Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Episode: BP EXCLUSIVE: Zohran On ICE, Eric Adams, Bibi Arrest
Date: October 31, 2025
Host: Griffin (Breaking Points)
Guest: Zohran Mamdani (NYC Assembly Member, Mayoral Candidate)

Episode Overview

This exclusive interview features Zohran Mamdani discussing his mayoral campaign’s core issues: affordability, ICE and immigration policy, Islamophobia in NYC politics, housing justice, and international law as it relates to the proposed arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu. The discussion is candid, reflecting Mamdani's outsider campaign style and his vision for a more equitable New York.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflections & Political Approach

[02:11–03:10]

• Looking Back: One year ago, Mamdani campaigned in the Bronx and Queens, speaking with many Trump voters.
• Key Lesson: “The best campaign you can build is one that actually reflects what New Yorkers are concerned about. It’s cost of living again and again.” (Zohran Mamdani, 02:35)
• Humor: Mamdani jokes that his past self should have “bench pressed a little bit more.”

2. Identity, Islamophobia, and Democratic Solidarity

[03:12–04:46]

• Video on Muslim Experience: Mamdani released a video addressing his experiences as a Muslim in NYC, notably in light of recent racist attacks.
• Systemic Racism:

  “This racism is so endemic in our city’s politics that when one hears it, one does not know if it’s from a Republican or a Democrat.”
  (Zohran Mamdani, 03:59)

• Addressing Islamophobia: Directly calls out former Governor Cuomo and Mayor Adams for Islamophobic rhetoric:

  “Andrew Cuomo laughed and agreed when a radio host said they would ‘cheer another 9/11’ … and then went to accept Eric Adams’ endorsement.”
  (Zohran Mamdani, 04:11)

• Reason for Speaking Out: “This level of bigotry should still shock the conscience despite how unsurprising it may be in this moment.”

3. Housing, Rent Freeze & Eric Adams’ Rental Board Moves

[04:46–06:05]

• Adams Stacking the Board: Concern at Mayor Eric Adams appointing a reality TV real estate figure to the Rent Guidelines Board.
• Rent Freeze Justification:

  “We are doing so to provide relief to more than 2 million rent-stabilized tenants across the five boroughs … not to punish landlords.”
  (Zohran Mamdani, 05:21)

• Landlord Accountability:

  “The rent that's being paid doesn't have a significant relationship with the repairs that landlords are doing.” (Zohran Mamdani, 05:13)

• Weitere Measures: Plans to support landlords with rising insurance and utility costs, paired with the rent freeze.

4. ICE, Immigration, and Law Enforcement

[06:05–06:54]

• ICE Abuses: On recent ICE raids and videos:

  “ICE is a reckless entity. It cares little about the law. It cares even less about the people that it’s supposed to serve.”
  (Zohran Mamdani, 06:26)

• Holding Federal Agents Accountable: Asserts that any lawbreaker (including ICE or any federal agents) would be held to account by NYPD under his administration.
• Current Leadership’s Role: Blames Eric Adams for creating an environment in which ICE can intimidate New Yorkers.

5. Campaigning in the Modern Media Era

[06:54–07:35]

• Flagrant Appearance: Mamdani notes that his appearance on a popular podcast, Flagrant, was the first many friends of his actually listened to.
• Approach to Media:

  “There’s a condescension in our political approach to anything that goes beyond traditional media, and I think it’s time to bring that to an end.”
  (Zohran Mamdani, 07:24)

• Advice for Fellow Democrats: “Be yourself, because if you’re not, they will definitely get to the bottom of that pretty quick.” (07:32)

6. International Law and Netanyahu Arrest

[07:40–08:13]

• On the Potential Arrest of Netanyahu:

  “Benjamin Netanyahu has been issued an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court … we should seek to honor [it]. I will exhaust every legal possibility to do so. If there is not a law, I’m not going to create one because I’m not Donald Trump.”
  (Zohran Mamdani, 07:50)

7. Get Out the Vote & Campaign Priorities

[08:13–08:46]

• Policy Pillars: Freeze the rent, universal childcare, faster buses.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Encourages listeners—New Yorkers and nationwide—to canvass or phone-bank.

  “The reason I’m sitting in front of you, it’s not just the 1.6 million doors that volunteers knocked on in the primary, it’s the 2.1 million phone calls that they also made. And that can be done from anywhere across this country.”
  (Zohran Mamdani, 08:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Political Listening vs. Lecturing
  “Listen to New Yorkers … the best campaign you can build is one that actually reflects what New Yorkers are concerned about. It's cost of living again and again.”
  (Zohran Mamdani, 02:35)

• On Systemic Islamophobia
  “This racism is so endemic in our city’s politics that when one hears it, one does not know if it’s from a Republican or a Democrat.”
  (03:59)

• On Housing Policy
  “The rent that's being paid doesn't have a significant relationship with the repairs that landlords are doing.”
  (05:13)

• On Modern Political Communication
  “You have to treat New Yorkers, especially young New Yorkers, with legitimacy, as well as the places where they actually get their news.”
  (07:15)

• On International Law
  “If there is not a law, I’m not going to create one because I’m not Donald Trump.”
  (07:56)

Timeline of Important Segments

• [02:11] Advice to self, campaign lessons
• [03:12] Addressing Muslim identity, Islamophobia in politics
• [04:46] Housing/rent freeze & Adams stacking rental board
• [06:05] ICE abuses and NYPD accountability
• [06:54] Modern media, ‘vibe check,’ advice for Democrats
• [07:40] Netanyahu arrest discussion
• [08:13] How to help: GOTV and campaign priorities

Summary

This episode offers a fast-paced, insightful interview with Zohran Mamdani, highlighting his direct yet empathetic approach to pressing New York City issues. He blends informed policy positions with personal stories, particularly on Islamophobia and immigrant rights, while laying out concrete plans for renters, child care, and transit. His perspective on international law and political authenticity rounds out a conversation full of both substance and memorable moments.