The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Zohran Mamdani Gives Closing Message of Campaign
Date: November 1, 2025
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
Guest: Zohran Mamdani, NYC Political Candidate

Episode Overview

This episode centers on a candid, energizing conversation with Zohran Mamdani in the heated final days of his campaign for New York City office. The MeidasTouch brothers and Mamdani critique Donald Trump’s divisive politics and misplaced priorities, reflect on authenticity in leadership, discuss grassroots organizing in the face of billionaire-backed opposition, and urge listeners to take concrete action before Election Day. The discussion is grounded in relatable stories from New Yorkers, highlighting themes of affordability, dignity, fighting authoritarianism, and community-powered democracy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump's Priorities vs. People’s Needs

• Opening with Trump’s social media bragging about expensive White House renovations while Americans face a government shutdown and threats to their livelihoods ([00:00]).
  • Quote: “Is he just trying to rub it in right now in people’s faces who are suffering?” — Host ([00:38])
• Mamdani points out Trump’s disconnect from everyday New Yorkers, who are focused on cost of living, not lavish spending ([01:09]).
  • Quote: “Not a single New Yorker...told me the reason they were voting for Donald Trump was for him to spend $300 million on a renovation of a White House ballroom.” — Zohran Mamdani ([01:10])
  • He reframes the conversation toward policies that could have tangible positive impact, like SNAP benefits and affordable groceries.
  • Criticizes Trump’s lack of action on health care and basic needs: “He does not want to provide health care for 4 million Americans...He does not want to actually take care of the very people whose despair that he diagnosed and then whose support that he betrayed.” — Mamdani ([01:45])

2. Political Promises and Economic Insecurity

• The team mocks Trump’s ever-changing boasts about bringing in trillions, likening it to a Ponzi scheme ([02:19]).
  • Quote: “I think the people of New York in the borough know a Ponzi schemer now and a con man when they see one.” — Host ([02:23])
• Mamdani underscores that voters care about real economic security, noting that even military families are relying on food pantries due to political neglect ([02:56]).
  • Quote: “We have active duty military families who are lined up for food pantries across this country. And that is an illustration of what Republicans care about.” — Mamdani ([03:16])

3. New York’s Unique Political Battle

• Discussion of how Trump and his allies seem intent on harming NYC’s infrastructure and citizens, with Cuomo and other local politicians failing to challenge him ([03:29]).
  • Quote: “If you’re so busy begging, we actually can’t count on you to stand up for this city.” — Mamdani ([04:31])
• Mamdani calls for a leadership that boldly names and addresses authoritarian threats, and delivers results for New Yorkers.

4. Overcoming Billionaire Opposition Through Grassroots Power

• The conversation shifts to Mamdani’s campaign, which withstood intense, well-funded negative ad campaigns and misinformation ([04:52]).
  • Quote: “We wouldn’t have enough time...this week alone...around $10 million in additional outside spending.” — Mamdani ([05:38])
  • Flips the narrative by highlighting an energized grassroots volunteer base:
    • “We had built then a volunteer team of 52,000 people. Now that volunteer team is crossing 100,000 people.” — Mamdani ([06:04])

5. Final GOTV (Get Out The Vote) Push—How Listeners Can Help

• Emphasis on staying mobilized through the finish line: marathon metaphor, “Now is the time...to really start running the fastest.” ([06:15])
• Mamdani gives clear calls to action:
  • Website: zahran4nyc.com/gotv
  • Record-breaking goals: 200,000 doors knocked in a single day, phone banking for non-locals.
  • Quote: “If you’re in New York City, come for a canvas shift...If you’re not in New York City...please join our phone banking.” — Mamdani ([06:54])

6. Listening as a Leadership Model

• Hosts praise Mamdani’s post-election tradition of speaking directly to voters—including those who supported Trump—to ask what matters most to them ([07:18]).
  • Quote: “It comes back to listening to New Yorkers...It was a beautiful moment to return there because I could see everything that our campaign has built.” — Mamdani ([07:54])
• Mamdani notes a shift: now, instead of struggling to find willing interviewees, people approach him, eager to discuss cost of living and solutions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trivial vs. Real Issues:
  “He’s posting about marble floors and marble toilet bowls...Is he just trying to rub it in right now in people’s faces who are suffering?” — Host ([00:38])

• On Campaign Funding and Volunteer Power:
  “This week alone, I think that we’ve seen around $10 million in additional outside spending...we took on about 25 million...in the primary. And what we showed time and again is we were able to overcome that because we had built...a volunteer team of 52,000 people. Now...crossing 100,000 people.” — Mamdani ([05:38]-[06:04])

• On Listening and Transformation:
  “I had to struggle to get anyone to talk to me. And this time around, I had people coming up to talk to me about the same issue, cost of living, but how they saw in our campaign a pathway to actually tackling that crisis.” — Mamdani ([07:54])

Important Timestamps

• [00:00] – Discussion on Trump’s White House renovation posts amid government shutdown.
• [01:09] – Mamdani on New Yorkers’ real concerns: cost of living.
• [02:19] – Satirical take on Trump’s financial claims.
• [03:29] – Host on Trump’s antagonism toward NYC and local political complacency.
• [04:08] – Mamdani on Cuomo, leadership, and standing up to authoritarianism.
• [04:52] – Onslaught of negative ads/billionaire opposition; campaign resilience.
• [06:15] – Home-stretch call to action for volunteering, contact info provided.
• [07:18] – Returning to speak with Trump voters and evolving campaign-community connection.

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer Website: zahran4nyc.com/gotv
• Ways to Help:
  • NYC residents: Join canvassing shifts (door-knocking)
  • Outside NYC: Participate in phone banking
  • Aim: Break records for voter outreach ahead of Election Day

Episode Tone & Style

The episode blends sharp political critique, humor, and grassroots urgency. The Meiselas brothers’ lively banter with Mamdani is both relatable and motivational, marked by a deep-seated commitment to democracy and practical change. Mamdani’s calm resilience in the face of smears and his belief in people-powered politics infuse the conversation with hope and authenticity.

Summary Prepared For:
Listeners seeking a comprehensive understanding of Zohran Mamdani’s campaign priorities, the stakes for New Yorkers in the current political climate, and how they can actively participate in the ongoing fight for democracy and economic justice.