Discussion on NYC Mayoral Candidate Zoran Mamdani
During a segment on Fox News, host Harris Faulkner conversed with former Obama administration official Marie Half about the perspectives of New York City’s Jewish community regarding mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani.
Mamdani, in an interview with Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press,” declined to denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada” after criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has also expressed strong support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement. Faulkner shared her view that some Democrats might be willing to turn a blind eye to anti-Semitism for political gain, while Half defended prominent figures like New York’s Jerry Nadler and former candidate Brad Lander, who backed Mamdani.
“Are you questioning Jerry Nadler and Brad Lander’s commitment to Judaism?” Half challenged Faulkner. The response? “Absolutely. Yes.”
Half responded, “Wow, I’m not questioning anyone’s faith,” and argued that these actions reflect a broader pattern where political interests may conflict with community welfare.
Mamdani clinched the Democratic nomination during the June 24 primary, defeating ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Half remarked on support for Mamdani from local Jewish New Yorkers, saying, “They hate anti-Semitism and believe he can improve New York.” She added, “He should be more attuned to how many interpret his language, and it feels like he’s not fully addressing the implications.”
