Following Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani's primary victory, CNN anchor Abby Phillip challenged claims made by Republican Angie Wong regarding a potential exodus due to fears surrounding Mamdani's Muslim faith. Wong suggested that many New Yorkers are leaving because of concerns associated with Mamdani being a Muslim and his perceived anti-Israel stance. Phillip highlighted the problematic nature of linking Mamdani's religion to safety concerns, stressing that critiques should focus on his policies rather than his faith, thereby addressing underlying prejudices in the debate.
WONG: We're going to have a second wave, and we've got plenty of land and real estate down there. You're going to see an exodus if Zohran gets in.
PHILLIP: The idea that because he is Muslim, he is a threat to Jewish New Yorkers, is that really interesting?
WONG: It's because of his anti-Israel rhetoric that he's been putting out there.
PHILLIP: It's not about his faith. It's because he is perpetuating this anti-Israeli rhetoric, and New Yorkers are hearing it, and they're scared.
Collection
[
|
...
]