The Brian Lehrer Show City Politics: Summer Campaigning
Jul 23, 2025
Elizabeth Kim, a seasoned politics reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, dives into the intriguing landscape of the NYC mayoral race. She discusses Mayor Adams' evolving relationship with Tom Homan and the implications of his recent campaign strategies. Kim highlights Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani's eye-catching trip to Uganda and the humorous video he shared to address criticism. The conversation also touches on Adams' playful 'Pull-Ups for Peace' initiative and the shifting dynamics in press engagement, demonstrating how candidates are adapting in real time.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mamdani's Uganda Trip Video
- Zohran Mamdani humorously addressed criticism about his trip to Uganda by making a tongue-in-cheek video.
- He anticipated the backlash, especially from the New York Post, and turned it into a preemptive joke.
Mamdani's Campaign Moderation
- Mamdani is moderating his tone and some policies like rent freeze to appeal to a broader audience.
- His meeting with Hakeem Jeffries is about building a coalition and reconciling policy differences.
Ranked Choice Voting Insights
- Ranked choice voting data reveals impact of campaign endorsements and voter strategy in NYC mayoral primary.
- Understanding vote transfers provides insight into voter behavior and election outcomes.