Mamdani turns on the charm, meets his critics head on
Holdouts within the top echelons of the Democratic Party, at the helm of major corporations and in New York's vibrant Jewish community have outstanding concerns about Mamdani's lack of executive leadership, his proposals to freeze rent and tax the rich, and his record of criticism of Israel.
Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has also been hesitant to endorse Mamdani, have both taken issue with the candidate declining to condemn the phrase 'globalize the intifada.'
Mamdani is trying to clarify his approach to the slogan, which many Jews have said they hear as a call to violence against them, POLITICO has reported. He told attendees at the Partnership for New York City business event Tuesday that he would 'discourage' the use of the slogan, and he is expected to further soften his stance more publicly.
More broadly, the Democratic nominee for mayor has signaled a willingness to make some concessions as he listens and learns.
'At the core of my politics is not just a sincerity, but also a desire for partnership,' he told reporters Tuesday.
Business executives from the meeting later that day appeared appreciative of Mamdani's outreach.
'The meeting was a net positive,' one told the Financial Times. 'He was genuinely wanting to engage and ultimately gave most people present a sense that he cares about New York and wants to be the mayor of all New Yorkers.'
Mamdani is facing Cuomo, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent business leader Jim Walden in the general election.
New York City's most influential unions are with Mamdani, as are some local leaders who endorsed Cuomo in the primary. He has support from New York's most progressive House members. But several top Democrats have thus far withheld their endorsements, including Jeffries, Schumer and Gov. Kathy Hochul.
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