Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar Episode Released: June 18, 2025

Overview In this episode of "Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar," hosts Krystal Ball and Sagar Enjeti delve into pressing global and domestic issues, including the escalating violence in Gaza, the arrest of New York City mayoral candidate Brad Lander by ICE, and the intensifying mayoral race in NYC featuring incumbent Andrew Cuomo and challenger Zoran Mamdani. The discussion is enriched with firsthand reports, expert interviews, and in-depth analysis of the political landscape.

1. Escalating Violence in Gaza

Israeli Assault on Aid Sites The episode opens with a harrowing report on the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran, focusing on devastating attacks in Gaza. Sagar Enjeti highlights a Reuters article detailing Israeli tanks firing on an aid distribution center in Khan Yunis, resulting in the deaths of 59 people attempting to receive food aid.

Sagar Enjeti [02:05]: "Israeli tanks kill 59 people in Gaza Crowd trying to get food aid. Medics say this is similar to the reports of the very first aid massacre..."

Nasser Hospital Under Siege Further illustrating the dire situation, Enjeti presents an audio report from Dropsite about Nasser Hospital, one of the few remaining functional medical facilities in Gaza. The hospital is overwhelmed, lacking essential supplies and facing severe shortages of blood and food.

Dr. Youssef [04:30]: "Nasser Hospital is still in a red area... There is practically no food available. They're trying to cook some bread in Nasser Hospital... This is the reality in Nasser Hospital."

West Bank Lockdown The discussion shifts to the West Bank, where the UN reported a total lockdown for Palestinians. Israeli settlers enjoy unrestricted movement, exacerbating tensions and contributing to a sense of despair among Palestinians.

Sagar Enjeti [07:38]: "The UN put out a report yesterday that the West Bank is now basically on total lockdown for Palestinians... The checkpoints have become almost impassable..."

2. Interview with Zoran Mamdani: Arrest by ICE

Context of the Arrest The spotlight turns to New York City's political scene with the arrest of mayoral candidate Brad Lander by ICE agents. Zoran Mamdani, a state assemblyman and mayoral contender, joins the discussion to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Zoran Mamdani [15:20]: "This is 26 Federal Plaza... ICE has started dismissing people's cases and then making them subject to expedited removal."

Encounter Details Mamdani recounts attempting to escort an individual, Edgardo, out of the federal building when ICE agents intervened without presenting a judicial warrant.

Zoran Mamdani [16:29]: "Can I see the warrant? I will let go when you show me the judicial warrant."

Response to DHS Allegations Addressing Homeland Security's claims that he assaulted an officer, Mamdani vehemently denies any wrongdoing and criticizes the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Zoran Mamdani [17:33]: "I don't lay a hand on an ICE officer. I don't assault anyone. I'm attempting to escort someone and asking the agents to show a judicial warrant."

Legal and Political Implications Mamdani discusses the lack of charges and his commitment to peacefully challenge the actions of ICE, emphasizing the importance of due process and the rule of law.

Zoran Mamdani [19:25]: "I was in detention for about three and a half hours, and then Governor Hochul came down and they released me."

3. NYC Mayoral Race: Cuomo vs. Zoran Mamdani

Current State of the Race Krystal Ball and Sagar Enjeti analyze the dynamic mayoral race between incumbent Andrew Cuomo and challenger Zoran Mamdani. They examine polling trends, campaign strategies, and the influx of negative advertising aimed at undermining Mamdani's candidacy.

Krystal Ball [38:15]: "No independent polls actually showed him ahead. Today Marist poll came out. The race has shrunk dramatically since May."

Impact of Negative Advertising The hosts discuss the substantial $20 million super PAC backing Cuomo, which focuses on attacking Mamdani's experience and ideology. Ball expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of these attacks in swaying voters who are increasingly aware of Mamdani's platforms.

Krystal Ball [46:27]: "He's been getting hit very hard on that raising taxes... Defund, certainly that, that still can hurt."

Candidate Endorsements and Strategies Highlighting endorsements, including that of Brad Lander for Mamdani, the discussion underscores the strategic alliances forming within the progressive faction to bolster Mamdani's chances against a well-funded Cuomo.

Zoran Mamdani [27:07]: "I believe in the vision of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state... So that's the kind of mayor I will be."

4. Rallies and Voter Engagement

Massive Campaign Events The episode covers recent rallies featuring Zoran Mamdani and prominent figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), noting the unprecedented size and energy of these events in NYC's mayoral race.

Ross Barkan [33:53]: "It filled Terminal 5, which is a sizable music venue in Manhattan. At least 3,000 people were there... incredible high energy, very crowded."

Generational and Demographic Shifts Ball and Enjeti explore the generational divide in voter support, with younger voters largely backing Mamdani while older demographics remain loyal to Cuomo. This shift could be pivotal as the election approaches.

Krystal Ball [35:45]: "Older voters, much more skeptical. So there's a real generational divide happening right now."

5. Predicting the Election Outcome

Close Contest Anticipated Both hosts convey that the mayoral race is expected to be extremely tight, with projections indicating a near-capture between Cuomo and Mamdani. The ranked-choice voting system adds an element of uncertainty, potentially prolonging election results.

Krystal Ball [49:57]: "I think the primary attacks are kind of what the New York Times said versions of that. This guy is flimsy, he's weak, he has no experience."

Possible General Election Scenarios Discussion extends to the general election, where multiple ballot lines and independent runs by candidates like Cuomo and Eric Adams could lead to an unpredictable outcome.

Ross Barkan [52:07]: "The general election is potentially very interesting. Now if one candidate wins by a lot, gets the Democratic nomination, game over. But if it's close enough, each side will feel pressure to continue onward."

Conclusion

This episode of "Breaking Points" offers a comprehensive examination of critical international events and a pivotal local election. Through in-depth reporting and insightful interviews, Krystal Ball and Sagar Enjeti provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding the Israel-Iran conflict and the high-stakes mayoral race in New York City. The discussions highlight the interplay between global crises and local politics, emphasizing the importance of leadership and policy in times of turmoil.

Notable Quotes:

• Zoran Mamdani [17:33]: "I don't lay a hand on an ICE officer. I don't assault anyone. I'm attempting to escort someone and asking the agents to show a judicial warrant."

• Krystal Ball [35:45]: "Older voters, much more skeptical. So there's a real generational divide happening right now."

• Ross Barkan [33:53]: "It filled Terminal 5, which is a sizable music venue in Manhattan. At least 3,000 people were there... incredible high energy, very crowded."

Key Takeaways:

• The conflict in Gaza is escalating with severe humanitarian consequences, including attacks on aid sites and hospitals.
• Zoran Mamdani's arrest by ICE underscores the contentious nature of immigration enforcement in politically charged environments.
• The NYC mayoral race is witnessing a significant shift with Zoran Mamdani gaining traction against a well-funded Andrew Cuomo, amid intense negative campaigning.
• Voter engagement, particularly among younger demographics, is crucial in determining the outcome of this closely contested election.

For those interested in the intersection of global events and local politics, this episode provides essential insights and thorough analysis of ongoing developments.