© 77 WABC and James Flippin
(New York, NY) – In what many would call the political “Battle for New York,” John Catsimatidis was preparing to cast his vote. Standing at a podium on the Upper East Side, flanked by former Governor David Paterson and Judge Richard Weinberg, Catsimatidis detailed his objections to Zohran Mamdani — the Democratic Socialist considered by many to be the front runner. The owner-operator of 77 WABC, Catsimatidis noted he has employees who worry about the quality of life in New York City — as well as how that impacts their safety.
Q1: Will You Be Voting in the Upcoming New York City Mayoral Election?
“How would you like to have your mother, your aunt, your cousin, call 911 — and nobody answers? That’s not the New York we want,” Catsimatidis railed. He was implying that Mamdani’s lack of vocal support for the NYPD — and desire to reform its structure — will lead to a negative outcome for New York City. Catsimatidis was also blunt about his opinion on the state of immigration, calling it an “invasion” that aims to change the American way of life. He explained that as an immigrant himself, it’s important to draw the distinction between people who aims to embrace the culture of the United States vs. those who would change it. Catsimatidis noted decades ago immigrants came to New York City searching a better life, achieved through hard work, not “free stuff.”
Former Governor David Paterson spoke at the event as well and said he was calling on New Yorkers to vote for the “health and welfare of our city, and all that live there.” He stopped short of calling on people to vote for Cuomo — saying the two men planned to speak in the coming days.
Meanwhile, down in Lower Manhattan, Sid Rosenberg — host of Sid and Friends in the Morning — is not a fan of Zohran Mamdani. Rosenberg said he wants to make sure the Democratic Socialist is not elected Mayor of New York City on November 4th.
Monday afternoon, Sid was joined by a group of politicians and an actor who agree with him. Sid’s “Fight for New York” rally was held in the shadow of One World Trade Tower on Liberty Street and the West Side Highway. Those who spoke include former Long Island Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, retired Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind and actor and activist Michael Rapaport.
Rapaport said he’s not perfect, the city’s not perfect, Cuomo isn’t perfect but “this election is about protecting the soul of New York City from people who do not understand it, don’t not respect and do not love it. We must go vote for Cuomo.”
Rapaport said, “We must vote like the city depends on it” and added, “Let’s remind these clowns whose city it is.”
Meantime, Hikind said he’s optimistic that with the amazing early voter turnout “I think Cuomo will be in very good shape.” He said “people clearly get it and are coming out of the woodwork to vote.” Hikind added, “It’s a horse race between Cuomo and Mamdani and if this continues Cuomo will win easily.”
