Politics

Kamala Harris Half-Heartedly Backs Socialist Zohran Mamdani Without Even Saying His Name

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Failed 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris offered a lackluster endorsement of Democratic New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani during a Monday interview.

Harris said during a Monday interview on MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show” while promoting her new book, “107 Days,” that Mamdani, an avowed socialist, should be “supported” since he is the Democratic Party’s nominee in the New York City mayoral race. The former vice president later added that Mamdani is “not the only star” in the party.

“Look, as far as I’m concerned, he’s the Democratic nominee and he should be supported,” Harris said during the interview. When asked about whether she was supporting Mamdani, Harris replied “sure.”

“I support the Democrat in the race, sure. But let me just say this: He’s not the only star,” Harris told host Rachel Maddow.

“So I hope that we don’t so over-index on New York City that we lose sight of the stars throughout our country who are right now running for mayor and many other offices, governor and so on,” Harris continued. “So that’s where I am. We got a big tent and we got a lot of stars.”

Harris’ Monday appearance on “The Rachel Maddow Show” notably marked her first major television-news interview since she was defeated by President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

Some prominent Democrats have yet to endorse Mamdani — who won the party’s primary on June 24 — in New York City’s mayor’s race, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. New York State Democratic Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs declined to endorse Mamdani in the Big Apple’s mayoral race last week, telling the New York Times in part of a statement that he “strongly” disagrees with Mamdani’s “views on the State of Israel.”

Mamdani has still notched endorsements from several other high-profile Democrats, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York Rep. Jerrold Nadler.

The Democratic mayoral nominee has faced public criticism from both sides of the aisle over his socialist views. Mamdani has also been critiqued over his anti-Israel stance.

Mamdani’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.