The Daily - June 24, 2025

Episode: An Iran Cease-Fire — and Why N.Y.C.’s Mayoral Race Matters for Democrats Everywhere

1. Iran Cease-Fire Update

Host: Michael Barbaro [00:20]

Michael Barbaro opens the episode with a briefing on the recent developments in the Middle East:

• Iran's Retaliatory Strike: On Monday afternoon, Iran's military launched an attack on the Al Udeid base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military installation in the region. This move was in retaliation for the American strike on three of Iran's critical nuclear sites over the preceding weekend.

• Coordinated Efforts to Minimize Casualties: According to The New York Times, Iran coordinated the attacks with Qatari officials to minimize casualties. U.S. air defenses successfully intercepted almost all Iranian missiles, resulting in no reported American casualties or significant damage to the base.

• Symbolic Act and Potential De-escalation: The attack appears to be largely symbolic, serving as a form of revenge that could facilitate de-escalation between the two nations.

• President Trump's Declaration: Within hours of the attack, President Trump announced that both Israel and Iran had agreed to a cease-fire following a deadly week of conflict.

"It appears that Iran carried out a largely symbolic act of revenge that would allow both sides to potentially de-escalate the conflict." – Michael Barbaro [00:20]

Barbaro assures listeners that updates will continue as the situation evolves.

2. New York City Mayoral Democratic Primary

The core of today's episode delves into the Democratic primary race for New York City's mayoralty, positioning it as a critical indicator for the future direction of the Democratic Party, especially in the context of President Trump's resurgence.

a. Background of the Race

Host: Michael Barbaro [02:33]

• The Democratic primary has transformed into a tight contest between two leading candidates who represent divergent visions for the party.

• Contextual Importance: New York City is the nation's largest city and a Democratic stronghold. The primary is one of the first major Democratic contests since Trump's return to power in the 2024 election.

"This is the nation's largest city and it's the biggest city of Democrats." – Nick Fandos [03:00]

b. Andrew Cuomo's Comeback

Guest: Nick Fandos [06:12]

• Seismic Entry: Former Governor Andrew Cuomo re-enters the mayoral race in early March amidst his controversial exit from the governorship due to sexual harassment allegations and criticisms over his handling of COVID-19 in state nursing homes.

• Past Achievements vs. Baggage: Despite his achievements—rebuilding LaGuardia Airport, raising the minimum wage, legalizing same-sex marriage—Cuomo's political career was marred by scandals.

• Campaign Strategy: Cuomo positions himself as a seasoned leader capable of restoring order and economic stability to New York City, leveraging his extensive political experience.

"This is somebody who's been in public office since the 1990s who is in many ways a totem of the Democratic establishment." – Nick Fandos [07:26]

c. Zoran Mamdani's Underdog Campaign

Guest: Nick Fandos [15:39]

• Introduction to Mamdani: Assembly Member Zoran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic socialist from Queens, emerges as a formidable challenger despite initially being considered a long shot.

• Platform Focus: Mamdani emphasizes economic issues, proposing initiatives like freezing rent, making buses free, and offering universal childcare.

• Campaign Tactics: Utilizing viral videos and grassroots campaigning, Mamdani appeals to young voters and those disillusioned with traditional Democratic policies.

"He puts on his reporter cap, he takes a camera, and he goes up to the Bronx... asking people who they voted for and why." – Nick Fandos [17:05]

"I'll freeze the rent every year that I'm in office. That's a guarantee." – Zoran Mamdani [18:58]

d. Race Dynamics and Debate Highlights

Guest: Nick Fandos [22:17]

• Shift in Polls: Initially leading by significant margins, Cuomo's dominance is challenged as Mamdani gains traction, leading to a neck-and-neck race.

• Debate Clashes: The candidates engage in intense debates, with Cuomo attacking Mamdani's lack of experience and policy feasibility, while Mamdani counters by highlighting Cuomo's scandals and corporate ties.

"This is a man who has done nothing. He's accomplished nothing. Three bills are all he passed." – Zoran Mamdani [23:03]

"I'm glad I don't have your experience." – Zoran Mamdani [25:05]

e. Potential Outcomes and Implications for Democrats

Guest: Nick Fandos [26:29]

• Impact on the Democratic Party: The outcome of this primary is poised to influence Democratic strategies nationwide, especially in addressing economic concerns and combating Trump's agenda.

• Possible Scenarios:

  • Cuomo Victory: Maintains establishment support but may struggle to rejuvenate the party's base.
  • Mamdani Victory: Represents a shift towards progressive policies, potentially energizing younger voters but facing challenges in policy implementation.

• Ranked Choice Voting Influence: The system allows voters to rank multiple candidates, introducing the possibility of unexpected results if other candidates' supporters redirect their preferences.

"Democratic voters in elevating these two guys above the rest of the field seem to be looking for something similar. It's less about ideology or purity and seems more about scrappiness." – Nick Fandos [29:15]

3. Conclusion

The New York City mayoral race serves as a microcosm for the broader challenges and directions facing the Democratic Party. With Andrew Cuomo representing the seasoned establishment and Zoran Mamdani embodying a progressive insurgent energy, the outcome of this election could signal the party's strategic pivot in addressing economic issues and uniting its base against opposition movements like those led by President Trump.

"These two candidates are demanding that the Democratic Party think long and hard about economic issues and making the party about working people." – Nick Fandos [30:46]

Barbaro emphasizes the significance of this race as Democrats nationwide watch closely to gauge the party's future trajectory.

Notable Quotes

• "This is the nation's largest city and it's the biggest city of Democrats." – Nick Fandos [03:00]

• "I'll freeze the rent every year that I'm in office. That's a guarantee." – Zoran Mamdani [18:58]

• "This is a man who has done nothing. He's accomplished nothing. Three bills are all he passed." – Zoran Mamdani [23:03]

• "These two candidates are demanding that the Democratic Party think long and hard about economic issues and making the party about working people." – Nick Fandos [30:46]

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from today's episode of The Daily, highlighting the critical intersections between local electoral politics and national party strategies.