Bill Maher, the host of HBO's Real Time, issued a stark warning about Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist candidate in New York City's mayoral race.
Maher described Mamdani as "the most radical" political figure to emerge in the city, highlighting his Marxist leanings and controversial positions.
During a panel discussion, Maher expressed concern over Mamdani's advocacy for the abolition of private property and his frequent citations of Karl Marx. "Some of the things he says he quotes Marxism. Each according to their need. I mean, thats straight up Communism," Maher remarked.
He further quoted Mamdani, stating, "'Whether you call it the abolition of private property, you call it housing guarantees, its preferable to what is going on right now."
According to the Daily Caller, Maher emphasized the unusual nature of such rhetoric in the American political landscape, noting, "Just the phrase abolition of private property not something we usually hear in America." He continued to quote Mamdani's contentious statements, including, "'Prisons are obsolete. What purpose do they serve,'" to which Maher humorously retorted, "I can think of a couple." Additionally, Maher quoted Mamdani's criticism of the NYPD, "'NYPD is racist, anti-queer and a major threat to public safety,'" countering with, "I think most people think cops are protecting their public safety."
Maher's remarks were in response to Democratic Representative Jason Crow of Colorado, who dismissed conservative criticism of Mamdani as an effort to fabricate a "boogeyman." Crow argued, "They always try to create a villain," but Maher insisted, "No, these are quotes. Im not creating anything Im quoting [Mamdani]."
Columnist James Kirchick, also on the panel, drew parallels between Mamdani and the unfounded accusations once directed at President Barack Obama. Kirchick asserted, "Everything that the crazy far-right alleged about Obama wasnt born in America, Islamist, socialist, antisemite, hates America its all true about this guy [Mamdani]."
Kirchick criticized Mamdani's reluctance to denounce the phrase "globalize the intifada," which he claimed incites violence against Jews. "It means kill Jews whenever and wherever you can find them," Kirchick stated, emphasizing the gravity of the phrase.
Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and a state assemblyman, reportedly assured business leaders that he would not personally use the phrase "globalize the intifada" and would advise against its use.
Nonetheless, he continues to support the anti-Israel BDS movement. Maher concluded, "Hes not contrived. Hes gonna be the mayor of New York," underscoring the potential impact of Mamdani's candidacy on the city's political future.
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