5 takeaways from the New York City mayor's debate

"Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo lobbed attacks at each other during the first of two general election debates in the New York City mayoral race on Thursday, as Cuomo seeks to chip away at his opponent's comfortable lead. It was the first time the candidates were back on the debate stage since Mayor Eric Adams exited the race in September. Despite the fact that the debate also included Republican Curtis Sliwa, the fighting between the New York State assemblymember and the former New York governor took center stage at the event, which was hosted by NBC 4 New York/WNBC, Telemundo 47/WNJU and Politico."

"Cuomo attacked Mamdani over his experience, as well as his past comments over the police and the phrase "globalize the intifada." Meanwhile, Mamdani argued Cuomo didn't have the integrity to be the city's mayor and criticized his gubernatorial tenure. Cuomo is the brother of NewsNation host Chris Cuomo. The candidates will have one more debate on Wednesday to make their last pitch to voters alongside their competitors."

"'This is no job for on-the-job training, and if you look at the failed mayors, they're ones that have no management experience. Don't do it again,' Cuomo said in a veiled attack at Mamdani, who has served in the New York State Assembly since 2021. Cuomo also hit Mamdani over some of his past remarks on the New York City Police Department and former President Obama, while also criticizing his refusal to condemn the 'globalize the intifada' phrase."

Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo exchanged fierce attacks during the first general election debate in the New York City mayoral race, with Cuomo seeking to narrow Mamdani's lead. Cuomo criticized Mamdani's experience and past comments about the New York City Police Department and his refusal to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada." Mamdani accused Cuomo of lacking the integrity to be mayor and criticized his gubernatorial record. The confrontation dominated the event despite Republican Curtis Sliwa's presence. The candidates are scheduled for one more debate before voters cast ballots.

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