Conversations With Coleman: Eric Adams to Cuomo – ‘Get Out’ and Let Me Beat Mamdani
Release Date: July 8, 2025
In this compelling episode of Conversations With Coleman, host Coleman Hughes engages in an in-depth dialogue with Eric Adams, the current Mayor of New York City and former NYPD Captain. The conversation delves into a myriad of pressing issues facing the city, including policing, the burgeoning mayoral race, housing affordability, public safety, and more. Hughes and Adams explore these topics with candor, providing listeners with valuable insights into the challenges and strategies shaping New York City’s future.
1. Personal Journey and Defense of the Police
Timestamp: [02:09] - [05:00]
Eric Adams opens up about his tumultuous relationship with law enforcement, recounting a harrowing experience from his youth that could have led to mistrust and animosity towards the police. Instead, Adams chose a path of engagement and reform.
“I was traumatized. If I saw a police vehicle, I relived that beating... I went through PTSD” — Eric Adams [05:00]
Adams explains how Reverend Herbert Daughtry inspired him and his peers to join the police force to enact change from within. This decision not only transformed his life but also positioned him as a steadfast defender of the police during a time when such a stance was highly controversial.
“We need you young black men to go into the police department and fight from within.” — Eric Adams [05:00]
2. Public Support for Policing Amidst the BLM Movement
Timestamp: [05:00] - [07:33]
Coleman Hughes highlights a Gallup poll indicating that 80% of Black Americans favored maintaining or increasing police presence in their neighborhoods during the height of the Defund the Police movement.
“Only 20% of just black people... did not want less police.” — Coleman Hughes [05:28]
Adams echoes this sentiment, criticizing the "intellectual elite" for misrepresenting public opinion and advocating for quality policing rather than reduced police presence.
“Quality policing. No one wants to be harassed or disrespected.” — Eric Adams [06:56]
3. The Rise of Zoran Mamdani and the Mayoral Race
Timestamp: [07:33] - [13:51]
The conversation shifts to the emergence of Zoran Mamdani, a relatively unknown figure who quickly became a favorite in the mayoral race. Adams attributes Mamdani’s popularity to a confluence of social and economic factors, including widespread protests and national affordability issues.
“He became this funnel of all of that anger.” — Eric Adams [07:33]
Adams criticizes Mamdani’s alignment with Democratic socialism, arguing that the term is often misunderstood and misapplied in policy discussions.
“When you dig into what it means, you understand when you get stuff for free, someone is paying for it.” — Eric Adams [11:04]
4. Democratic Socialism: A Critical Assessment
Timestamp: [10:59] - [13:51]
Adams provides a robust critique of democratic socialism, citing international examples like Cuba and Venezuela to illustrate potential pitfalls. He expresses skepticism about Mamdani’s proposals, such as freezing rents and opening government-run supermarkets, arguing that they are impractical and could harm small business owners.
“His mindset is, we're gonna close down Rikers and put them back into the communities.” — Eric Adams [13:51]
Adams emphasizes the importance of practical, sustainable policies over ideological experiments, highlighting the challenges of implementing socialist policies effectively.
5. Addressing Eric Adams’ Legal Challenges and Public Trust
Timestamp: [13:51] - [22:14]
Adams candidly discusses the legal battles he faced, including accusations of corruption and quid pro quo with former Governor Andrew Cuomo. He vehemently denies the allegations, portraying them as politically motivated attacks designed to derail his career.
“I got up every day and I delivered for the city.” — Eric Adams [22:14]
Adams underscores his resilience and commitment to the city, arguing that his experiences have only strengthened his resolve to serve New Yorkers effectively.
6. Housing Affordability: Critique of Mamdani’s Policies
Timestamp: [22:14] - [25:35]
The discussion turns to housing affordability, with Adams critiquing Mamdani’s proposal to freeze rents on rent-stabilized units. He explains the practical challenges such policies pose to landlords, particularly small property owners, and warns of potential long-term negative effects on maintenance and property quality.
“It's going to go back to the 70s... Communities of color were devastated.” — Eric Adams [25:35]
Adams advocates for balanced approaches that consider both tenant affordability and landlord sustainability to prevent housing stock deterioration.
7. Enhancing Street Cleanliness and Reducing Vandalism
Timestamp: [37:31] - [39:59]
Adams addresses concerns about street cleanliness, highlighting initiatives to modernize garbage collection and reduce litter and vandalism. He shares progress made in containerizing garbage and reducing rat populations, emphasizing a hands-on approach to maintaining a cleaner city.
“We contain around 70% of our garbage is now in containers like other European cities.” — Eric Adams [38:16]
Adams stresses the importance of changing public behavior to complement sanitation efforts, aiming for a city-wide commitment to cleanliness and safety.
8. Regulating E-bikes for Pedestrian Safety
Timestamp: [39:59] - [42:39]
The rise of e-bikes has introduced new safety challenges on New York sidewalks. Adams outlines measures taken to regulate e-bikes, including lowering speed limits to 15 mph and enhancing enforcement against illegal sidewalk riding.
“We're putting a unit in place that specifically are going to go after those who are on the sidewalk.” — Eric Adams [40:29]
He also mentions plans to license e-bike operators and hold delivery services accountable, aiming to balance economic benefits with pedestrian safety.
9. Combating Hate Crimes and Anti-Semitism
Timestamp: [34:54] - [36:33]
Hate crimes, particularly anti-Semitic incidents, are a significant concern in New York City. Adams outlines his administration’s proactive measures, such as signing the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, organizing community-building events, and strengthening hate crime units.
“We've been building out our breaking bread, building bonds dinners... 19,000 people participate.” — Eric Adams [35:10]
These efforts have yielded positive results, with a reported 17% decrease in hate crimes and anti-Semitic incidents over six months.
10. Navigating the Mayoral Race Against Mamdani
Timestamp: [50:07] - [50:10]
In the final segment, Adams reflects on his campaign strategy against Mamdani. He emphasizes his record of effective leadership and criticizes Mamdani’s policies and past actions, positioning himself as the experienced and reliable choice for New Yorkers.
“I have an excellent record to run on.” — Eric Adams [50:07]
Adams remains optimistic about uniting voters behind his candidacy, despite the energetic support Mamdani has garnered.
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Eric Adams presents himself as a pragmatic leader committed to addressing New York City’s complex issues through experience and balanced policies. His candid discussion on policing, housing, public safety, and hate crimes offers listeners a thorough understanding of his vision for the city. As the mayoral race intensifies, Adams’ insights provide a clear contrast to his opponents, underscoring his readiness to lead New York City into a safer, more equitable future.
Note: This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from the podcast episode, incorporating notable quotes with proper attributions and timestamps to provide a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the full episode.