The kudos continue. “I’ve known Sarah for more than 50 years,” adds former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala. “More than anyone I know she is loyal to her friends and has the courage of her convictions. She has made this city and this country a better more equitable place. She is a world class networker.”
Right now, the Kovners’ mission is to re-elect President Biden, to take the Senate, and keep the House. They have started something called the Buddy Group, which has a substantial mailing list, offers Zoom panels with candidates, and raises money of all sizes. The one on April 10 was viewed by 160 people and was moderated by Mandy Patinkin and his wife, Kathryn Grody, and the panel including Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen and three members of Congress.
“On behalf of my beautiful niece who lives there, we are with you,” said Patinkin. The sessions always focus on one state, one race at a time. “Some Buddies give five dollars, others give five thousand or more,” explains Sarah. Next up: May 7 for Hudson Valley candidates.
How did this pair come together? “A girl I’d been dating in college wasn’t interested in politics,” says Victor—who was raised on the Upper West—but she said you should meet my friend who is.” Sarah, raised in New Jersey, says her activism started in high school, handing out literature for the Adlai Stevenson presidential campaign. Victor’s first volunteering was for Harry Truman in ’48. (When he was eleven) The two had their first date on October 9,1963, and were married exactly a year later.
Sarah worked for Shalala as a special assistant in the Clinton presidency for eight years. Victor is among the best-known First Amendment attorneys in the country, having started that area in his prestigious law firm. “I have represented newspapers, networks, and online media with lots of victories and great satisfaction,” he says. He is also one of the founders of J. (as in Jewish) Street, the non-profit advocacy entity that began in 2008. “We now pack a wallop,” he says proudly,”150 members of Congress earned our endorsement. When we started, only a few wanted a two- state solution.”
Their generosity and empathy continue. I ran into Sarah at a recent funeral at St. Paul’s Episcopal on the Upper West for a beloved activist named David Mixner. At first, I was surprised to see her. But then, I figured, “of course she would be here.” That night, by the way, she went to a bash celebrating her friend Gloria Steinem’s 90th birthday.
The commitment never wanes. After I interviewed them together in their lovely home, they were headed to Laurie Tisch’s for a fundraiser for the man challenging Ted Cruz in Texas. People like Cruz and Mitch McConnell raise this couple’s ire the most. “How do any of them live with themselves,” asks Victor. “They have no morals.”
The Kovners have had lives outside their home, but always of purpose. Sarah worked for Shalala as a special assistant in the Clinton presidency for eight years. Victor is among the best-known First Amendment attorneys in the country, having started that area in his prestigious law firm. “I have represented newspapers, networks, and online media with lots of victories and great satisfaction,” he says. He is also one of the founders of J. (as in Jewish) Street, the non-profit advocacy entity that began in 2008. “We now pack a wallop,” he says proudly,” 150 members of Congress earned our endorsement. When we started, only a few wanted a two- state solution.”