I sat down with Assemblymember and NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani for a raw, urgent conversation about authoritarianism, affordability, and the fight for our democracy.
He's definitely going to be in the running in '28, and he's well-spoken & positional razor sharp on-point, so IF we continue to have fair elections (& they're already scrambling to stop that, see the DOJ subpoenas for CO election records, & my own repeated pleadings for incisive journalistic exposure of the workings to prevent the will of the people to be freely exercised), then he's a contender.
Absolutely, Joy. It scares me to death (no pun intended) when I think of what The Dictator Criminal Deranged Psycho, ICE, and the republiCRAPS are going to do to ALL Democrats who are running for office in ALL state and federal governments. I wouldn't put anything past them.
Anyone in NYC that voted for Trump knew damn good and well what they were getting if they simply opened their eyes to what he has ALWAYS done to NYers and NJians. Jesus.
Yes, Jerseyan's too! As I am one and pissed at the ones who voted for him. I am hoping Mickie Sheriill the Democratic Governor candidate wins in November and keep Jersey blue.💙
I've lived in Upstate NY most of my life. I've seen what Trump is like since he was just someone on the NYC social scene, and I disliked him way back then and ever since.
Exactly, and I’m glad so many Democrats are coming and joining us on the “far” left, where we don’t think human rights are negotiable, where we don’t throw immigrants under the bus like the Democrats did over the last four years, and where we aren’t beholden to corporate donors. Zohran is that kind of human being and I hope that the Democratic Party can become that kind of party.
What do you mean the ways that matter? He’s a rich rapist just like Trump. he’s a narcissist, addicted to himself, just like Trump. Everything‘s about Andrew Cuomo just like everything is about Trump. He’s just like Trump in all the ways that do matter. It doesn’t matter if he has an R or a D after his name if he’s irreparably broken as a human being just like Trump.
I'm not supporting Cuomos for what he did, but was it rape or sexually assault? Both are horrendous and disgustingly wrong, but It's a big difference. Trump was accused of rape, but the jury was split and didn't charge him with the most serious degree of rape, but rather sexual abuse. I think @tiffany Rae is saying Cuomo isn't trying to end our democracy or constitution and turn this country into a Racist Christian Nationalist country. Whereas Trump is.
Does it really matter if it was rape or sexual assault? It was the assaults of 13 women and he then tried to destroy their lives. This was only a couple of years ago. It’s not like it’s an ancient history. Trump could not be charged criminally with the rape because of the statute of limitations, not because he didn’t do it. So that means that the jury was only a civil one, meaning he was never going to serve any jail time, even though he was found guilty of sexual abuse, the judge said he raped her. Andrew Cuomo will 100% collaborate with the Trump regime on these deportations and these horrific abuse on human rights. Mark my words, if he wins, he will be just as bad as Adam. Because he is just as corrupt as Adams. He is seriously funded by the same billionaires that fund Trump, why would you think he’s any different. Why would they spend their money on him if he is any different? He’s just a more palatable, narcissistic misogynistic prick.. maybe he’s not a Christian nationalist, but that doesn’t mean he’s not insanely dangerous. Why would you vote for him when you have much better options like Zohran?
Well said. It's time these behaviors were shameful again. Not to the women they victimized. To the men who think nothing of it. Time for men to realize they can't traumatize their victims over and over. And get away with it. No means no!!! I love that E Jean had the help and support of good people around her. Too many of us end up self destructive or dead. I'll be happy with the world when we never have to say "me too" ever again as a society. For now I'll be happy if perps aren't in the position to make laws for us with sexual assault in their history. That's just bull shit.
Girl, that was music to my eyes. Seriously, it is so sickening seeing other women so ready to be rape. and SA apologists for powerful men.. without a thought for their victims, who by the way are revictimized every time they have to see their rapist on television. it’s weird AF.. like can we please just stand with other women, especially when they have credible claims and ridiculously powerful RAPISTS..
You are so right, if E. Jean didn’t have the support that she did around her, she probably would’ve never brought the claim. She has basically said as much herself about the strong women around her. We need to stand together like the suffragettes did, not vote for our own oppression. This man just resigned office like yesterday in disgrace, and you have women ready and willing to vote for him again. 🤯 they have to wake up. Being a sexual abuser of any kind has to be disqualifying if we are gonna be any kind of reasonable society.
NiaSky. I’m not sure about your laws in the US, but in Canada, it’s called sexual assault, and rape falls under that. There is no big difference under the law, which in fact changed the word rape to sexual assault. Rape is no longer used under the law. They have replaced it with sexual assault and of course examine the testimony. Of course there are many acts that also fall under the umbrella of sexual assault. And the law addresses them separately. Just because someone wasn’t raped, doesn’t mean that the assault wasn’t traumatic, physically injurious or life changing.
I have already explained the different level of degrees in my comment, and I also commented that i'm not condoning it or supporing Cuomo, because I have no horse in this race since i'm across the Hudson River in New Jersey. I've asked her to clarify which one was it because yes, there's a different level of severity of consequences between the two
Actually your words are “Both are horrendous and disgustingly wrong, but it’s a big difference. I'm not supporting Cuomofor what he did, but was it rape or sexually assault?” What? Did I cross into a different dimension?
You say “I have already explained the different level of degrees in my comment.”
Actually you didn’t explain “the different level of degrees” in your comment. You commented that one was worse than the other, and that it’s a big difference. Well, it’s not. Whatever you believe, some kind of deal was made so he was charged ‘only’ with sexual assault. The fact that you’re attempting with your words to justify lessening the initial charges, just because the jury was split, what he put those women through, is kind of disheartening. Just because they changed the charges, that doesn’t mean he didn’t rape women. Either Trump or Cuomo.
I'm from New Jersey, so I'm not a New Yorker, so I wouldn't support him either way because I have no self interest invest. I'm explaining to you, what her comment could have meant. Everyone's entitled to their own opinions and thoughts that can be different from your's, and you shouldn't shame them for it as if they're wrong and your right
And just because anyone’s entitled to their own opinion, doesn’t mean that those people can’t be held accountable for the opinions they hold. I don’t need you to explain independent thought to me, but just as they are entitled to their opinions and entitled to post about them, so am I.
I’m not shaming anybody I’m laying out why Cuomo is a terrible candidate. If you think that me laying it out is shaming, maybe you’re ashamed of your own politics.
Or, perhaps it's because your intent is to intimidate and shame? Interesting how "projection" works, and not just for Trump. We all "project" to some degree, so the task is to recognize it and take a look at what our projections inform us about ourselves, which takes the ability, and humility, to self-reflect.
I am allowed just as everyone else is to comment on others stances. If that feels like shaming, Then maybe the stance is shame worthy. Where is the projection? I’m being very clear and concise about my point, Not sure how that’s projection. We As the left coalition needs to recognize the problems with our party and those who consider themselves to be on the left.
We need fighters, if there are people in common sections Standing for the same old BS and calcified politicians who have no interest in making this government work for us, Only self interest, I’m going to call it out. That’s not projection, it’s honesty.
I very much appreciate the language and tone of your reply. It feels very different from the previous series of responses to others. Thank you!
So now, I will ask you what you think of Brad Lander's candidacy? I watched the debate and I thought he self-described very well. I'd already read the NYTimes analysis of the candidates, and reasons they found him the best choice.
No candidate is "perfect," a truth hard for all of us to accept when we "fall in love" with our candidate as I did with Obama, in particular, and that flame still burns within me...But I digress...
But given that I am no longer living in Manhattan, although I self-identify as a born and bred New Yorker, I am emotionally, as well as politically, invested in this campaign. So, I would appreciate your response, as well as responses from any other New York City voters who might read this.
UPDATE to my previous post. After watching this 50 minute interview with Zohran Mamdani, I would definitely be voting for him if I were still living in Manhattan. I also learned before I watched the interview with Tim Miller of The Bulwark (link) that AOC endorsed Mamdani. But I needed to hear him speak substantively and more than in generalities before I made my decision. And Tim's questions and Zohran's responses very much impressed me. I am not easily impressed. Moreover, I get a gut feeling about people, particularly politicians, and I found him to be authentic, quite comfortable in seeing and expressing nuances, and having a wry and warm sense of humor.
I believe any of you here will appreciate the interview!
Did you hear the part about Cuomo being funded by the same exact Billionaires that fund Trump? Bill Ackman ring a bell? They literally are basically the same politician.
Call NYC ICE all so that you can register your sentiments re the City Comptroller/Mayoral candidate ICE abduction that just took place in a NYC municipal building. 212-436-9315
I think when people are desperate, they cling to whoever is offering them hope. I watched my brother let them inject him with every experimental prostate cancer drug that anyone was offering. Even a drug designed to combat toenail fungus. When you want to believe something badly enough, you will, even if deep down you might know they’re lying. It’s like Stockholm syndrome. You believe because you really have no alternatives.
He looks completely psychotic and unhinged nothing he says means anything, he changes his mind 20 minutes later and everything is the exact opposite of what he just said. He’s literally clearly suffering with dementia and has no idea what he’s doing. And he’s still an evil monster.
Unfortunately, Zohran has no experience running anything and even very little experience legislating. Mayor of New York is no job for an amateur, in fact, very few professionals can handle it as the only decent mayor we've had in the last 30 years was Bloomberg. (I'm a NYC voter). While I like the idea of free buses, I don't know how you would finance that and his other ideas are just wide-eyed impractical. We have a lot of mentally disturbed people and shoplifters making our lives miserable here. The mayor doesn't control the price of groceries. NYers are not likely to vote for a left wing guy, particularly after DiBlasio (Zoran's hero) who was a reviled mayor.
No, they’re actually not and what you’re describing is exactly what’s wrong with the Democratic Party. You think too small while the other side is literally burning our constitution and using the federal government as a hammer against us you just wanna vote in more people who will collaborate with them as opposed to go after bold ideas that absolutely can be funded based on the taxes in New York City alone. Tax hike on the rich, it’s not that hard of a concept to grasp. Stop being scared of change and embrace it. I’m glad you like the idea of free buses, that’s probably the only one that would affect you. But others need the other things like the housing and programming, etc. Please don’t vote for Cuomo.
Oh please they said the same about Obama. The fact you’re advocating for a rapist and a NY thief because of his “experience” is why this city can’t turn it around. We allowed DeBlasio and Adam’s and what that got us? BS! Step aside and let a real man lead FOR ONCE since we know this country, let alone this city, is too scared to elect a woman.
Lol to the comments. I've been a Democrat or Independent longer than probably most of you have been alive. I don't take the bus. I literally can't stomach the Republicans, any of them. It's true DiBlasio wasn't a rapist, just a horrible mayor whose wife stole the money that was supposed to go to help the mentally ill. Bloomberg is really a Democrat (long story) and one of the few ultra rich who gives away his money to good causes instead of clawing for more and more. I never said who I am going to vote for and am not advocating for anyone. I'm not afraid of good change but I live in the real world. Obama lives in the real world too.
Thanks for this missive. Anything to replace and upend NYC and New York machine politics that Cuomo personifies. New young independent representatives are essential to rid NYC of corruption that Adams has unfortunately come to represent. Good to hear from someone fresh, real, and sincere! Go, Meidas, for being at the forefront of independent media informing and educating the public in these turbulent times!
Pritzker just signed a no book ban in his state. Yay, Illinois!
He's definitely going to be in the running in '28, and he's well-spoken & positional razor sharp on-point, so IF we continue to have fair elections (& they're already scrambling to stop that, see the DOJ subpoenas for CO election records, & my own repeated pleadings for incisive journalistic exposure of the workings to prevent the will of the people to be freely exercised), then he's a contender.
Governor Murphy signed a similar bill last year!💪💪💪💪💪💪
Yay congratulations! For trump to mention Pritzker means he has a target on his back. He needs to be wearing a bullet proof vest at all times.
Just like Gov Newsom and the other brave democrats who are standing up against fascism.
Absolutely, Joy. It scares me to death (no pun intended) when I think of what The Dictator Criminal Deranged Psycho, ICE, and the republiCRAPS are going to do to ALL Democrats who are running for office in ALL state and federal governments. I wouldn't put anything past them.
Edit. I meant recently it became law. It's a start, other states may follow.
Hell yeah Zohran!!!! Love seeing you on Meidas! Can’t wait to see you as New York’s next mayor! 😊❤️🧡💛💙💚💜
Wish I could vote for Mamdani! 🇺🇸
Girl, same! ❤️🤍💙
Anyone in NYC that voted for Trump knew damn good and well what they were getting if they simply opened their eyes to what he has ALWAYS done to NYers and NJians. Jesus.
Yes, Jerseyan's too! As I am one and pissed at the ones who voted for him. I am hoping Mickie Sheriill the Democratic Governor candidate wins in November and keep Jersey blue.💙
So am I furious with the jerks who voted for this POS! I am also from NJ and am working for Mickie Sherrill!💙💙💙💙
💙💙💙
I've lived in Upstate NY most of my life. I've seen what Trump is like since he was just someone on the NYC social scene, and I disliked him way back then and ever since.
This!! Lifelong NJ resident here
He makes Cuomo look NO different than Trump.
Exactly, and I’m glad so many Democrats are coming and joining us on the “far” left, where we don’t think human rights are negotiable, where we don’t throw immigrants under the bus like the Democrats did over the last four years, and where we aren’t beholden to corporate donors. Zohran is that kind of human being and I hope that the Democratic Party can become that kind of party.
I mean, he isn’t in the ways that matter.
What do you mean the ways that matter? He’s a rich rapist just like Trump. he’s a narcissist, addicted to himself, just like Trump. Everything‘s about Andrew Cuomo just like everything is about Trump. He’s just like Trump in all the ways that do matter. It doesn’t matter if he has an R or a D after his name if he’s irreparably broken as a human being just like Trump.
I'm not supporting Cuomos for what he did, but was it rape or sexually assault? Both are horrendous and disgustingly wrong, but It's a big difference. Trump was accused of rape, but the jury was split and didn't charge him with the most serious degree of rape, but rather sexual abuse. I think @tiffany Rae is saying Cuomo isn't trying to end our democracy or constitution and turn this country into a Racist Christian Nationalist country. Whereas Trump is.
Does it really matter if it was rape or sexual assault? It was the assaults of 13 women and he then tried to destroy their lives. This was only a couple of years ago. It’s not like it’s an ancient history. Trump could not be charged criminally with the rape because of the statute of limitations, not because he didn’t do it. So that means that the jury was only a civil one, meaning he was never going to serve any jail time, even though he was found guilty of sexual abuse, the judge said he raped her. Andrew Cuomo will 100% collaborate with the Trump regime on these deportations and these horrific abuse on human rights. Mark my words, if he wins, he will be just as bad as Adam. Because he is just as corrupt as Adams. He is seriously funded by the same billionaires that fund Trump, why would you think he’s any different. Why would they spend their money on him if he is any different? He’s just a more palatable, narcissistic misogynistic prick.. maybe he’s not a Christian nationalist, but that doesn’t mean he’s not insanely dangerous. Why would you vote for him when you have much better options like Zohran?
Well said. It's time these behaviors were shameful again. Not to the women they victimized. To the men who think nothing of it. Time for men to realize they can't traumatize their victims over and over. And get away with it. No means no!!! I love that E Jean had the help and support of good people around her. Too many of us end up self destructive or dead. I'll be happy with the world when we never have to say "me too" ever again as a society. For now I'll be happy if perps aren't in the position to make laws for us with sexual assault in their history. That's just bull shit.
Girl, that was music to my eyes. Seriously, it is so sickening seeing other women so ready to be rape. and SA apologists for powerful men.. without a thought for their victims, who by the way are revictimized every time they have to see their rapist on television. it’s weird AF.. like can we please just stand with other women, especially when they have credible claims and ridiculously powerful RAPISTS..
You are so right, if E. Jean didn’t have the support that she did around her, she probably would’ve never brought the claim. She has basically said as much herself about the strong women around her. We need to stand together like the suffragettes did, not vote for our own oppression. This man just resigned office like yesterday in disgrace, and you have women ready and willing to vote for him again. 🤯 they have to wake up. Being a sexual abuser of any kind has to be disqualifying if we are gonna be any kind of reasonable society.
NiaSky. I’m not sure about your laws in the US, but in Canada, it’s called sexual assault, and rape falls under that. There is no big difference under the law, which in fact changed the word rape to sexual assault. Rape is no longer used under the law. They have replaced it with sexual assault and of course examine the testimony. Of course there are many acts that also fall under the umbrella of sexual assault. And the law addresses them separately. Just because someone wasn’t raped, doesn’t mean that the assault wasn’t traumatic, physically injurious or life changing.
I have already explained the different level of degrees in my comment, and I also commented that i'm not condoning it or supporing Cuomo, because I have no horse in this race since i'm across the Hudson River in New Jersey. I've asked her to clarify which one was it because yes, there's a different level of severity of consequences between the two
Response to NiaSky
Actually your words are “Both are horrendous and disgustingly wrong, but it’s a big difference. I'm not supporting Cuomofor what he did, but was it rape or sexually assault?” What? Did I cross into a different dimension?
You say “I have already explained the different level of degrees in my comment.”
Actually you didn’t explain “the different level of degrees” in your comment. You commented that one was worse than the other, and that it’s a big difference. Well, it’s not. Whatever you believe, some kind of deal was made so he was charged ‘only’ with sexual assault. The fact that you’re attempting with your words to justify lessening the initial charges, just because the jury was split, what he put those women through, is kind of disheartening. Just because they changed the charges, that doesn’t mean he didn’t rape women. Either Trump or Cuomo.
Sir, I could give a rat's a**, your opinion of what you think. I said, what I said, and I stand by it! If you don't like it Move the f*** along.
You have yourself a great day now, Sir.
Are you saying you are a Cuomo supporter or you are not one?
I'm from New Jersey, so I'm not a New Yorker, so I wouldn't support him either way because I have no self interest invest. I'm explaining to you, what her comment could have meant. Everyone's entitled to their own opinions and thoughts that can be different from your's, and you shouldn't shame them for it as if they're wrong and your right
And just because anyone’s entitled to their own opinion, doesn’t mean that those people can’t be held accountable for the opinions they hold. I don’t need you to explain independent thought to me, but just as they are entitled to their opinions and entitled to post about them, so am I.
I’m not shaming anybody I’m laying out why Cuomo is a terrible candidate. If you think that me laying it out is shaming, maybe you’re ashamed of your own politics.
Or, perhaps it's because your intent is to intimidate and shame? Interesting how "projection" works, and not just for Trump. We all "project" to some degree, so the task is to recognize it and take a look at what our projections inform us about ourselves, which takes the ability, and humility, to self-reflect.
I am allowed just as everyone else is to comment on others stances. If that feels like shaming, Then maybe the stance is shame worthy. Where is the projection? I’m being very clear and concise about my point, Not sure how that’s projection. We As the left coalition needs to recognize the problems with our party and those who consider themselves to be on the left.
We need fighters, if there are people in common sections Standing for the same old BS and calcified politicians who have no interest in making this government work for us, Only self interest, I’m going to call it out. That’s not projection, it’s honesty.
I very much appreciate the language and tone of your reply. It feels very different from the previous series of responses to others. Thank you!
So now, I will ask you what you think of Brad Lander's candidacy? I watched the debate and I thought he self-described very well. I'd already read the NYTimes analysis of the candidates, and reasons they found him the best choice.
No candidate is "perfect," a truth hard for all of us to accept when we "fall in love" with our candidate as I did with Obama, in particular, and that flame still burns within me...But I digress...
But given that I am no longer living in Manhattan, although I self-identify as a born and bred New Yorker, I am emotionally, as well as politically, invested in this campaign. So, I would appreciate your response, as well as responses from any other New York City voters who might read this.
Thanks again!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywUKRl16_zU
UPDATE to my previous post. After watching this 50 minute interview with Zohran Mamdani, I would definitely be voting for him if I were still living in Manhattan. I also learned before I watched the interview with Tim Miller of The Bulwark (link) that AOC endorsed Mamdani. But I needed to hear him speak substantively and more than in generalities before I made my decision. And Tim's questions and Zohran's responses very much impressed me. I am not easily impressed. Moreover, I get a gut feeling about people, particularly politicians, and I found him to be authentic, quite comfortable in seeing and expressing nuances, and having a wry and warm sense of humor.
I believe any of you here will appreciate the interview!
Did you hear the part about Cuomo being funded by the same exact Billionaires that fund Trump? Bill Ackman ring a bell? They literally are basically the same politician.
Call NYC ICE all so that you can register your sentiments re the City Comptroller/Mayoral candidate ICE abduction that just took place in a NYC municipal building. 212-436-9315
Can you let us know what happens with this, please. Any more info.
Zohran is no bs and that embodies the NY spirit. We need him and people like him in office all over the US.
Effin right we do
Trump is a very, very sick man. He's evil, insane and demented.
love this guy! i hope NYC all comes out and helps him win!!!!!
I agree!
Any voter who would think that the Dear Leader was on their side is too dumb to breathe. Where were they back in 2016? Did they all have amnesia?
I think when people are desperate, they cling to whoever is offering them hope. I watched my brother let them inject him with every experimental prostate cancer drug that anyone was offering. Even a drug designed to combat toenail fungus. When you want to believe something badly enough, you will, even if deep down you might know they’re lying. It’s like Stockholm syndrome. You believe because you really have no alternatives.
Trump is making himself look like the stupid uneducated a.. he is. The whole world is watching this foolish gangster.
He looks completely psychotic and unhinged nothing he says means anything, he changes his mind 20 minutes later and everything is the exact opposite of what he just said. He’s literally clearly suffering with dementia and has no idea what he’s doing. And he’s still an evil monster.
A name many will not recognize Zohran Mamdani .. get to know it! .. watch this interview .. Zohran is one of new warriors that we so badly need.
Unfortunately, Zohran has no experience running anything and even very little experience legislating. Mayor of New York is no job for an amateur, in fact, very few professionals can handle it as the only decent mayor we've had in the last 30 years was Bloomberg. (I'm a NYC voter). While I like the idea of free buses, I don't know how you would finance that and his other ideas are just wide-eyed impractical. We have a lot of mentally disturbed people and shoplifters making our lives miserable here. The mayor doesn't control the price of groceries. NYers are not likely to vote for a left wing guy, particularly after DiBlasio (Zoran's hero) who was a reviled mayor.
No, they’re actually not and what you’re describing is exactly what’s wrong with the Democratic Party. You think too small while the other side is literally burning our constitution and using the federal government as a hammer against us you just wanna vote in more people who will collaborate with them as opposed to go after bold ideas that absolutely can be funded based on the taxes in New York City alone. Tax hike on the rich, it’s not that hard of a concept to grasp. Stop being scared of change and embrace it. I’m glad you like the idea of free buses, that’s probably the only one that would affect you. But others need the other things like the housing and programming, etc. Please don’t vote for Cuomo.
Oh please they said the same about Obama. The fact you’re advocating for a rapist and a NY thief because of his “experience” is why this city can’t turn it around. We allowed DeBlasio and Adam’s and what that got us? BS! Step aside and let a real man lead FOR ONCE since we know this country, let alone this city, is too scared to elect a woman.
🔥🔥🔥
Exactly.
Diblasio wasn’t a rapist. There’s that. Maybe you only liked Bloomberg because you’re a republican?
Lol to the comments. I've been a Democrat or Independent longer than probably most of you have been alive. I don't take the bus. I literally can't stomach the Republicans, any of them. It's true DiBlasio wasn't a rapist, just a horrible mayor whose wife stole the money that was supposed to go to help the mentally ill. Bloomberg is really a Democrat (long story) and one of the few ultra rich who gives away his money to good causes instead of clawing for more and more. I never said who I am going to vote for and am not advocating for anyone. I'm not afraid of good change but I live in the real world. Obama lives in the real world too.
Zorhan needs to get together with the likes of Crockett that can send the message with total exposure of trumps con .
Or AOC, which he already does collaborate with AOC I believe.
Thanks for this missive. Anything to replace and upend NYC and New York machine politics that Cuomo personifies. New young independent representatives are essential to rid NYC of corruption that Adams has unfortunately come to represent. Good to hear from someone fresh, real, and sincere! Go, Meidas, for being at the forefront of independent media informing and educating the public in these turbulent times!
Trump = deranged 34-count felon. Pritzger = University of Chicago School of Medicine.
I wish I could be there to vote for you.