Former staff member Barack Obama criticized a campaign video released by Andrew Cuomo, who recently lost the Democratic primary for New York mayor to socialist Zoran Mamdani. Dan Pfeiffer, a former Obama White House communications director, described the video on X as “one of the most unconvincing” he had seen, noting that Cuomo seemed visibly annoyed and wore a shirt that didn’t truly reflect his beliefs.
Cuomo announced his independent mayoral campaign through this video on Monday.
Cuomo’s spokesman reported that the video garnered over 12 million views within just 24 hours. He remarked, “If the island pods don’t like something, it must mean we’re on the right track,” a comment aimed at Pfeiffer, who co-hosts a progressive podcast called “Pod Save America.”
The video starts with Cuomo in a park, acknowledging, “Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know that the Democratic primary didn’t go my way.” He expressed gratitude to the 400,040 New Yorkers who supported him and apologized for disappointing them. Referencing his grandfather, he insisted that after setbacks, it’s essential to learn, stand back up, and continue pushing forward.
Cuomo aimed to rally support, waving to people on the streets and subway. “The fight to save our city is not over. Only 13% of New Yorkers voted in the June primary,” he stated, emphasizing that the general election is crucial. He critiqued Mamdani’s promises, claiming they lacked substance and called for a city with improved safety and affordable housing.
Cuomo reiterated his commitment to connect with voters directly over the next few months, meeting them and listening to their concerns.
In a surprising turn, Mamdani, a 33-year-old state legislator, defeated Cuomo and others in the primary, making history as the first Muslim mayor of New York City. His campaign emphasized the need for affordable living, capturing the attention of many young voters through social media. His proposals included eliminating bus fares and making childcare free for children under five.
Mamdani, who has a background that includes growing up in Uganda and South Africa before moving to New York City at seven, capitalized on progressive support and a robust volunteer base. If elected in November, he would become both the city’s first Muslim and millennial mayor.
Cuomo’s political journey may be complicated further by his opponent’s background; Mamdani’s father, a professor at Columbia University, is known for his controversial views on Israel. This connection has raised eyebrows, especially after recent conflicts ignited fears among Jewish residents regarding a potential rise in anti-Semitism.
In the general election, former Democratic mayor Eric Adams also holds a spot, having stepped back from his major bid due to poor polling earlier this year. Other candidates include independent prosecutor Jim Walden and Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate, marking his second run.
