Zohran Mamdani dodges crucial questions about globalize the intifada

In New York City, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has faced scrutiny for his association with the phrase 'globalize the intifada,' which has been perceived by many as a call to violence against Jewish people. During various public events, including a recent breakfast with a musicians' union and meetings with business leaders, Mamdani has consistently avoided directly condemning the phrase, despite multiple requests to clarify his stance. New Yorkers have expressed skepticism about his intentions, as he attempts to distance himself from the rhetoric after initially being reticent to address it. Previously, Mamdani declined to denounce the slogan during interviews and also faced mounting pressure from political allies and adversaries alike. High-profile figures, including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have insisted that Mamdani must clearly repudiate such language to gain the trust of the Jewish community and broader electorate ahead of the upcoming election in November. The growing controversy surrounds not only Mamdani's handling of this sensitive topic but also his self-identification as a democratic socialist and vocal criticism of Israel's military operations. As the election approaches, if Mamdani fails to address these concerns convincingly, it could have significant implications for his candidacy and the political landscape in New York City.