In a critical final debate scheduled for Wednesday, Andrew Cuomo aims to present a strong front against Zoran Mamdani, a confident socialist currently leading by double digits in the polls, with just under two weeks until the election.
However, Cuomo is likely to face challenges from Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, who could again divert attention from Cuomo’s attacks on Mamdani, potentially hindering any chance Cuomo has to gain momentum, experts suggest.
“If Sliwa can keep defending Mamdani, it’s going to be tough for Cuomo to make the headway he needs,” commented Andrew Kurtzman, a communications expert.
“Cuomo is really in a tight spot,” Kurtzman continued. “Sliwa stands between him and the target.”
The three candidates will gather at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City at 7 p.m. for this pivotal debate, particularly challenging for both Cuomo and Sliwa as they strive to rally sufficient voter support against the leading Democratic candidate.
Experts believe the two candidates will need an unlikely collaboration to challenge Mamdani’s substantial backing.
“Ideally, Cuomo and Sliwa should provoke Mamdani into showing his true self on stage,” suggested Democratic operative Ross Wallenstein. “But honestly, the only real option may be for one of them to withdraw to bolster the other’s chances.”
Despite this ideal scenario, analysts predict Sliwa will likely use his speaking time to attack Cuomo rather than ally with him.
Cuomo, grappling to push Sliwa out of the race, has found Sliwa steadfast, even with calls from his supporter John Catsimatidis to unite behind Cuomo for this crucial moment.
“It seems like Sliwa might derail his own chances,” said Democratic strategist Ken Friedman.
As the November 4 election approaches, urgency is growing to eliminate Sliwa from the race, especially after recent poll findings suggested Cuomo is nearing Mamdani in the race.
Insiders believe the debate is unlikely to shift voter opinions significantly, but Mamdani is poised to perform well, provided he stays composed during the 90 minutes.
Kurtzman remarked that for Cuomo to make a breakthrough, he must land some meaningful critiques on Mamdani.
“But Mamdani has avoided serious missteps thus far,” he added, noting that such gaffes can be crucial in a campaign.
Alyssa Kass, a partner at Slingshot Strategies, set the bar lower for Mamdani supporters, stating, “If he can just avoid embarrassing himself, he’ll be fine.”
For Cuomo, she indicated, this debate may serve more as a chance to shape the narrative surrounding his political career than to actually win.
When and where are discussions taking place?
The debate will occur at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center in Long Island City, beginning at 7 p.m. and lasting for 90 minutes.
Moderators include Errol Lewis of NY1, Brian Lehrer of WNYC, and Katie Honan from THE CITY.
How to watch the debate:
Viewers can catch the live broadcast on Spectrum’s NY1 channel or stream it online.
Who is participating?
Democratic candidate Zoran Mamdani
Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa
Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo
Will there be an audience?
Yes, a small audience, along with members of the New York City press, will be present.
What do the polls say?
The latest AARP poll indicates Mamdani is leading with 43% support, Cuomo at 29%, and Sliwa at 19%. If Sliwa were to exit, Mamdani would slightly edge out Cuomo with 44.6% to 40.7%.
