The Liberty Daily 
(DCNF)—Socialist Democratic New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani and independent candidate, former Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, each claimed during Wednesday evening’s debate that the other a vote in support of President Donald Trump.
New York City’s mayoral candidates took the stage for the second and final time in a two-hour debate to discuss policies and how they plan to lead the U.S.’ largest city. During his remarks, Mamdani called Cuomo Trump’s “puppet,” claiming the president’s pick for mayor is the former Democratic governor.
“We first just heard from the Republican candidate for mayor [Curtis Sliwa] and then we heard from Donald Trump’s puppet himself, Andrew Cuomo. You could turn on TV any day of the week and you will hear Donald Trump share that his pick for mayor is Andrew Cuomo. And he wants Andrew Cuomo to be the mayor not because it will be good for New Yorkers, but because it will be good for him,” Mamdani said.
Mamdani went on to say that Trump ran on conducting mass deportations, lowering the cost of living and “going after his political enemies,” adding that he would “always” be willing to talk to the president about the cost of living. However, the socialist Democratic nominee said he would “fight” Trump “every single step of the way” on the other two policies.
Moderators then allowed Cuomo to respond to Mamdani’s claim about Trump’s alleged support of the ex-governor’s mayoral campaign, which Cuomo immediately pushed back on.
“I think on the stage, you can see two people appealing for the Republican Party’s votes,” Mamdani responded as the other candidates and crowd could be heard pushing back.
The moderator addressed Mamdani for a third time, again asking, “Do you support the three ballot amendment questions?”
“I have not yet taken a position on those ballot amendment questions,” Mamdani said.
“Oh, what a shocker!” Cuomo said. “What a shocker. Once he takes it, he’ll change it anyway.”
During the Oct. 16 mayoral debate, Mamdani also sidestepped a question about endorsing Democrat New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, despite her recent endorsement of him.
Mamdani said the decision “should be made after the election,” while attempting to praise Hochul for her work in the state. Cuomo pushed back, asking why Mamdani wouldn’t endorse the Democratic governor, prompting Mamdani to reiterate that he appreciates her support and work.
With less than two weeks until Election Day, polls show Mamdani on track to potentially win the New York City mayoral race. A recent Patriot Polling survey of registered voters found Mamdani leading with 43% support, followed by Cuomo at 32% and Sliwa at 19%.
If elected in November, Mamdani said he plans to implement policies like raising the minimum wage to $30, launching government-run grocery stores and taxing “richer and whiter” neighborhoods.
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