Bill Maher Raises Concerns Over Mayor Candidate Zoran Mamdani

On Friday, HBO host Bill Maher expressed serious concerns about Zoran Mamdani, a democratic socialist candidate for mayor of New York City, labeling him the “most radical” figure to emerge in the city’s political landscape.

During a real-time panel discussion, Maher emphasized Mamdani’s Marxist leanings, mentioning his calls for the abolition of private property and direct references to Karl Marx. “What he says… he quotes Marxism, each according to their needs. It’s essentially communism,” Maher noted.

“We call it a ‘home guarantee,’ whether or not you call it the abolition of private property. It’s definitely more appealing than the current situation,” he added.

Mahar pointed out the unusual nature of suggesting the abolition of private property in America, saying, “That’s a mere phrase you don’t often encounter.” He also commented on Mamdani’s views on prisons, questioning their effectiveness. “What purpose do they serve?” he asked, implying there are alternatives worth considering.

Referencing Mamdani again, Maher quoted him as saying, “The NYPD is racist, anti-distance, and poses a significant threat to public safety.” To this, Maher remarked, “I think most people believe that officers are, in fact, protecting public safety.”

Maher’s remarks followed a response from Colorado Democrat Rep. Jason Crowe, who dismissed the conservative backlash against Mamdani as merely an attempt to fabricate a “boogeyman.” Crowe argued that there’s a tendency to create villains in political discourse.

Maher countered Crowe’s argument, stating, “No, these are quotes. I’m not making this up—I’m simply quoting Mamdani.” Fellow panelist James Kirchick echoed Maher’s concerns, drawing historical parallels between Mamdani and accusations once directed at former President Barack Obama.

“Everything that the extreme far right claimed about Obama—being born outside the U.S., having Muslim ties, socialist leanings—is now being directed at Mamdani,” Kirchick asserted. He criticized Mamdani for not condemning certain phrases that advocate violence against Jews, stating, “That means killing Jews whenever possible. I don’t want to hear anyone deny this.”

Reportedly, Mamdani, a member of the state legislature, told business leaders recently that he personally would not use the phrase “globalize intifadas” and encourages others to refrain from doing so. However, he continues to support the anti-Israel BDS movement.

In closing, Maher stated, “He’s not unnatural. He’s on track to become the mayor of New York.”