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Time of India
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Grating voice, terrible looks, backed by dummies: Donald Trump calls Zohran Mamdani '100% lunatic' after NYC primary win
Zohran Mamdani , a 33-year-old progressive and self-described democratic socialist, has become the unexpected centre of American political debate after defeating Andrew Cuomo in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. His upset win drew an immediate and hostile response from Donald Trump , who issued a barrage of insults on his Truth Social platform. 'It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor,' Trump wrote. He added, 'We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he's not very smart, he's got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin' Chuck Schumer, is grovelling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!' Targeted by Trump and the right Trump's remarks have amplified efforts by Republicans to cast Mamdani as a symbol of what they call the radical left. The former president sarcastically proposed that Democrats should nominate Rep. Jasmine Crockett as their 2028 presidential candidate, with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as her running mate, and Mamdani joining their Cabinet. 'After years of being left out in the cold, including suffering one of the Greatest Losses in History, the 2024 Presidential Election, the Democrats should nominate Low IQ Candidate, Jasmine Crockett, for President, and AOC+3 should be, respectively, Vice President, and three High Level Members of the Cabinet – Added together with our future Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and our Country is really SCREWED!' he wrote. Live Events This rhetoric is not new. Trump has long targeted progressive Democrats, especially those associated with 'The Squad.' Mamdani, who represents parts of Queens, now joins that list. A campaign that defied the odds Mamdani's path to the nomination was shaped by a platform that included free bus services, corporate tax hikes, and strict rent control. His digital campaign struck a chord with younger voters, and endorsements from Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders boosted his progressive credentials. In the Democratic debate, Mamdani directly addressed Donald Trump saying, 'I am Donald Trump's worst nightmare, as a progressive, Muslim immigrant who actually fights for the things I believe in.' He also criticised Trump's immigration policies as authoritarian and slammed billionaire donors who backed Cuomo, saying they were 'the same billionaires that put Donald Trump in DC.' The Cuomo factor and Democratic tensions Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 following multiple sexual harassment allegations—which he denied—had backing from establishment figures including former President Bill Clinton. Cuomo conceded the race but has not ruled out an independent bid. The outcome has deepened tensions between the party's old guard and its progressive base. Mamdani's victory is being read by many as a referendum on the future direction of the Democrats. Adams joins in, plans independent run Mayor Eric Adams , who plans to run as an independent, was also quick to attack Mamdani. In a Fox & Friends interview, he called the state legislator a 'snake oil salesman' who would say 'anything to get elected.' He also raised questions over Mamdani's position on Israel, 'What NYC deserves is a mayor who's proud to run on his record—not one who ran from his record, or one who has no record,' Adams posted on X. 'We deserve a mayor who will keep driving down crime, support our police, fight antisemitism, and stand up for working-class New Yorkers.' Adams has himself faced scrutiny after the Justice Department dropped a corruption case against him earlier this year, shortly after Trump took office. The move sparked speculation about a quid pro quo involving immigration enforcement, though both Adams and the DOJ have denied wrongdoing. Mamdani, the son of Indian-born filmmaker Mira Nair, has not only been criticised for his politics but also targeted for his religion. Some right-wing activists have circulated conspiracy theories linking him to 9/11 and questioning his loyalty, despite no basis for such claims. He has been outspoken against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, describing it as 'genocide,' while asserting he is not antisemitic. Mamdani has pledged to protect Jewish New Yorkers and expand resources to combat hate crimes against all minorities. The battle for New York's City Hall has morphed into a national spectacle. With Mamdani, Adams, and possibly Cuomo all heading to the general election, the race reflects broader divides in American politics—between left and centre, old and new, and rhetoric and policy. The result will not only shape New York City's leadership. It could also serve as a marker for the direction Democrats take into the next presidential cycle.
Axios
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Trump slings insults at Mamdani, other Democrats after NYC primary
President Trump took aim at New York City's Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani Wednesday after his primary election win. The big picture: Trump has a long history of using insults to belittle his political foes — and Mamdani and other congressional Democrats appeared to be his latest target. Driving the news: "It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line," Trump said in a Truth Social post Wednesday. "We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous," the president said. Paired with a series of insults, Trump wrote that Mamdani has the backing of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and The Squad, and said that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) "is groveling over him." Zoom in: In another post, Trump suggested "an idea for the Democrats to bring them back into 'play.'" He said the party should nominate Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) for president and Ocasio-Cortez for vice president. "Added together with our future Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and our Country is really SCREWED!" Trump wrote. Representatives for Mamdani, Ocasio-Cortez, Schumer and Crockett did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment. Between the lines: Notably absent from Trump's blasts Wednesday was New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who had corruption charges dismissed by the Trump administration last month. Zoom out: Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo conceded to Mamdani, a state assemblyman, on Tuesday night in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary. Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who endorsed Mamdani's campaign, was among those who congratulated him. The general election is on Nov. 4 and Mamdani
Irish Independent
24-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
See inside the Kildare mansion once home to Michael Collins confidant ‘The One-Handed Assassin'
Constructed in 1924, Glendaars House was first inhabited by a man who had a hand to play in creating the Ireland we live in today. The house was first home to Colonel James (Jim) Slattery who was one of Michael Collins' close confidants in the Free State Army. Colonel Slattery, whose alias was the 'One-Handed Assassin' having lost his hand in military action, was a member of The Squad. Also known as the Twelve Apostles, The Squad was set up by Michael Collins, the head of IRA intelligence, during the Irish War of Independence in July of 1919. The job of The Squad was to assassinate British intelligence agents. Colonel Slattery served in the 1916 Rising in St Stephen's Green and Jacobs before becoming one of the founding members of The Squad. On Bloody Sunday, November 21, 1920, The Squad, which included Colonel Slattery, shot and killed 14 British military and intelligence officers at locations across Dublin City. Later that same day, at a Gaelic football game in Croke Park, British forces fired into a crowd of spectators killing 14 people. Now Glendaars House is on the hunt for new owners looking to write its next chapter in history. On the market for €1.95m, Glendaars House is a five-bedroom, five-bathroom mansion, complete with a separate one-bedroom one-bathroom guest apartment and stables. Through the front door of the house is a generous reception hall with a chequered tile floor and a cast iron fireplace with an open fire. ADVERTISEMENT The reception hall leads to a family room with exposed timber beams and a large timber fireplace with another open fire. The family room and the drawing room were added to the house by Ann Smurfit who was also a previous owner of the property. Into the study next where there's an open fireplace and double French doors leading to outside and linking to the kitchen. The dining room also boasts a timber fireplace with an open fire and leads to a large games or party room. The games room has an open fire, exposed beamed ceiling and three bay windows with large double French doors leading to a garden terrace. Upstairs, there is a master bedroom suite with a en-suite bathroom with a fitted bath, separate shower, generous walk-in closet and eaves store. The second bedroom suite has an open fireplace, a dressing room and en-suite shower room, while bedroom suites three and four each have en-suite shower rooms. The fifth bedroom is nearby to the family bathroom. Outside, Glendaars House is set on approximately 4.6 acres of land comprising of gardens and paddocks. In addition to the original stables that date back to 1924, the property also boasts a barn stabling complex with a turn-out area, a post and railed arena for exercising horses and paddock grazing. Elsewhere on the property, there is an outdoor children's play area.
Fox News
05-06-2025
- Business
- Fox News
AOC backs rising progressive candidate in NYC Dem primary in push to defeat frontrunner Cuomo
Progressive champion Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York is weighing in on New York City's Democratic mayoral race, with a long-expected endorsement coming less than three weeks before the city's June 24th primary. Ocasio-Cortez, the four-term lawmaker who represents a congressional district in The Bronx and Queens and New York City's most prominent leader on the left, backed state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for mayor on Thursday. "Assemblymember Mamdani has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack," Ocasio-Cortez said a statement to The New York Times, which was first to report the news. "In the final stretch of the race, we need to get very real about that." Mamdani has been rising in the most recent public opinion polls and is now a clear second to frontrunner and former New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the latest surveys. With multiple progressive candidates in the primary race, the endorsement of Mamdani by Ocasio-Cortez is seen as a move to unite fractured progressive voters towards a single candidate in an attempt to block the more moderate Cuomo from returning to power. The now-35-year-old Ocasio-Cortez made history in 2018 with her defeat of a longtime House Democrat and then grabbed national attention in the ensuing years as the most-visible member of a small but growing group of younger, diverse, progressive House members known as "The Squad." And her endorsement of Mamdani seems to fit her mold. The 33-year-old assembly member from Queens is a person of color and a democratic socialist who is originally from Uganda. "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a once-in-a-generation leader who has led the fight for working people in Congress. In 2018, she shocked the world and transformed our politics," Mamdani said in a social media post after news of the endorsement. And he predicted, "On June 24, with @AOC's support and this movement behind us, we will do the same." Mamdani says he wants to make riding on city buses free, freeze increases in rent on rent-stabilized apartments and open city-run grocery stores. He would pay for his platform by implementing a $10 billion tax hike on businesses and the ultra-wealthy. Four years ago, New York City's progressives failed to unite behind a single candidate, which allowed now-Mayor Eric Adams, a moderate Democrat, to win the primary and eventually the general election. With his poll numbers plummeting, Adams announced in early April that he would run for re-election as an independent candidate rather than seek the Democratic Party nomination. Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement came nine days before early voting in the primary kicks off on June 14, and the morning after the first of two Democratic mayoral primary debates was held. Mamdani and many of his rivals for the nomination took aim at Cuomo during Wednesday night's combustible debate. Cuomo pushed back at Mamdani, characterizing him as too far to the left and inexperienced. Cuomo, a former three-term governor who resigned from office in 2021 amid multiple scandals, is aiming for political redemption as he works to pull off a campaign comeback.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Subordinates resisting the president is not patriotic
Guest columnist David Skidmore's May 4 piece represents a voter's viewpoint that is the polar opposite of mine. Initially he praises the work of those who opposed Donald Trump's first presidency. That opposition included public servants. Unfortunately, he said that "public servants did their jobs," when the exact opposite is true. After Trump's 2016 presidential victory, many federal government employees took it upon themselves to undermine Trump and his agenda. How dare they. In an election, we vote for the political candidate, not the government's civil servants. I always assumed that the employees of any business knew that their position on the ladder of importance wasn't such that they could just do as they pleased. Is Skidmore praising the janitor who won't sweep the floor because he doesn't like the new boss? Then Skidmore goes on to say that "Trump is attacking universities, the media, elite law firms, and the Federal Reserve." The key word here is "elite." What is the current definition of the word "elite"? 'A group of the finest and most powerful people,' sure, but does it now include "who know what is best for the rest of the world's knuckleheads"? To be honest, I also believe I know what's best for the world; does Skidmore want to live under my rules? In all honesty, the most aggravating part of Skidmore's message is his neglect to honestly show us the alternative. A Democratic presidential candidate who is entering or already in a state of dementia. A Squad that represents a small minority of United States citizens. A social agenda that would embarrass my grandparents. The Democratic Party claims to be the party of the working people. Let's be honest, the Democratic Party is the party of the non-working people, and those who still wear rose-tinted glasses. Donald C Parsons, Sioux City Make no mistake about Iowa's Republicans and their purpose in changing the state's Medicaid program. While they claim to seek to eliminate unqualified recipients and encourage people to work, there are not enough of those people in the program to reach their goal of $50 million in savings (which they intend to fork over to their wealthy supporters). In fact, they are not at all concerned with who gets their health care eliminated, as long as it amounts to a significant number. The application process will become complicated, difficult, and endlessly repetitive on purpose. Iowans who would qualify will fall by the wayside in frustration. They not only know that, they are counting on it. Even worse, some of them seem to think there is no good reason a young woman in a wheelchair can't get a job detasseling corn. Robert Runge, Des Moines As a retired school administrator, I would often remind my colleagues, and myself, that our students were always watching us and to be mindful of that so that we could continue to set an example that they might find worthy of following. After we introduced the six pillars of character (i.e., trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship) from Character Counts, we were better able to demonstrate these core values through our communication with students, families, and each other. As time has passed, we still see some individuals and groups adhere to these values; yet, sadly, some appear to be just going through the motions of repeating these values or words without incorporating them into their daily behavior on a consistent basis. One only has to read or listen to others about disagreements between groups or individuals, whether it is at the national, state, county, city, or school levels, or maybe even a family member or neighbor, to see the pillars of character appear to be unsteady as we continue to name call or point fingers at each other claiming I'm right and you're not with no end in sight. It does not have to be this way for us as adults and I was a recent witness to this. On April 25 people came from far and wide to celebrate the life of Jay Byers at his memorial service held at a packed Hoyt Sherman Place, which in case you missed it, was so thoughtfully described by Courtney Crowder's piece in the Register on April 26. If you had not had the opportunity to know Jay, he seemed like he was everywhere, always helping and spreading that special sauce with others to move onward. During the service, speaker after speaker fought back tears, while sharing stories of Jay throughout his years which many found amusing, but calming in that Jay never gave up on pursuing what was needed to make central Iowa the best it could be. When you would see Jay, conversations started out by him checking out how you were doing before the conversation turned to family. To say he was a proud husband and father would be an understatement, especially as his portrait on stage looked on smiling as both of his daughters shared, in their own way, what Dad meant to them. The response from the audience to these two examples reinforced the pillars as they continued to stand strong and even grow! For you see, for approximately 100 minutes that morning, those in the audience appeared to be on the same page. No accusations, no finger pointing, or questioning the honesty or integrity of another. In the days since, it appears sadly that we are falling back into a routine of I'm right and you're not. That morning though, the adults in attendance acted like we were one as we all shared that secret sauce that Jay was so willing to share. It's too bad the students were not able to watch, as it would have given them and us some hope. I miss my friend, but I will never forget him! Onward! Greg Robinson, Urbandale Lutheran Services in Iowa is welcoming an Afrikaner family, continuing its humanitarian mission despite refugee resettlement challenges. CEO Renee Hardman notes LSI is "navigating the waters" while serving those in need. I support LSI's stellar work with all refugees, yet I must ask our government: If we can expedite refugee status for 59 Afrikaners, why have we abandoned our Afghan allies? Nearly 900 Afghan refugees came to Iowa after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Now, as Afrikaners were welcomed to Iowa, some Afghan allies were receiving deportation notices from the Department of Homeland Security ordering them to leave the country within days. These allies risked their lives serving alongside American forces. Iowa veterans understand the terror they'd face if returned. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America works with veterans organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, to advocate for Afghan resettlement. I urge Iowans to contact Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst and your U.S. representatives. Ask them to work with President Donald Trump to reopen refugee resettlement for Afghan allies. If we can fast-track South African families, we can honor promises to those who stood with us in Afghanistan. Michael Wilker, Decorah A recent letter by Mike Tramontina excoriates Des Moines resident and soon-to-be Berkshire Hathaway chairman Greg Abel for multiple alleged environmental and commercial offenses, the most egregious being his supposed responsibility in producing CO2 that has caused great harm to Iowans, including "derechos, tornadoes, major floods, and multi-year droughts." Well, Greg Abel has certainly accomplished many achievements within Iowa and the nation. However, Tramontina's belief that Abel should replace MidAmerican's generation facilities with a 'balanced approach of renewables, storage and conservation" is unrealistic and rather silly. One might ask how we Iowans would keep the lights on and the air conditioner running in our warmest months of the summer without the benefit of MidAmerican's base load power generation? Tim Will, Des Moines Recent trips to who knows where, which includes gravel roads, two-lane hard surface roads, and four-lane controlled access highways; I see no reason why my gas tax or other public transportation taxes should be spent on speed limit signs, as they seem to be a total waste. In an 8-mile stretch on Interstate Highway 29 with my cruise control set to 65 mph, I was passed by 17 cars. On a recent trip over a four-lane uncontrolled access highway with the cruise set at the same 65 mph, we were passed by nine cars in a 6-mile stretch. I seldom see any enforcement of the speed limits. In a recent round trip to a city 80 miles from home we never saw a single enforcement vehicle. In a 'zone with increased enforcement," a car passed me doing considerably more than the posted 65 mph limit and I saw no "increased enforcement." Then I was passed by a police car in a 55-mph zone with no siren or emergency lighting displayed. In addition, I do not comprehend hands-free enforcement of popular cellphones. I understand the reasoning behind the law; however, the automotive industry is providing a wide-screen TV on the dash of cars. Is that not a glaring distraction also? Where is the disconnect here? George Cox, Hornick I want to personally take this opportunity on behalf of myself, and I hope all Iowans, to "thank" all of our representatives in Congress who voted to codify the changing of the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. I know I can finally rest easy knowing that's done. Ronald Davidson, Clive I don't understand why Gov. Kim Reynolds doesn't trust lower-income Iowans to feed their families healthy food. Does she really think they are going to spend federal summer food money unwisely, or is this politically motivated? Either way it's demeaning. Nancy Moon, Des Moines Letter writer Donald Bohlken calls Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott a hypocrite for being a Christian pastor and pro-choice ('Real Christian pastors don't support abortion,' May 8). Well, many Christians — about 60% in many polls — are pro-choice. In support of his opinion, Bohlken cites a couple ambiguous Bible passages that have nothing to do with abortion. So God hates abortion and wants to make that clear, but in his 1,200-page moral guide, says only these things? Bohlken disregards the anti-life parts of the Bible, such as the death penalty for trivial offenses, and the numerous genocides. He doesn't mention that God drowned all humanity, including babies and pregnant women. Jesus said nothing about abortion, but lots about taking care of people. I expect that Trone Garriott will continue to promote the issues important to Iowans while showing some compassion. She is no hypocrite. Timothy Olson, West Des Moines State Sen. Sandy Salmon is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its decision in Obergefell that affirmed the right of same-sex couples to marry. The resolution she filed with the Iowa Senate says it is "by Salmon.' In reality the resolution is plagiarized almost in its entirety from the first paragraph of Justice Clarence Thomas' dissent in Obergefell, nearly word for word. No original thoughts set forth. That, Senator, is considered stealing: one of the big ten. So, we have a Christian senator seeking to overturn a Supreme Court decision based on religion and she filed a document she plagiarized in support. You cannot make this up. Kolleen Samek, Des Moines This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Speeders run rampant on Iowa highways and streets | Letters
