The Focus Group Podcast S5 Ep23: Cuomo vs. Mamdani (with Harry Siegel)
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Jun 21, 2025 Harry Siegel, a senior editor at The City and a columnist at the New York Daily News, dives into the chaotic NYC mayoral primary. He critiques the 'dumb choices' voters face, spotlighting candidates like disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and socialist Zohran Mamdani. The conversation also touches on the challenges of ranked choice voting, voter disengagement, and the complexities of navigating endorsements. With insights on crime, safety, and political responsibility, Siegel captures the tension in New York City's evolving political landscape.
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NYC's Confusing Democratic Primary
- The NYC Democratic primary is dominated by a choice between Andrew Cuomo and Zoran Mamdani, amid a complex, crowded, and ranked choice voting system.
- The primary has low impact since the general election is open to all voters, where the same candidates face off without ranked choice voting.
Voter Fear from Rising Crime
- A voter described personal fear due to rising crime, narrowly avoiding being near a stabbing incident on the subway.
- They highlighted the heightened anxiety from safety concerns and the city's crime environment.
Crime and Affordability Lead Voters' Concerns
- Crime and housing affordability are the top issues defining the NYC mayoral election.
- Crime remains a sharp concern alongside constant affordability pressures resisting simple solutions.