The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: Episode featuring Zohran Mamdani & Brad Lander (Extended)
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show Pod Show" delivers an engaging and insightful episode featuring New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander. This extended episode delves deep into pressing political issues, the dynamics of the upcoming mayoral race, and the candidates' visions for the future of New York City. Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode's key discussions, complete with notable quotes and timestamps.
1. Introduction and Current Affairs
War in the Middle East
The episode kicks off with Stephen Colbert addressing the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East. He highlights President Trump's sudden announcement of strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, labeling the operation as "Operation Midnight Hammer." Colbert expresses skepticism about the legitimacy and necessity of the action, questioning the reliability of the intelligence behind it.
"It's hard to trust Donald Trump to be the one making these kinds of decisions. It kind of feels like we're all in the backseat while the Uber driver goes on a road rage."
— Stephen Colbert [07:15]
Colbert critiques the administration's communication style, mocking the lack of substantive evidence provided to justify the strikes and the vague messaging that followed.
Intervention and Operation Midnight Hammer
The discussion shifts to the specifics of the military operation, emphasizing the use of B2 stealth bombers and Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs). Colbert questions the administration's rationale, pointing out inconsistencies in the intelligence presented.
"Because America's spies said Iran wasn't building a nuclear weapon. Okay, okay, hold on. Are they sure?"
— Stephen Colbert [09:45]
JD Vance's Defense
JD Vance, representing the administration, attempts to justify the actions by stating that the decision was based on presidential instincts rather than concrete intelligence, which Colbert dismantles with humor and criticism.
"Is the United States now at war with Iran? No, we're not at war with Iran, John. We're at war with Iran's nuclear program."
— JD Vance [11:00]
Colbert sarcastically responds, highlighting the absurdity of the justification.
"I'm not cheating on you with Stacey. I'm cheating on you with parts of Stacey."
— Stephen Colbert [11:08]
2. New York City Mayoral Race
Overview of the Mayoral Election
Stephen Colbert transitions to the local election scene, emphasizing the significance of the New York City mayoral primary and its national implications. He provides a rundown of the candidates, highlighting the crowded field of 14 candidates, including notable figures like Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, Whitney Tilson, Zelnor Myhrey, and Adrienne Adams.
"The frontrunner for most of this race has been former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 after being accused of multiple counts of sexual harassment, which explains his campaign slogan, Cuomo 2025."
— Stephen Colbert [19:31]
Focus on Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander
The spotlight narrows to Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander, two leading candidates who have cross-endorsed each other within the framework of ranked-choice voting. Colbert introduces them, setting the stage for a deep dive into their campaigns.
3. Interview with Candidates: Mamdani & Lander
Cross-Endorsement Strategy
Colbert begins by addressing the unusual strategy of Mamdani and Lander endorsing each other, questioning the dynamics and reasoning behind this alliance.
"But you're endorsing each other. How does that work?"
— Stephen Colbert [21:22]
Brad Lander's Perspective
Lander explains the collaboration stems from a mutual desire to oust the controversial Andrew Cuomo from candidacy, emphasizing their combined positive vision for the city.
"When I first met Zoran, he was leading an effort to help taxi drivers who were under crushing debt... I find it inspiring."
— Brad Lander [21:22]
Zohran Mamdani's Response
Mamdani highlights Lander's credentials and their shared commitment to progressive policies, advocating for a politics rooted in collaboration and sincerity.
"We understand that it's time for a politics of the future. And that means a politics of collaboration, a politics of sincerity, a politics of principle."
— Zoran Mamdani [22:12]
National Significance of the Race
Colbert probes why the New York mayoral race has garnered national attention, considering endorsements from prominent figures like Representative Jim Clyburn.
"Why do you think this particular race has become a countrywide story?"
— Stephen Colbert [22:49]
Mamdani responds by framing the race as a battleground between organized money and grassroots movements, reflecting broader national political trends.
"It's a battle of organized money versus organized people... Do we move forward with a new generation of leadership?"
— Zoran Mamdani [23:19]
4. Candidates' Stances on Israel and Anti-Semitism
Support for Israel
Colbert directs a crucial question to both candidates regarding their stance on the existence of Israel.
"Does the state of Israel have the right to exist?"
— Stephen Colbert [23:58]
Both candidates affirm Israel's right to exist, with nuanced positions on upholding international law and addressing regional conflicts.
"I support the vision of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state."
— Brad Lander [24:17]
"Yes. Like all nations, I believe it has a right to exist and a responsibility also to uphold international law."
— Zoran Mamdani [24:25]
Addressing Anti-Semitism
Colbert raises concerns about rising anti-Semitism in New York City, questioning how the candidates plan to protect the Jewish community.
"There are many people in New York... who are afraid that your mayorship would actually lead to increased anti-Semitism."
— Stephen Colbert [24:30]
Mamdani responds empathetically, sharing personal anecdotes and outlining his proposals to combat hate crimes.
"At the heart of my proposal for a Department of Community Safety is a commitment to increase funding for anti-hate crime programming by 800%."
— Zoran Mamdani [25:18]
Lander echoes the sentiment, emphasizing unity between Jewish and Muslim communities and the importance of inclusive policies.
"Jews, Jewish New Yorkers, and Muslim New Yorkers are not going to be divided from."
— Brad Lander [27:45]
5. Immigration and Federal Policies
Brad Lander's ICE Intervention
Colbert highlights Brad Lander's recent incident where he was handcuffed by ICE agents while assisting an immigrant, questioning his ability to handle federal immigration policies as mayor.
"Why was that important for you to do? And as mayor, what ability will you have to resist the federal authorities on immigration policy that you think is abusive?"
— Stephen Colbert [30:24]
Lander explains his actions as part of a broader effort to provide legal assistance to asylum seekers, criticizing recent DHS policies that undermine asylum rights.
"The city of New York should be paying for legal representation for people who are facing deportation."
— Brad Lander [31:45]
Mamdani's Vision for Community Safety
Mamdani discusses his approach to immigration and community safety, advocating for humane and nonviolent methods to address federal overreach.
"Let the police do the critical work that they do towards creating public safety. Let's create a Department of Community Safety..."
— Zoran Mamdani [37:00]
6. Governance, Public Services, and Quality of Life
Addressing Corruption and Public Goods
Both candidates stress the importance of transparent and efficient city governance. They critique the current administration's handling of public funds and advocate for better investment in public services.
"We have to care just as much about public excellence. We have to deliver the best quality of life in this city."
— Zoran Mamdani [39:10]
Combatting Homelessness and Mental Health
Lander outlines his commitment to ending street homelessness, particularly for individuals with serious mental illnesses, proposing increased funding for mental health services.
"My number one pledge in this campaign is to end street homelessness for people with serious mental illness."
— Brad Lander [39:48]
Revitalizing the City
Mamdani and Lander discuss strategies to restore vitality to New York City by improving public infrastructure, enhancing safety, and ensuring the cleanliness of neighborhoods.
"We don't have right now top flight people running every city agency. But think about what it could be as an answer to Donald Trump..."
— Brad Lander [38:26]
7. Closing Remarks and Encouragement to Vote
As the episode wraps up, Colbert injects humor into the competitive nature of the race, encouraging listeners to participate in the democratic process.
"Well, if you're a New Yorker and you haven't voted yet, make sure to get out there tomorrow and vote for several candidates of your choices."
— Stephen Colbert [40:55]
He reiterates the importance of the mayoral race and the candidates' visions for a better New York City, leaving listeners with a call to action to engage in the upcoming election.
Conclusion
This episode of "The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert" offers a thorough exploration of the New York City mayoral race, spotlighting Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander's campaigns amidst national and international tensions. Colbert masterfully balances humor with critical analysis, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the candidates' policies and the broader political landscape.
Note: This summary is based on a transcript of the podcast episode released on June 24, 2025. Timestamps correspond to the transcript's timeline.