MacCallum: This is one of the BIG questions for Mamdani

Group's Stance on Gaza Ceasefire [00:00]

• The Democratic Socialist of America, the largest group backing a mayoral candidate, is brushing off Israel's ceasefire with Hamas.
• They called for more resistance to Israel's apartheid and occupation of Gaza.
• A statement released by the group asserts that the ceasefire will not end Israel's assault on the Palestinian people or the theft and occupation of Palestinian lands.
• It further states that the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem continue to struggle under violent Israeli apartheid and occupation.

This group, a significant financial and platform backer of the mayoral candidate, has issued a strong statement against the ceasefire, framing it as insufficient to address ongoing Palestinian grievances.

"This will not end Israel's assault on the Palestinian people or the theft and occupation of Palestinian lands."

Candidate's Ceasefire Statement and Criticism [00:40]

• The candidate's ceasefire statement offers a "glimmer of hope" that it will hold, allowing reconstruction to begin.
• He states the need to work towards a future built upon justice, one without occupation and apartheid, and where every person can live with safety and dignity.
• This statement is described as "not much better" than a previous "terrible" statement made on October 7th.
• There is criticism for the candidate's perceived silence on Hamas and its crimes.

The candidate's response to the ceasefire is seen as weak by some, failing to adequately address the complexities of the situation and drawing comparisons to his prior statements.

"We must work towards a future built upon justice, one without occupation and apartheid really and for a world where every person can live with safety and dignity."

Evolution of the Group's Focus and Perceived Anti-American Sentiment [01:06]

• The group, previously associated with campus groups and economic redistribution, is now seen as primarily a "free Palestine" group.
• The faces of the group have changed, now prominently featuring the mayoral candidate and another figure, alongside causes for justice for Palestine.
• This shift in focus is labeled as "dangerous" and "anti-American."
• Anti-Semitic tropes are also mentioned in relation to their messaging.

The speaker perceives a significant change in the group's priorities, moving beyond economic issues to a strong advocacy for Palestine, which they view with alarm.

"They're a free Palestine group right now. Uh, this is dangerous. What they believe in is anti-American. And it's very clear the anti-Semitic tropes that they continue to shout."

Condemnations and Criticisms from New York Figures [01:51]

• A New York City Councilwoman, who is Jewish, called the candidate's statement a "word salad" and noted the absence of any mention of Hamas or its crimes.
• The former governor, running against the candidate, noted the candidate's delay in addressing the ceasefire and stated his silence speaks volumes.
• Criticism is also directed at the candidate's wife for publicly mourning a Palestinian social media influencer who praised Hamas's actions on October 7th.

Several prominent New York figures have publicly condemned the candidate's statements and actions concerning the Gaza conflict and its related issues.

"She lashed out at Mom Donnie soon afterward, calling his statement a word salad and noted the absence of any mention of Hamas or its crimes."

Economic Proposals and Socialist Principles [02:29]

• The candidate's proposals, such as "free bus," are estimated to cost the city $800 million.
• His proposals are described as "idiotic," and socialist principles are deemed unworkable.
• The cost of free bus service is noted to be $50 million less than what New York is spending to build a new stadium.
• Rent freezing is also mentioned as a policy that "fails all the time" due to "logical capitalistic economics."

The speaker criticizes the economic feasibility and practicality of the candidate's policy proposals, arguing they are rooted in flawed socialist principles.

"His proposals are are are really idiotic and the socialist principles will not work."

Debate Previews and Political Dynamics [03:04]

• A debate is scheduled for tomorrow with the candidate, another opponent, and a third individual.
• The current mayor is considering endorsing one of the opponents, which could significantly impact the race.
• There is anticipation for the debate, with one individual calling it "must see TV."
• The mayoral candidate is currently leading by 13 points.

The upcoming debate is seen as a pivotal moment in the mayoral race, with potential endorsements and the candidate's lead being key factors.

"So that's going to be must see TV. And also Eric Adams says he's considering endorsing Cuomo. So if that's another 10%, that's another 10%."

Socialist Agenda and Membership Expectations [05:03]

• The Democratic Socialist of America's agenda includes getting rid of mandatory minimum prison sentences, closing ICE detention facilities, and providing health insurance to illegal immigrants.
• A chapter leader stated that "Our endorsed candidates are expected to follow the will of the membership."
• The candidate, along with other figures, aims to represent the future of politics in New York City and beyond.
• Questions are raised about running New York City, the world's largest capitalist center, from this political position.

The core tenets of the socialist group's platform are outlined, emphasizing member control and a vision for political change that challenges the capitalist nature of New York City.

"Our endorsed candidates are expected to follow the will of the membership."

Public Safety and Candidate's Experience [05:46]

• There are significant concerns about public safety among the populace.
• The candidate, despite a strong base among young people and outreach to working-class and South Asian voters, is perceived as lacking experience in running things.
• "Safety is huge" is highlighted as a major concern.
• Horrific stories about public safety incidents are mentioned as a weekly occurrence.

Public safety is a paramount concern, and the candidate's perceived lack of experience in managing such issues, despite broad appeal, is a point of contention.

"But safety is huge. And, you know, you look at every every week there's another horrific story."

Candidate's Statements and Clarity of Beliefs [06:24]

• There is a challenge in getting clear answers from the candidate due to past comments and subsequent clarifications.
• His campaign often releases statements to explain or reframe his positions.
• Despite clarifications, he often returns to his original policy stances.
• The goal is to obtain clear answers regarding his true beliefs.

The interview aims to elicit definitive answers from the candidate, given the perceived inconsistency between his stated policies and past pronouncements.

"So do you think you're going to be able to get a clear answer? Whatever he believes on it, we just want a clear answer on that."

Past Comments on Police and Apologies [06:50]

• Politicians are acknowledged to evolve, and the candidate claims to have changed his opinions.
• He previously made statements calling New York City police officers racist and part of the public safety problem.
• He now states he no longer believes this and has offered to apologize to the police and the city.
• His response to a question about apologizing was, "I see cops individually and I speak to them individually."

The candidate's past controversial remarks about the police are a significant point of discussion, with questions about the sincerity and scope of his apologies.

"He has said he no longer believes that, and he has said that he will apologize, uh, to the police at large and to the city at large for those comments."

Economic Impacts of Socialist Policies [07:31]

• The "free buses" proposal is estimated to cost $800 million a year, according to The Washington Post.
• This cost is noted as $50 million less than the new stadium for the Buffalo Bills.
• Rent freezing is considered a non-starter due to the principles of capitalistic economics.
• Concerns exist about the maintenance of buildings if rents are capped and how owners might compensate for lost revenue.

The economic implications of the candidate's proposed policies, particularly the free bus initiative and rent freezes, are analyzed, with significant financial and practical concerns raised.

"The Washington Post finds that that would cost the city $800 million a year."

Capitalism vs. Socialism and Wealth Exodus [08:17]

• The buildings of New York City are presented as a product of capitalism, not socialism.
• Socialist countries are described as having dictators who confiscate property.
• The candidate's proposal to increase corporate tax and eliminate banker bonuses is questioned for its potential impact on the city's economy.
• It is suggested that such policies could cause individuals to move to other states like Florida, Tennessee, or Texas.

A stark contrast is drawn between capitalism and socialism, with the argument that the candidate's policies could lead to an exodus of businesses and high-earning individuals from New York City.

"He wants to increase that. He wants to get rid of the bonuses for all of the people in New York that are bankers. How does he expect all of these individuals that depend on the work here in New York and provide so many jobs to stay here?"

Tax Base and City Services [09:05]

• Those who pay significant taxes are crucial to the city's infrastructure, including arts, hospitals, and schools.
• These individuals contribute millions of dollars annually to city operations.
• Chasing these individuals out of the city would be detrimental.
• The question of whether increasing taxes by a few percentage points will cause them to leave is raised.

The importance of the high-tax paying demographic to New York City's functioning is emphasized, with a warning against policies that could alienate them and negatively impact essential services.

"These are the people who pay for so much of of the tax base, so much of what happens in New York City, the arts, hospitals, schools. I mean, these people give millions and millions of dollars to all of these things that make this city run."