Podcast Summary: "Here's the Scoop"
Episode: Mamdani’s New York Minute; The Prince Formerly Known as Andrew
Date: October 31, 2025
Host: Yasmin Vesugian (NBC News)
Episode Overview
This episode delves into two major stories: the unexpected rise of Zoran Mamdani in New York City’s mayoral race and the unprecedented stripping of royal titles from Prince Andrew by King Charles. Yasmin Vesugian hosts detailed discussions with NBC political reporter Alan Smith and Hello Magazine’s royal editor Emily Nash, untangling the political and cultural undercurrents shaping these evolving stories. The episode closes with notable headlines, from immigration enforcement controversies to a record-breaking World Series.
Segment 1: New York City Mayoral Race – The Rise of Zoran Mamdani
(Starts ~02:15)
Setting the Stage: Who’s Running?
- Candidates:
- Zoran Mamdani: Democratic nominee and current frontrunner, former state assemblyman.
- Andrew Cuomo: Former NY governor, running as an independent after losing the primary.
- Curtis Sliwa: Longtime Republican figure and Guardian Angels founder.
“We’re in a really uncommon situation... typically, the Democrat would be assumed to win... but here you have a real race.”
— Alan Smith (02:50)
Mamdani’s Meteoric Climb
- Started as an obscure candidate polling at 1% in February.
- Leveraged viral social media, direct outreach to dissatisfied voters.
- Based campaign around affordability, cost of living, rent stabilization, free buses, and universal childcare.
“He spoke with Trump voters, and he asked them what they cared about... Being able to pay attention to the regular Americans and their economic needs.”
— Alan Smith (04:25)
- Mamdani’s pro-Palestinian activism and Democratic Socialists of America membership make him a polarizing figure.
Democratic Party Reaction & Tensions
- Major Democrats (Governor Hochul, Rep. Jeffries) were slow to endorse.
- Chuck Schumer has yet to endorse or even confirm he’ll vote for Mamdani.
“I asked Zoran... do you have confidence in Schumer’s ability to continue leading Democrats? And his response was, I have confidence in my ability to win the election on Tuesday.”
— Alan Smith (08:44)
Wall Street’s Concerns
- Nervous about possible tax increases and the socialist tenor of Mamdani’s platform.
- Fears of wealthy flight impacting NYC’s tax base.
- Mamdani’s attempted outreach to business and the NYPD, trying to project a pragmatic image.
Larger Political Implications
- Republicans seek to use Mamdani as a wedge issue in swing districts, branding centrist Democrats as “Mamdani of the Midwest.”
“Republicans want to make him the face of the Democratic Party ... they do want to use him as a wedge...”
— Alan Smith (11:00)
Notable Moments
- Parallels drawn to Donald Trump’s 2016 rise.
- Observations about fracture within Democratic ranks: delays in endorsements, state party chair refusing support.
Segment 2: The Prince Formerly Known as Andrew – Royal Upheaval
(Starts ~14:05)
Stripping of Titles and Royal Exile
- King Charles, after consultation with Prince William and others, stripped Prince Andrew of all royal titles.
- Public statement emphasized support for abuse survivors, referencing Andrew’s links to Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuffre’s allegations.
“Written in just three short paragraphs, King Charles has officially downgraded his younger brother, Prince Andrew, to just Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.”
— Yasmin Vesugian (14:05)
Why Now? – Scandal and Public Pressure
- Weeks of escalating scandal:
- Renewed Epstein file focus
- Links to alleged Chinese spies in Westminster
- Virginia Giuffre’s memoir re-igniting the controversy
“This is the culmination of weeks of negative headlines and... a real buildup of scandal around Andrew.”
— Emily Nash (16:05)
Royal Family Dynamics and Change
- Decision led by King Charles with input from Prince William (the future King, responsible for Andrew’s well-being if he outlives Charles).
- Statement wording likely influenced by Queen Camilla, a known supporter of abuse survivors.
The Changing Monarchy
- Reference to Prince William’s openness about change in an interview:
“I think it's safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good. And I embrace that... I don't fear it.”
— Prince William, via Alan Smith (18:39)
- Emily Nash asserts the family’s greater openness and responsiveness to public sentiment under King Charles.
Behind Closed Doors
- Royal family, off-camera, described as “what you see is what you get”; engagement in fun, competitive activities reflects genuine personalities.
Segment 3: Headlines Roundup
(Starts ~21:10)
Immigration Enforcement on Halloween
- Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's request to pause ICE raids denied by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
- Reports of ICE agents in Los Angeles wearing Halloween masks (Momo and Chucky) while working; DHS provided only a “Happy Halloween” response to inquiries.
“We’re not seeing a denial from the Trump administration that this might be part of a new seasonal tactic.”
— Julia Ainslie (23:24)
Upcoming New York City Marathon
- Runners reminded to set clocks back for Daylight Savings; the marathon and the time change coincide.
World Series Update
- Blue Jays lead Dodgers 3-2; rookie Dragon Savage strikes out 12 without a walk, setting records.
Halloween Humor
- Light-hearted segment suggesting Halloween costumes inspired by NBC News stories, including “the minds behind the Louvreist” and “ghost job.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the Democratic divide:
“There’s this huge divide going on over whether to even support the person who is the Democratic nominee.”
— Alan Smith (11:55) -
On the monarchy’s shift:
“Absolutely, there has been a shift. Everything has become slightly more open.”
— Emily Nash (19:01) -
On Mamdani’s message:
“He’s not wanting to wade into, it seems, national waters at the moment. He just wants to get the job done.”
— Yasmin Vesugian (09:03) -
Halloween musings:
“Today marks the end of spooky season and the very beginning of Mariah Carey’s defrosting.”
— Yasmin Vesugian (24:32)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- NYC Mayoral Race Discussion: 02:15 – 12:21
- Royal Family Segment: 14:05 – 21:10
- Headlines & World Series: 21:10 – 25:44
This episode blends sharp political analysis, thoughtful royal commentary, and lighter evening headlines with NBC’s signature direct, conversational style. From the historic showdown in NYC politics to the overdue reckoning within Britain’s royal family, it’s a snapshot of a moment where institutions old and new are both reckoning with calls for change.