Mamdani rejects Cuomo debate challenge with unexpected counter proposal

Andrew Cuomo Challenges NYC Mayoral Opponent to Debates Across Boroughs

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has thrown down the gauntlet to his NYC mayoral opponent, Zohran Mamdani, by challenging him to five debates across all five boroughs of New York City. The challenge was issued during a press conference held by Cuomo on Thursday in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Cuomo criticized Mamdani for evading questions from reporters and accused him of constantly changing his stance on various issues. The former governor expressed his determination not to let Mamdani get away with avoiding direct answers and stated that New Yorkers would also hold him accountable.

Mamdani’s Counterproposal to Debate Donald Trump

In response to Cuomo’s challenge, Zohran Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist, proposed a different debate opponent – President Donald Trump himself. Mamdani’s campaign suggested that if Trump was serious about intervening in the mayoral race, he should debate Mamdani directly on important issues affecting New Yorkers.

The exchange between Cuomo and Mamdani comes amidst rumors that President Trump is considering offering jobs in his administration to incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa in an effort to pave the way for Cuomo’s candidacy. However, Cuomo claimed to have no knowledge of these speculations during his press conference.

Reactions from Other Candidates

Neither Adams nor his team responded to inquiries regarding the potential job offers from the Trump administration. Reports indicated that Adams had met with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Florida to discuss the matter.

Curtis Sliwa, another mayoral candidate, dismissed Cuomo’s proposal for a pledge to step aside if not leading in the polls by mid-September. He asserted that the race was primarily between himself and Mamdani, emphasizing his experience and determination to serve the city.

Sliwa criticized Mamdani for his response to Cuomo’s challenge, labeling it as a distraction from his radical agenda and a tactic to avoid addressing important policy issues.

The mayoral race in New York City continues to heat up as candidates jockey for position and engage in debates and public challenges. Stay tuned for more updates on this dynamic political contest.