Socialist Democratic New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani could be seen awkwardly smiling for 18 seconds during Wednesday evening’s debate after being called out for not directly answering a question — only to give another non-answer.
Mamdani, along with independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, took the stage for their second debate to discuss potential policies they plan to implement if elected. Just after Mamdani responded to a question on housing, a moderator pressed him on where he stands regarding the city’s “housing-related charter amendment questions.”
“I’m appreciative that those measures will be on the ballot, and that New Yorkers will be able to cast their votes for them. I know that we desperately need to build more housing in this city, and I also know that the jobs we create in the building of that housing should be good jobs as well,” Mamdani said.
“What a political answer,” Sliwa shouted. “What is your opinion, Zohran?”
As the crowd grew increasingly vocal over the exchange, Cuomo could be heard saying it was a “yes or no” question posed to the candidate. (RELATED: Socialist Mamdani Hits Campaign Trail At Terror-Linked Imam’s Mosque)
However, the moderator stepped in, saying he had the situation under control before following up with Mamdani to point out that he “didn’t answer the question.”
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“I think on the stage, you can see two people appealing for the Republican Party’s votes,” Mamdani responded as the other candidates and crowd could be heard pushing back.
The moderator addressed Mamdani for a third time, again asking, “Do you support the three ballot amendment questions?”
“I have not yet taken a position on those ballot amendment questions,” Mamdani said.
“Oh, what a shocker!” Cuomo said. “What a shocker. Once he takes it, he’ll change it anyway.”
During the Oct. 16 mayoral debate, Mamdani also sidestepped a question about endorsing Democrat New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, despite her recent endorsement of him.
Mamdani said the decision “should be made after the election,” while attempting to praise Hochul for her work in the state. Cuomo pushed back, asking why Mamdani wouldn’t endorse the Democratic governor, prompting Mamdani to reiterate that he appreciates her support and work.
With less than two weeks until Election Day, polls show Mamdani on track to potentially win the New York City mayoral race. A recent Patriot Polling survey of registered voters found Mamdani leading with 43% support, followed by Cuomo at 32% and Sliwa at 19%.
If elected in November, Mamdani said he plans to implement policies like raising the minimum wage to $30, launching government-run grocery stores and taxing “richer and whiter” neighborhoods.
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