The Brian Lehrer Show City Politics: Free Speech; School Bathrooms; Endorsements and Non-Endorsements
Sep 24, 2025
Elizabeth Kim, a political reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, dives into the tumultuous New York City mayoral campaign. She explains the fallout from Zohran Mamdani's protest against Jimmy Kimmel, connecting it to broader candidate strategies. Kim discusses Mayor Adams's controversial comments on transgender student bathroom policies amidst federal pressures and the ramifications for city authority. Frustration mounts over Chuck Schumer's hesitation to endorse Mamdani, igniting debates on demographic appeal and political loyalty among local Democrats.
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Town Hall Cancellation And Reversal
- Zohran Mamdani canceled a WABC town hall to protest Jimmy Kimmel's temporary suspension and highlight free-speech and labor concerns.
- After ABC reinstated Kimmel, Mamdani's campaign scrambled to reschedule the 90-minute event for voters to question him.
Adams' Bathroom Remarks And Federal Pressure
- Mayor Eric Adams framed opposition to mixed-gender school facilities amid federal pressure threatening about $50 million in education funding.
- New York state protections limit the mayor's ability to unilaterally change access to bathrooms or sports for trans students.
Clarify Motives When Funding Is At Stake
- When political leaders face federal funding threats, publicly clarifying motives helps avoid confusing cultural signaling.
- Explain whether statements aim to protect funding or court voters to reduce misinterpretation.
