More 'Genocide' Accusations
Mamdani Calls Gaza War a 'Genocide' On The View
NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani sparks controversy on The View, condemning Hamas while describing Gaza situation as 'genocide', drawing audience applause despite Jewish concerns.
New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani ignited the audience of the popular daytime talk show The View on Wednesday, earning a round of applause after he stated he would "describe what is happening in Gaza as a genocide."
Appearing on the ABC program, Mamdani was pressed on his long-standing criticism of Israel by co-host Sara Haines, who noted his past "inflammatory statements, like calling Israel an apartheid state and questioning its right to exist as a Jewish state." Haines, who wore a yellow pin symbolizing the Israeli hostages, questioned the candidate's core beliefs.
"War Crimes Being Answered with War Crimes"
Mamdani used the national platform to reiterate his firm position on the Israel-Hamas conflict and the ongoing war in Gaza. He first condemned the terrorist group and the October 7 massacre.
"Millions of New Yorkers, myself included, care deeply about what’s happening in Israel and Palestine," Mamdani said. "And so to be very, very clear, of course I condemn Hamas. Of course I’ve called October 7 what it was, which is a horrific war crime."
He then escalated his rhetoric, using the controversial term "genocide" to describe the conditions in Gaza, a term vehemently rejected by Israel and its allies. The studio audience responded to the declaration with a warm reception and applause.
"What we see is a war crime being answered with war crimes. And what we see is, every single hour, the Israeli military killing a Palestinian child for close to two years," Mamdani continued. He clarified that while he "can’t stop that as the mayor of this city," he can "make clear my own values, my own commitments."
Political Risk and Shifting Demographics
Mamdani’s controversial stance comes as Jewish fears about his fierce criticisms of Israel have become a major point of contention in the mayoral race. A growing number of Jewish groups are reportedly lining up behind his main challenger, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The applause from the audience of The View, a top-rated daytime talk show whose home audience is dominated by middle-aged women, reflects a noted shift in American public opinion. Recent polling indicates that sympathy for Palestinians is rising, reversing historic dynamics, particularly among older, college-educated Democrats, a key demographic for the show.
Despite the political friction, Mamdani maintained a message of unity for New Yorkers. When Haines pushed back, stating, "You recognize that people do disagree with you. I am one of those people on some of these points," Mamdani pivoted to local issues.
"Absolutely, and your disagreeing with me doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be in this city or that you shouldn’t be celebrated," he responded. "If a New Yorker disagrees with me about Israel, I’m still fighting for them to make sure that they can afford this city, be safe in this city and see this city as their own."