The first debate for the upcoming mayoral election turned into a lively two hours filled with accusations, profanity, and bizarre stories as Zoran Mamdani, Curtis Sliwa, and Andrew Cuomo vied to make impressions.
The candidates were frequently at odds, with Sliwa, representing the Republican party, dominating discussions to the extent that the moderator at 30 Rockefeller Center had to cut him off a few times.
Both Sliwa and Cuomo, running as an independent, focused much of their criticism on Mamdani, who is leading the race for the Democratic nomination, but their approaches didn’t always match.
Here are some significant highlights from the debate that occurred on Thursday on WNBC.
1. “He literally never had a job.”
Cuomo wasted no time targeting Mamdani, quickly questioning his lack of experience in leadership roles. “He has literally never held a job,” he stated, emphasizing Mamdani’s inexperience.
Cuomo compared Mamdani’s brief resume, which included an internship with his mother, to his own long career in politics. “If you don’t know what you’re doing, people can die,” he warned.
Mamdani countered by referencing the numerous deaths that occurred during Cuomo’s tenure as governor during the COVID-19 pandemic. “If there is a health crisis ongoing, why would New Yorkers trust a governor who allowed seniors to die in nursing homes?” he shot back.
2. “Chin, madam, pimp.”
Mamdani’s views on prostitution became a heated topic. As Sliwa and Cuomo pressed him, they accused him of wanting to promote prostitution legislation.
“This lawmaker is a mini-me BDB and a Bill de Blasio guy,” Cuomo alleged, referring to a former mayor’s directive to the NYPD regarding prostitution arrests.
Mamdani clarified, “I have never called for the legalization of prostitution,” stating he’s in favor of decriminalizing sex work and co-sponsoring a bill in Albany to that end.
Cuomo advocated for stricter policing, saying, “We have to enforce the law; it’s illegal,” while Sliwa suggested focusing on the individuals who exploit women rather than the women themselves.
3. No candidates support Kathy Hochul.
None of the candidates voiced support for Governor Kathy Hochul’s reelection bid. Mamdani remarked that decisions about endorsements should wait until after the general election.
Cuomo, when pressed, turned the question back to Mamdani, prompting him to clarify his stance.
“Why don’t you support her?” Cuomo asked, indicating some underlying tension.
4. Mamdani sidesteps funding questions.
Mamdani struggled to articulate how the city would implement its affordability agenda when questioned about funding sources. He deflected, noting his pride in being the Democratic candidate with a significant primary history.
Although he outlined plans for free public services and child care, he failed to detail how these would be financed.
5. Unexpected parade controversy.
A seemingly simple inquiry about a potential parade boycott escalated tensions. Cuomo stated he wouldn’t boycott unless discrimination occurred, while Mamdani admitted he hadn’t really thought about the parade at all.
Sliwa brought up a past incident where Mamdani criticized a Columbus statue, challenging Mamdani on his focus. “My main concern is affordability,” Mamdani responded, attempting to steer back to key issues.
As the debate wrapped up, moderators shifted the topic to lighter subjects, like candidates’ bagel preferences.
Bonus: Sliwa’s lively personality.
Despite not wearing his trademark red beret, Curtis Sliwa brought his usual energy to the debate, mixing in captivating anecdotes and sharp remarks.
He made an impression by comparing Cuomo to his late father, former governor Mario Cuomo, saying, “I knew Mario Cuomo, and you’re not Mario Cuomo.” He also noted how the parole board today differs under Andrew Cuomo’s administration compared to past years.
Throughout the discussion, he highlighted various personal stories, including avoiding yellow taxis after being attacked and mentioning his medical marijuana use, while even sharing some fun tidbits about his connections and experiences.
- Mention of a mob-related incident in a taxi.
- His battle with Crohn’s disease and its treatments.
- Wordplay and jokes directed towards other candidates.
- Reference to his ex-wife, a Queens Congresswoman.
- Declared his preference for George Pataki as a favorite president.
