Mamdani says critics debate ‘legendary’ model of him by specializing in outdated tweets

[ad_1] NEW Now you can take heed to Fox Information articles!

New York Metropolis mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani pushed again on critics Sunday, arguing they're attacking a "legendary" model of him by resurfacing outdated tweets.

Since profitable the Democratic main, the New York State assemblyman and self-described democratic socialist has turn into a nationwide determine. He has confronted pushback from each Republicans and Democrats over his previous rhetoric and coverage proposals, with critics saying he's too excessive.

CBS New York chief political correspondent Marcia Kramer interviewed Mamdani about criticism of his public safety plan , which might deploy psychological well being employees as a substitute of NYPD officers in circumstances involving emotionally disturbed people. Critics have argued the plan would quantity to sending "any individual with a clipboard.

"They are saying that’s not acceptable, that particular person could possibly be in peril. What’s your reply to that?" Kramer requested.

MAMDANI'S PAST 'VISCERAL DISDAIN' FOR POLICE 'SCARES A LOT OF NEW YORKERS' FOR GOOD REASON: NYC CRIME EXPERT

New York Metropolis Democratic mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, spoke to supporters at a canvass launch occasion in Prospect Park on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (Deirdre Heavey/Fox Information Digital)

"My reply is that lots of my opponents, mainly Andrew Cuomo, would favor to debate a legendary model of myself moderately than the particular person I really am," Mamdani stated. "They would favor to deal with tweets from 2020 as a substitute of the platform of 2025. They do this as a result of they know our concepts are well-liked, and what we're placing ahead responds to New Yorkers’ wants in ways in which transcend the failed insurance policies they’ve heard from these outdated politicians."

"What you’re actually saying is that these tweets of 2020 – you’ve advanced from that, you’ve modified from that, you’ve modified your views?" Kramer requested.

Mamdani agreed, saying these previous statements are "out of step with the marketing campaign that we’re operating" and with how he presently feels.

MAMDANI'S FAILURE TO WALK BACK THESE POSITIONS COULD CAUSE RECKONING IN DEMOCRATIC PARTY: 'FIVE-ALARM WARNING'

New York Metropolis Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani has regularly been criticized for his previous views on policing. (REUTERS/Brendan McDermid and New York Police Division )

In 2020, Mamdani called to "defund the police" and labeled the NYPD "racist, anti-queer, and a significant menace to public security." These remarks resurfaced nationally after a lethal mass capturing in midtown Manhattan that killed 4 individuals, together with an NYPD officer.

New York Metropolis Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani spoke at a Bronx marketing campaign occasion on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. (Deirdre Heavey/Fox Information Digital)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The candidate has additionally confronted criticism for calling to remove a statue of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus.

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo responded to Mamdani's assertion by telling Fox Information Digital that "Zohran Mamdani is the last word politician: a coreless vessel who will say something to get elected."

"The person has stated and written, it's videotaped: Defund the police, disband the police, disarm the police, the police are racists," he continued. "Racists. Not the police are usually not good individuals. The police are racist. The police are a menace to public security. That is what he has stated. He has stated we should always deconstruct jails and carceral amenities. He has stated that. He has stated he is in opposition to the possession of personal property. What does that imply? I can not personal my own residence? You are in opposition to the possession of personal property? He has stated authorities ought to management the technique of manufacturing. He has stated that. You've gotten the phrases. And New Yorkers are usually not going to purchase that." "He claims he modified his thoughts," Cuomo added, questioning Mamdani's authenticity. "You modified your thoughts, when? From all these statements, what did you alter your thoughts on? Defund? Disband? Disarm? being a socialist? And if you happen to change your thoughts on every little thing you've got stated so far, why would anybody consider you? Why would anybody consider you? And what are you going to alter to tomorrow? That is what he has demonstrated. You can not consider what he says, as a result of he says various things to completely different individuals, and if you attempt to ask him the query, he merely is not going to reply."