Summary of "The Bulwark Podcast" Episode: Zohran Mamdani: FYPod Crossover

Release Date: June 17, 2025

Overview

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller engages in a deep dive into pressing political issues with two distinguished guests: Zoran Mamdani, a state assembly member vying for the Mayor of New York City position, and Kerry Howley, a seasoned features writer from New York Magazine. The episode navigates through topics ranging from New York City's affordability crisis and public transit inefficiencies to the tumultuous dynamics within the Department of Defense under Pete Hegseth and escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Iran and Israel.

Segment 1: Interview with Zoran Mamdani (12:26 - 29:30)

Introduction to Zoran Mamdani

Tim Miller introduces Zoran Mamdani, highlighting his roots—from being born in Kampala, Uganda, to his impactful tenure as a New York State Assembly member representing parts of Western Queens. Zoran's primary focus has been on tackling the city's skyrocketing costs and improving public transit systems.

Key Discussions:

• Affordability in New York City:

  • Zoran Mamdani (14:43): Discusses the rise in income inequality in NYC and his efforts to secure $450 million in debt relief for taxi drivers burdened by medallion debt.
  • Quote: “We are living in the most expensive city in the United States. How do we make it affordable for the working and middle class New Yorkers who built it?” ([14:43])

• Public Transit Improvements:

  • Mental Health Outreach: Proposes dedicated mental health workers in high-crisis subway stations to alleviate the burden on the NYPD.
  • Quote: “We treat aspects of NYC life as if they're innate, but they're political choices. We can make different choices and have different results.” ([15:31])

• Addressing Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia:

  • Shares personal experiences of receiving threatening messages due to his Muslim identity, emphasizing the rise of hate crimes.
  • Quote: “I woke up the other day to a message that said a good Muslim is a dead Muslim.” ([36:06])

• Policy on Police Funding:

  • Clarifies his stance against defunding the police, advocating instead for sustained headcounts and specialized responses to major crimes.
  • Quote: “Public safety means not defunding the police but ensuring they can focus on the seven major categories of crime.” ([21:22])

Interactive Banter:

• Humorous Exchanges: Tim and co-host Cameron engage in light-hearted banter with Zoran about ranked choice voting and personal anecdotes, adding a conversational flair to the discussion.

Segment 2: Interview with Kerry Howley (65:16 - 86:04)

Introduction to Kerry Howley

Kerry Howley delves into her investigative report titled “Pete Hegseth Is Playing Secretary,” unveiling the chaotic and dysfunctional environment within the Department of Defense under Pete Hegseth's leadership.

Key Discussions:

• Workplace Dysfunction in the DoD:

  • Highlights the mass firings of senior advisors based on unverified leak allegations, fostering a climate of fear and paranoia.
  • Quote: “This is a workplace in which everyone feels paranoid about being dismissed.” ([68:26])

• Questionable Leak Investigations:

  • Details rumors of wiretaps and polygraph threats lacking credible evidence, resulting in the unnecessary ousting of officials.
  • Quote: “There’s no indication that he ever saw this evidence. It’s interpersonal warfare in the front office of the DoD.” ([75:40])

• Impact on Department Efficiency:

  • Discusses the significant understaffing and high turnover rates impacting the DoD’s ability to function effectively.
  • Quote: “Jobs are going unfilled. Often one person will be doing two jobs.” ([82:47])

• Cultural Shifts Post 'Signalgate':

  • Observes a marked change in Pete Hegseth’s behavior, leading to decreased professionalism and increased reliance on Trump-centric messaging.
  • Quote: “He ceased to be as frequently clean shaven in the morning. There’s a sense of panic behind his words.” ([78:57])

Interactive Banter:

• Humorous Insights: Tim and Kerry humorously discuss the peculiarities within the DoD, such as excessive personal photos in offices, adding levity to the serious investigative content.

Discussion and Analysis

Ranked Choice Voting and Campaign Strategies:

• Zoran Mamdani’s Approach: Emphasizes policies that benefit both lower and higher-income residents, advocating for a balanced approach to governance.
• Quote: “Quality of life should be a left-wing concern too, not just right-wing terms like efficiency and fraud.” ([26:17])

Comparative Analysis of Progressive Mayors:

• Critique of Brandon Johnson: Addresses concerns about the effectiveness of progressive mayors, citing low approval ratings and questioned policy implementations.
• Zoran’s Vision vs. Current Leadership: Contrasts Zoran’s proactive strategies with the perceived failures of current mayors like Andrew Cuomo.

Middle East Tensions:

• Zoran’s Insights: Offers a nuanced perspective on the Iran-Israel situation, expressing hope for positive change while acknowledging the unpredictability of current events.
• Quote: “Nobody would have predicted how brave and successful Ukraine would be in rebuffing the Russian attack.” ([09:00])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Leadership Qualities:

  • Zoran Mamdani (05:50): “I wish that a genocidal maniac was not leading Iran and that a corrupt, just kind of indiscriminate prime minister was leading Israel and that a moron was leading our country.”

• On Public Safety and Mental Health:

  • Zoran Mamdani (15:31): “We create teams of dedicated mental health outreach workers to provide services and move people out of the system.”

• On Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia:

  • Zoran Mamdani (36:06): “I woke up the other day to a message that said a good Muslim is a dead Muslim.”

• On DoD Dysfunction:

  • Kerry Howley (71:49): “These aren't people who know what to do. They don't know the limits of their powers.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Bulwark Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of critical political and social issues through insightful conversations with Zoran Mamdani and Kerry Howley. Zoran's candid discussion on urban affordability and public safety presents a hopeful vision for New York City's future, while Kerry's investigative insights into the Department of Defense reveal alarming levels of dysfunction under Pete Hegseth's leadership. Together, these discussions underscore the complexities of contemporary governance and the pressing need for effective, inclusive leadership.

Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections from the transcript have been excluded to maintain focus on the substantive discussions.