In the final debate of New York’s mayoral race, Andrew Cuomo emerged as the clear victor, according to a panel of political analysts from the Post. Zoran Mamdani, the leading Democratic candidate, seemed to falter under pressure from Cuomo and Republican contender Curtis Sliwa, just weeks before the election.
“Cuomo won the debate,” stated Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist College Public Opinion Institute, reflecting on the intense 90-minute clash hosted by Spectrum NY1.
“He had a good night. He threw more punches than Mamdani and highlighted his weaknesses,” Miringoff added.
Andrew Cuomo: A to A+ performance
The former governor, displaying a sharper approach compared to his previous debate, successfully argued that Mamdani’s inexperience made him unfit to lead the city. Panel experts noted he seemed to corner Mamdani consistently, showcasing significant improvement since his earlier performance.
“He was definitely the standout tonight. I’d give him an A+,” remarked Republican strategist Rob Ryan, highlighting Cuomo’s readiness to take charge.
Veteran communication strategist Andrew Kurtzman praised Cuomo’s aggressive tactics, stating, “Today was his best performance on the campaign trail. His critiques of Mamdani were fierce and direct.”
Cuomo even addressed contentious topics, confronting Mamdani about his stances on issues like Israel and homophobia, adding pressure on the younger candidate.
“Mamdani seemed visibly shaken during those attacks,” Ryan quipped, comparing his anxiety to a fluttering butterfly.
Zoran Mamdani: B to D performance
Mamdani, usually smooth and confident, struggled under fire and appeared taken aback by his opponents’ critiques. Ryan graded him with a D, noting a stark change in his demeanor.
One of the most challenging moments for Mamdani was when he sidestepped a question on a key housing initiative, which seemed to drain the energy from the room.
“His inability to discuss vital issues left him open to attacks,” said Yvette Buckner, a Democratic lobbyist, while Miringoff noted this moment felt particularly damaging for him.
Highlights from the debate
Kurtzman pointed out that both Cuomo and Sliwa appeared to enjoy themselves at Mamdani’s expense, with the front-runner looking outmatched despite his prior reputation as a skilled debater.
Curtis Sliwa: Noteworthy performance
Sliwa had several standout moments in the debate, engaging effectively with both opponents. He took sharp jabs at Cuomo while illuminating controversial decisions, like the bill that raised the age of criminal responsibility. His arguments resonated, particularly when he shared personal anecdotes about crime affecting his family.
Final thoughts ahead of the November 4th election
Democratic strategist Ken Friedman suggested both Cuomo and Sliwa likely garnered some support from the debate, but it’s uncertain whether they can significantly close the gap with Mamdani before election day.
Mamdani’s ability to retain his lead depends largely on the polarization of the other candidates, who seem to be splitting the anti-Mamdani votes.
Despite some strong points from Mamdani, like his commitment to retaining Jessica Tisch as police chief, overall, the consensus remained: Sliwa and Cuomo’s performances overshadowed his missteps. Miringoff characterized Mamdani’s showing as the weakest of the night, which could raise the stakes as the race approaches its climax.
