Zohran Mamdani took a ‘risky’ ploy shortly before the New York City mayoral election after the Democratic nominee made a ‘low-key’ appearance at a New York Knicks game
Zohran Mamdani made a quiet appearance at a New York Knicks game on Sunday(Image: X)
Zohran Mamdani made a “risky” attempt to appeal to voters by attending a New York Knicks game mere days before Tuesday’s mayoral election.
Madison Square Garden regularly attracts some of the biggest names in sports, politics and pop culture, with New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo making quite an impression last month while sitting courtside at a Knicks game.
Yet for Sunday’s matchup between the Knicks and Chicago Bulls, Mamdani opted to sit further away from the action. Alongside comedian The Kid Mero and New York Times reporter Benjamin Oreskes, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City hunkered down in Section 212 while making a “low-key” appearance.
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As Oreskes noted, “It’s risky for politicians to attend sporting events on the campaign trail because one word about the proceedings, taken the wrong way, can alienate fans and voters.”
Though Mamdani conceded that he knows far more about soccer and cricket than the Knicks or NBA, the 34-year-old still showed his allegiance to New York by donning a Josh Hart jersey and black cap.
“The exhilaration of the last few days of the campaign is like little else, but so is the anxiety,” Mamdani told the New York Times during the Knicks’ 128-116 victory. Somebody described it to me once like playing tennis but not being able to see the score until the last minute.”
Mamdani is far from the only mayoral candidate who’s stopped by the Garden for a game in recent weeks. On the heels of the election’s final debate, former governor Andrew Cuomo — who’s running as an independent — joined Mayor Eric Adams courtside as the Knicks played.
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Taking to social media, Mamdani reacted to Cuomo’s public appearance by declaring: “Corruption goes courtside.”
While Oreskes suggested that Mamdani’s decision to sit in the nosebleeds displayed the “accessibility and relatability he has tried to convey as a candidate,” Democratic political operative Ken Frydman argued the ploy didn’t appeal to its intended audience.
“Mamdani’s polar bear plunge was a far more effective populist stunt than taking in a Knicks’ game — even from the cheap seats,” Frydman said. “It was shrewd of the Mamdani camp to invite The Times to the game.”
Earlier in the day, Mamdani was additionally spotted cheering on the Buffalo Bills alongside governor and avid fan Kathy Hochul at Murphy’s Bar in Astoria. “We didn’t smash any tables,” he wrote.
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“We didn’t eat a garbage plate. But you better believe the Bills got that W today.”
In the eyes of Erie County GOP Chairman Michael Kracker, Mamdani once again missed the mark with Bills faithful.
“Bills fans would sooner watch a game with Brittany and Jackson Mahomes than with Kathy Hochul and Zohran Mamdani,” Kracker said, referencing Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ brother and wife.
“I wonder if the governor could hear the ‘tax the rich’ chants this time?”