CNBC’s Joe Kernen Compares NYC to Gotham After Zohran Mamdani’s Primary Win
CNBC anchor Joe Kernen expressed concerns that New York City is on the brink of becoming a crime-ridden Gotham, reminiscent of the “Dark Knight” films, following the surprising victory of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in the city’s Democratic mayoral primary.
During a segment on “Squawk Box” on Wednesday, Kernen playfully suggested that co-host Andrew Ross Sorkin should consider running against Mamdani in the upcoming general election.
“You have a platform similar to what you ran on; you promised free things,” Kernen remarked, launching into a pointed analogy.
“I really don’t want to go there, but Gotham…” he continued.
“Have you ever considered what Batman fights against in Gotham? It seems to echo what someone running for mayor would need to address,” he added, making a somewhat jarring comparison.
Kernen’s comments illustrate mounting concern among financial and political circles regarding Mamdani’s platform, which includes proposals like rent freezes, free public transportation for wealthier citizens, and tax breaks for city-operated grocery stores.
Mamdani’s unexpected primary win, largely fueled by younger, progressive voters, has unsettled the New York political establishment.
Various Democratic-leaning publications, including the New York Times and Chicago Tribune, expressed skepticism about Mamdani’s campaign, arguing that his proposals are overly ambitious.
There are growing worries that Mamdani’s agenda could lead to businesses fleeing the city, with particular attention on his push to raise the minimum wage to $30 an hour by 2030, which has met heavy criticism from small business representatives.
Mamdani’s stance on Israeli and Jewish identities has also sparked backlash. He described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and stated he believes it should operate “as an equal rights state” rather than a Jewish state.
Jewish organizations, including the Prevention League and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, have condemned his failure to renounce the phrase “globalization of the Intifada.”
Some founding Democrats have distanced themselves from Mamdani, labeling him as “too extreme.” Critics argue that cities lack the necessary infrastructure to carry out sweeping changes like public grocery stores, particularly given the ongoing issues with agencies like NYCHA.
This article is open for comment from Mamdani.
