The Hell Gate Podcast You Can Call the President a Fascist, He Says It’s OK
Nov 22, 2025
The hosts dive into Mamdani's wavering stance on NYPD reforms, with concerns over the harmful gang database affecting marginalized communities. They debate the implications of his recent meeting with Trump and what it means for future political maneuvers. Meanwhile, they criticize Mayor Adams for his absence and questionable foreign trips, suggesting a lack of accountability. The panel also explores Randy Mastro's controversial influence and tactics within City Hall, stressing the need for resistance against administrative overreach.
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Campaign Promises Vs. Governing Reality
- Zoran Mamdani is already softening campaign promises on NYPD oversight and reforms.
- Hosts flag this as a shift from campaigning to traditional governing compromises that risk betraying voters.
Funding Can't Guarantee Civilian Oversight
- The CCRB's power is central and Mamdani moved from saying they'd have final say to promising funding and respect.
- Hosts warn funding alone won't override the mayor/commissioner dynamics that usually blunt CCRB discipline.
Gang Database Is A Racial Dragnet
- The NYPD gang database is depicted as a racially biased dragnet harming Black and Latino people.
- Removing it matters because inclusion triggers cascading harms in justice and immigration systems.
