Zohran Mamdani Dodges When Asked About ‘Globalize the Intifada’

UNKNOWN: “Sorry. Liz Kim, I think —“

KIM: “I’m here.”

UNKNOWN: “Where are you? Oh, there you are.”

KIM: “Hi, Zohran. I wanted to ask you about two big meetings here expected to have this week, one with business leaders tomorrow and Wednesday, I believe, and also with Representative Hakeem Jeffries. Now, with respect to Jeffries, it’s been reported that he wants to have a discussion with you about your defense of the slogan ‘globalize the intifada.’ I wanted you to address that, but it’s also continued to be misreported that you use that slogan, and I wonder what you make of that? Is that intentional misinformation that’s being spread by people who don’t like you, or is there something that you regret about how you answered that question in The Bulwark podcast that kind of maybe left open this idea that this was a slogan that not only — that it wasn’t so much that you defended it, but that you yourself would use it?”

MAMDANI: “I can’t speak to the media coverage of it. I can tell you that I’m looking forward to that meeting with Congressman Jeffries. And in the conversations that I’ve had with him, they have come back to the very urgent issue of affordability and the way in which the challenge that we are presented with is reminiscent of that that was faced by the greatest mayor in our city’s history, Fiorello LaGuardia. A challenge of taking on anti-immigrant animus and standing up for working people across this city. And Congressman Jeffries, the New York delegation, they have been on the front lines of facing that twin crisis of fighting back against the Trump Administration and the legislation that that same administration just ushered through, which would steal food from the hungry, take health care from Americans, and continue in what is one of the largest wealth transfers from working class people across this country, to the very Americans who already have more than they know what to do with. And in sitting down with the congressman and with other leaders across this city, making clear that this politics that we are ushering in is one that is based upon not only the necessity, but the importance of partnership. And I’m looking forward to being a partner to Congressman Jeffries in winning back the House and continuing to fight back against Donald Trump’s agenda and in delivering at the same time for New Yorkers across the five boroughs. And in the meeting that I will have with business leaders this week, making clear that the positions I hold, the fiscal policies I put forward, they are the same ones I say at a press conference, at a rally, inside a meeting. And at the foundation of all of my politics, beyond that consistency, however, is a belief that for our city to succeed, it will take all of us. That includes those business leaders, where we have a shared interest in this city and this city’s success, and I’m excited to share my plans to that end and to work with them to achieve that success. Because, too often, in our leadership, we do not leave enough room to learn from others. We pretend as if we have all of the answers. And I go into each of these meetings knowing what I know, knowing what I believe in, and interested in what I can also learn from each and every one of the people who have made this city what it is.”