Comedian Michael Rapaport’s sharp tongue has found a new target in New York City’s mayoral race. On his podcast Tuesday, he unleashed a fiery critique of Zohran Mamdani, branding the candidate “Zohran the Moron” with a pronunciation twist that’s as biting as it is memorable. His attack didn’t stop there, spilling onto X with a video that’s got New Yorkers buzzing.
The New York Post reported that Rapaport, a Jewish advocate for Israel, aimed at Mamdani’s democratic socialist policies and controversial stances, urging residents to stay in the city despite fears of what a Mamdani mayoralty might bring.
Mamdani, a Ugandan-born Muslim and Queens assemblyman, won the Democratic primary last month, besting former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. That victory has sparked concern among Jewish New Yorkers and business leaders alike.
Rapaport’s podcast rant was no off-the-cuff jab; it was a calculated call to arms. “I’ve heard a lot of people say that if Zohran the Moron wins the election, you’re going to leave New York,” he said. But he quickly flipped the script, insisting New Yorkers should stand their ground, not flee from what he calls a “socialist bulls— artist.”
Rapaport’s defiance is personal, rooted in his love for New York. He declared, “I’m never leaving New York for a Three-Card Monty playing bulls— artist like you.” His words drip with contempt for Mamdani’s policies, particularly the proposed rent freeze that’s got business leaders sweating.
Mamdani’s primary win last month wasn’t just a political upset; it was a wake-up call. Jewish New Yorkers, already uneasy about his refusal to denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada,” feel their concerns validated by Rapaport’s outspoken critique. The comedian’s not mincing words, calling Mamdani’s rise a “slap in the face” to the city.
In an NBC interview with Kristen Welker, Mamdani dodged condemning “globalize the intifada,” a phrase that’s become a lightning rod.
After the backlash, he told business leaders he’d avoid using it and discourage others, but the damage was done. That kind of rhetoric doesn’t sit well with a city already on edge.
Mamdani’s campaign has leaned hard into progressive ideals, but his democratic socialism is raising eyebrows. Business leaders worry his policies, like the rent freeze, could tank the city’s economy. Rapaport’s not buying the vision, mocking Mamdani as someone “not even from here.”
Rapaport’s July 22 X video doubled down, urging New Yorkers to fight for their city. “Do not even think you’re going to leave New York City if Zohran the Moron wins the election,” he said. It’s a rallying cry to resist what he sees as a dangerous shift in the city’s leadership.
Mamdani’s been busy, too, rallying with UAW Legal Services Workers on July 15 and meeting Sen. Bernie Sanders in Washington, DC, the next day.
These moves signal his deep ties to the progressive left, which Rapaport and others view as a threat to New York’s core. The comedian’s not alone in his unease.
Rapaport’s critique isn’t just about Mamdani; it’s about what New York stands for. “We are this close to having a person like that become mayor of what should be considered the greatest city in the world,” he warned. His words resonate with those who fear a socialist agenda could dim the city’s shine.
Mamdani’s refusal to comment on Rapaport’s attacks only fuels the fire. His silence leaves room for critics to paint him as out of touch with New York’s diverse heartbeat. Rapaport’s not waiting for a response, already calling for a city-wide reckoning if Mamdani wins.
The comedian’s Jewish advocacy, especially since the October 7 terror attack, adds weight to his words. Mamdani’s stance on Israel, coupled with his “intifada” controversy, has alienated a key demographic. Rapaport’s tapping into that frustration, amplifying it with his platform.
Rapaport’s not just venting; he’s issuing a challenge. “If this guy wins, we need to blame ourselves,” he said, pushing New Yorkers to take responsibility for their city’s future. It’s a stark reminder that elections have consequences, especially in a city as storied as New York.
Business leaders echo Rapaport’s concerns, wary of Mamdani’s economic policies. A rent freeze might sound good to some, but to them, it’s a recipe for stagnation. The comedian’s blunt style cuts through the noise, making their fears impossible to ignore.
