Zohran Mamdani's bold ideas won't fix all of New York, but they're why he'll win | Opinion

"The final New York City mayoral debate was Zohran Mamdani's to lose. The Democratic nominee had a great first debate, is polling ahead of independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and is widely considered to be the future mayor of New York City. Yet Mamdani, a state legislator, failed to answer some important questions in the Oct. 22 debate on ballot measures and public schooling, underscoring concerns about his experience level. It wasn't that he performed poorly; he just wasn't as strong as I had hoped he'd be. Despite this, I still believe he's the best candidate in the race."

"No, Mamdani is not as experienced as Cuomo. But we cannot ignore that the former governor's "experience" as a politician includes him leaving office after being accused of sexual harassment by 13 women and potentially undercounting nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mamdani also has more political experience than Sliwa, who has never held public office and was basically just onstage to deliver a good joke every now and then."

"I'd go so far as to say Mamdani isn't going to change the city as much as fearmongering centrist Democrats and Republicans say he will. In fact, Cuomo compared Mamdani to former Mayor Bill de Blasio, asserting that the state assemblyman has no new ideas - and that the ideas he does have are too bold. Despite this mixed messaging, it's clear that Mamdani is not the radical everyone wants to paint him as. For example, The New York Times recently reported that Mamdani would allow Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to continue serving in her role if he were to be elected, something he confirmed on the debate stage."

Zohran Mamdani leads in polls and delivered a strong first debate, but missed important answers on ballot measures and public schooling during the Oct. 22 debate, raising questions about his experience. Mamdani remains viewed as the best candidate despite those concerns. Andrew Cuomo's record includes accusations of sexual harassment by 13 women and controversy over nursing home death counts during COVID-19, undermining his claim to superior experience. Curtis Sliwa lacks elected-office experience. Mamdani projects moderation on some issues, would retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and supports following the law on Rikers Island.

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