Rep. Zohran Mamdani (D), a candidate for New York City, faced some tough criticism after attempting an “unassisted bench press” during the New York Men’s Day event.
According to reports, Mamdani struggled to lift what was said to be 135 pounds. He remarked, “I couldn’t lift it without help, what was said to be 135 pounds from the rack.”
After his attempt, Mamdani expressed gratitude to his spotters from an organization aimed at empowering men.
Despite his bench press mishap, Mamdani enjoyed interacting with the crowd, taking hundreds of selfies as he walked down Eastern Parkway, a part of an open street festival near the Brooklyn Museum.
In a different context, he showcased some skills in soccer, which is a beloved sport in Uganda.
Social media users have questioned if there’s a better representation of modern Democrats than someone who can’t manage a 135-pound bench press. Author Ian Miller posed this query on Twitter.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) commented, “It’s easy to talk about, but tough to carry the burden.” He sarcastically noted that Mamdani’s inability to lift weights raises concerns about his capacity to lead the city.
Another tweet conveyed that someone who can’t bench 225 shouldn’t hold office. The sentiment was echoed by various users, with one stating that “a man who can’t bench 135 shouldn’t even be able to vote.”
Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary for the NYC mayoralty, is proposing an urban grocery store. He faced scrutiny for past remarks where he claimed that “the police won’t create safety.”
Reportedly, his campaign has made significant payments to civilian security forces, contrary to his call for police funding. Documents revealed that in June and July, his campaign allocated around $33,495 to security services, which boasted of employing NYPD officers.
Between July 12 and August 18, Mamdani’s campaign amassed over $1 million from small donations, surpassing both Cuomo and current Mayor Eric Adams (D).
Cuomo’s campaign raised approximately $541,301, while Adams garnered around $425,181 during the same period. The typical donation amount for Mamdani was $121, significantly lower than Cuomo’s average of $646 and Adams’ $770.
