Podcast Summary: Throwing Fits - "The Zohran Mamdani Interview"
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Guests: Zoran Mamdani, State Assembly Member and Mayoral Candidate
Introduction and Setting
The episode kicks off with Host 1 delivering a vibrant, rhymed introduction, setting a lively and informal tone for the conversation. The hosts introduce Zoran Mamdani with playful lyrics that highlight his political aspirations and grassroots campaign.
Opening Remarks and Personal Insights
[00:37]
Zoran Mamdani is warmly welcomed by the hosts. The conversation begins with light-hearted banter about his attire:
- Host 2: "Just quickly, what suit are you wearing today?"
- Zoran Mamdani: "I am wearing a suit from Suit Supply today."
[00:44]
Zoran shares insights into his wardrobe choices, emphasizing practicality and personal style:
- Zoran Mamdani: "It's the workhorse, the daily driver. Try and flip up a few of the ties to make it feel like it's a different suit."
[01:04]
First Debate and Interaction with Andrew Cuomo
The discussion transitions to recent political events, specifically the first debate:
[01:30]
Zoran reflects on his encounter with former Governor Andrew Cuomo:
- Zoran Mamdani: "I went up to him and I was like, you should come around more."
[02:31]
He criticizes Cuomo's detachment from everyday New Yorkers:
- Zoran Mamdani: "He did it. He's so Westchester that he turns right on red in New York City."
[02:41]
Cost of Living and Housing Crisis
A significant portion of the conversation centers on the escalating cost of living in New York City:
[03:33]
Zoran outlines the severity of the issue:
- Zoran Mamdani: "One in four New Yorkers are living in poverty. ... close to two and a half million live in rent stabilized housing."
[03:46]
He proposes a bold solution to alleviate housing stress:
- Zoran Mamdani: "I would freeze the rent for close to 2 1/2 million New Yorkers. That would return close to $7 billion back into the pockets of working and middle class New Yorkers."
[04:00]
Childcare and Public Transit Initiatives
Expanding on his platform, Zoran addresses childcare and transportation:
[05:25]
On childcare:
- Zoran Mamdani: "The number one reason people are leaving New York City is child care. It costs $25,000 a year for one child."
[05:26]
He advocates for extending universal pre-K to younger ages:
- Zoran Mamdani: "We want to extend that to children as young as six weeks."
[05:25]
[05:42]
On public transit:
- Zoran Mamdani: "Making buses free to get on...make them faster, we make them safer, we make them more accessible."
[05:42]
Critique of Current Leadership and Opponents
Zoran offers a pointed critique of current leaders, particularly Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams:
[14:01]
Regarding Cuomo's social media prowess:
- Zoran Mamdani: "Gotta be Andrew Coleman. There's nobody doing it better than him."
[14:01]
[15:04]
On Cuomo's handling of scandals:
- Zoran Mamdani: "He has not addressed that. But that's in keeping with not addressing."
[15:04]
He highlights Cuomo's failures and compares his reluctance to apologize to that of Donald Trump:
- Zoran Mamdani: "He's just as allergic to apology and acknowledgement as Donald Trump."
[15:34]
Campaign Strategies and Voter Engagement
The conversation shifts to Zoran's campaign strategies, emphasizing grassroots efforts and voter participation:
[08:34]
On encouraging voter turnout:
- Zoran Mamdani: "Organizing around this election turnout. ... we've knocked on more than 750,000 doors."
[08:35]
[10:41]
Discussing voter concerns and addressing them:
- Zoran Mamdani: "You have to actually have a team that challenges you, one that you also empower."
[10:53]
He stresses the importance of building a diverse and capable team to support his initiatives.
Progressive Movement and Political Experience
Zoran delves into the dynamics of the progressive movement within the Democratic Party and his stance on political experience:
[20:05]
On the election being a referendum on progressive ideals:
- Zoran Mamdani: "This election is, in some ways a referendum on that."
[20:16]
[17:03]
Defending his administrative capabilities:
- Zoran Mamdani: "I do have the experience of winning $450 million in debt relief for thousands of working class taxi drivers."
[17:03]
He positions his experience as grounded in tangible achievements rather than traditional political maneuvering.
Personal Insights and Light-hearted Moments
The hosts and Zoran share several light-hearted moments, revealing personal facets of his character:
[25:24]
On guilty pleasures:
- Zoran Mamdani: "We were watching Temptation Island. Season five."
[29:21]
[28:34]
Discussing favorite rappers:
- Zoran Mamdani: "He has a few tracks on this last album with Lap Gun, I think is. Which are just incredible."
[29:09]
These moments humanize Zoran, making him relatable to the audience.
Conclusion and Closing Statements
As the episode wraps up, Zoran delivers a compelling call to action:
[32:40]
- Zoran Mamdani: "If you're here because you want to hear more from Big Sheesh, please go to zahranfornyc.com join this campaign because you're the ones who can actually win it."
[32:40]
He emphasizes the urgency of the upcoming election and encourages active participation from listeners.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Zoran Mamdani on Rent Freeze:
"I would freeze the rent for close to 2 1/2 million New Yorkers. That would return close to $7 billion back into the pockets of working and middle class New Yorkers."
[04:00] -
On Childcare Costs:
"It costs $25,000 a year for one child."
[05:26] -
Critique of Andrew Cuomo:
"He has not addressed that. But that's in keeping with not addressing."
[15:04] -
Campaign Strategy:
"We've knocked on more than 750,000 doors."
[08:35] -
Call to Action:
"Join this campaign because you're the ones who can actually win it."
[32:40]
Key Takeaways
-
Housing Affordability: Zoran Mamdani prioritizes freezing rents to alleviate the financial burden on New Yorkers, aiming to return billions to the community.
-
Childcare and Transportation: He advocates for universal childcare and free public buses to make the city more accessible and family-friendly.
-
Critique of Current Leadership: Zoran is openly critical of leaders like Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, highlighting their detachment and mishandling of key issues.
-
Grassroots Campaign: His campaign strategy focuses on extensive voter engagement and door-knocking to mobilize support.
-
Progressive Vision: Zoran emphasizes the necessity of progressive policies within the Democratic Party to address the city's pressing issues.
-
Personal Relatability: Through candid discussions about his personal life and interests, Zoran builds a relatable persona, enhancing his appeal to voters.
This episode of Throwing Fits offers an in-depth look into Zoran Mamdani's political ethos, campaign strategies, and vision for New York City. His blend of progressive policies, grassroots mobilization, and authentic personal interactions positions him as a compelling candidate poised to address the city's most pressing challenges.