Colbert’s ‘Thumbs-Up or Thumbs-Down’ Segment on Hamas Sparks Outrage from NYC Mayoral Candidate
Table of Contents
New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani expressed dismay after producers for stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” proposed a segment he deemed deeply inappropriate, prompting a wave of criticism and controversy. The incident, as reported by The New Yorker, occurred just before Mamdani secured the Democratic nomination in June.
A “Game” Distilling Genocide
According to reports, producers approached Mamdani in the greenroom shortly before his appearance on the show and suggested a “thumbs-up or thumbs-down” segment focusing on contentious issues.”Thumbs-up or thumbs-down: Hamas. Thumbs-up or thumbs-down: a Palestinian state,” was the proposed format, as described by The New Yorker.
Mamdani reacted with disbelief. “Mamdani’s face dropped. ‘I just couldn’t believe what was happening,'” he told the magazine. “‘That a genocide could be distilled into a late-night game.'” His aides were equally appalled, with one reportedly telling the producer, “you have the first Muslim candidate for mayor in the history of New York… You don’t want to ask him a question about that?”
A spokesperson for “The late Show” has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Colbert Presses Mamdani on Israel and Antisemitism
Despite the proposed segment being scrapped, Colbert engaged Mamdani in a lengthy discussion regarding the Israel-Hamas war and the escalating concerns about antisemitism. The host directly questioned Mamdani on the legitimacy of israel’s existence.
“Does the State of Israel have the right to exist?” Colbert asked.
Mamdani affirmed Israel’s right to exist, stating, “Like all nations, I believe it has the right to exist and a responsibility also to uphold international law.”
Fears Within the Jewish Community
Colbert acknowledged the anxieties within the Jewish community, noting the “elephant in the room” and the “fear” that Mamdani’s election could exacerbate antisemitism. “they’re very upset by some of the things that you’ve said in the past,and they’re afraid that your mayorship would actually lead to increased antisemitism,that they believe that would be more hazardous for them,” colbert stated. He then asked Mamdani to address those fears directly.
Mamdani responded by acknowledging the source of the apprehension,linking it to recent attacks in Washington,D.C., and Boulder, Colorado. He shared personal anecdotes illustrating the growing sense of vulnerability within the Jewish community, recounting how a friend felt fear entering a synagogue after the October 7th attacks and how a Jewish man in Williamsburg now locks his door after decades of leaving it open. “Ultimately,this is because we’re seeing a crisis of antisemitism,” Mamdani explained.
Commitment to Combating Hate
Mamdani highlighted his commitment to addressing antisemitism, outlining a proposal to increase funding for the Department of Community Safety’s anti-hate crime programming by 800%. “Because to your point, antisemitism is not simply something that we should talk about. it’s something that we have to tackle,” he said. He unequivocally condemned violence, responding to Colbert’s interjection, “And no justification for violence of any kind?” with a firm “No.”
Polling Data Shows Strong Support for Mamdani
Despite the controversy, current polling data indicates Mamdani maintains a notable lead in the mayoral race. A recent Quinnipiac University poll shows the 33-year-old assembly member with 46% support among likely voters. Former new York Governor Andrew Cuomo trails with 33%,while Guardian Angels co-founder Curtis Sliwa,the Republican candidate,holds 15%. The race narrowed following the departure of incumbent New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
