Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor of New York, has come under fire for his behaviour on a conservative radio show where he engaged in a conversation about his opponent in the N.Y.C mayoral election, New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. The discussion took place on the Sid & Friends in the Morning show on Thursday, October 23. Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani, expressed doubts about Mamdani’s ability to lead the city through various crises, including natural disasters, fiscal collapses, or outbreaks of disease. The conversation took a controversial turn when the topic of a potential 9/11 scenario arose.
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Cuomo mentioned Mamdani in the context of a hypothetical 9/11 situation, questioning his suitability for the seat if such an event were to occur again. Host Sid Rosenberg, who has previously referred to Mamdani as a “terrorist,” insinuated that Mamdani would cheer in such a scenario. Cuomo’s response to this insinuation was met with criticism, as he briefly paused and then laughed, saying, “That’s another problem.” These remarks have been deemed inappropriate and offensive, especially considering the sensitive nature of invoking 9/11 in political discourse.
In response to the controversy, Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, denounced Cuomo’s comments as “disgusting.” He highlighted the racial undertones of Cuomo’s remarks, pointing out that they were disrespectful not only to him but also to the Muslim community in New York City, where over 1 million Muslims reside. Prominent figures within the Democratic Party, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, have condemned the exchange, labelling it as fear-mongering, hate speech, and Islamophobia.
The ongoing mayoral campaign in New York City has been intensified by the heated rivalry between Cuomo, Mamdani, and the long-shot Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. Cuomo’s bid for mayor comes after his resignation as governor amidst a sexual harassment scandal, which he has vehemently denied. The political landscape is further complicated by endorsements such as the one from outgoing mayor Eric Adams in support of Cuomo, despite the controversy surrounding his recent comments.
Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, clarified that Cuomo’s agreement with the radio show host’s remarks was intended to draw attention to Mamdani’s association with Hasan Piker, who made inflammatory comments about 9/11 in the past. However, Mamdani has distanced himself from such remarks and expressed his disapproval of Piker’s statements. The clash between Cuomo and Mamdani underscores the tensions and divisions within the political arena, particularly in a diverse city like New York.
As the criticism mounts against Cuomo for his insensitive comments, the mayoral candidates continue to vie for support ahead of the upcoming election. The fallout from this episode serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible and respectful discourse in politics, particularly when addressing sensitive topics like national tragedies. The impact of such rhetoric on communities and individuals should not be underestimated, and public figures must be held accountable for their words and actions in the public sphere.