Candidates Clash in Fiery Final NYC Mayoral Debate

In a heated final debate on October 25, 2023, New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani, Curtis Sliwa, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo engaged in sharp exchanges, reflecting the contentious nature of this year’s race. Mamdani, the frontrunner, began by accusing his opponents of prioritizing personal attacks over substantive policy discussions. However, he soon joined the fray, attempting to create memorable moments, including the invitation of one of Cuomo’s accusers to the audience.

Cuomo, now running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani, appeared more composed than in previous debates. He aimed to leverage his extensive political experience while avoiding a direct appeal to Sliwa to withdraw from the race, a strategy he previously advocated to consolidate the anti-Mamdani vote. Instead, he framed Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, as inexperienced and out of his depth, citing Mamdani’s pro-Palestinian stance and referencing former President Donald Trump’s threats regarding the election outcome.

Key Exchanges and Accusations

The debate featured numerous verbal jabs. Despite his initial pledge to focus on pressing issues such as affordability and crime, Mamdani took aim at his rivals. He criticized Cuomo and Sliwa for spending more time attacking each other than proposing their own policies. “You speak only in the past because that is all you know,” he remarked, adding that Cuomo was “a desperate man, lashing out because he knows that the one thing he cares about, power, is slipping away from him.”

Cuomo retaliated by questioning Mamdani’s qualifications, stating, “You have never had a job. You’ve never accomplished anything,” while Sliwa chimed in, suggesting that Mamdani’s resume “could fit on a cocktail napkin.” Sliwa also took the opportunity to highlight Cuomo’s resignation amid sexual harassment allegations, which Cuomo continues to deny.

Local Issues and Federal Interventions

As the debate progressed, the candidates were pressed on local concerns, including crime, subway safety, and the infamous Rikers Island jail complex. Mamdani faced criticism for his indecision on initiatives that will appear on the November ballot. He also stated that as mayor, he would request New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to remain in her position, a notable shift from his previous criticisms of the police force.

Both candidates condemned a recent immigration enforcement operation on Canal Street, which resulted in 14 arrests. Cuomo argued that the city does not require federal agents to address quality-of-life crimes, while Mamdani labeled Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as “a reckless entity that cares little for the law and even less for the people that they’re supposed to serve.”

The debate also addressed the influence of Trump, with candidates asserting their abilities to manage relations with the former president. Cuomo claimed he effectively countered Trump during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. He warned that a Mamdani victory would be a “dream” for Trump, who has expressed intent to exert influence over New York if Mamdani is elected. In contrast, Mamdani positioned Cuomo as Trump’s “puppet,” accusing him of being too closely aligned with the former president’s interests.

Mamdani’s strategy included inviting Charlotte Bennett, one of Cuomo’s accusers, to the debate, a tactic reminiscent of Trump’s approach during the 2016 election. He pressed Cuomo on the allegations, questioning, “What do you say to the 13 women that you sexually harassed?” Cuomo, maintaining his innocence, responded by admonishing Mamdani for lacking seriousness and maturity in his political aspirations.

As the debate concluded, it was noted that many New Yorkers might have preferred to watch the Knicks opening game of the season, which coincided with the debate. Cuomo, later spotted at the game, was seen seated next to incumbent Mayor Eric Adams.

The final debate highlighted the stark differences among the candidates and set the stage for the upcoming election. As New Yorkers prepare to cast their votes, the candidates’ positions on key issues and their ability to connect with the electorate will undoubtedly influence the outcome in this pivotal race.