When Zoran Mamdani visited Daily ShowDid he expect to spend his time pursuing Jon Stewart's newest plans? Stewart was thoughtful during Mamdani's appearance on the Oct. 27 episode of his talk show, suggesting Mamdani would have new ways to accommodate diverse people in New York City if he were elected mayor on Nov. 4. “We're talking about housing and all these different things. Do we just need more land?” Stuart asked Mamdani. Then, before the candidate could respond, Stewart leaned forward and offered, “I was in the park… downtown.” Mamdani, always reserved, responded by impersonating Trump: “What an incredible opportunity.”
Even after Mamdani took the time to explain his somewhat more feasible ideas for more affordable housing, Stewart continued to speak out. “Are you sure you don't want to go with the idea of more land? I know they do that sometimes in the Middle East – they just build islands out of nothing.” He is probably referring to the UAE's Palm and World Islands, which are artificial archipelagos. “Can’t we connect lower Manhattan to the Statue of Liberty and then just build a couple of high-rises?” – asked Stuart. This time Mamdani was on board. “I just want to take advantage of this moment,” he said. “This is the political idea that I came here tonight to announce.” Stuart was delighted: “Perfect!”
In fact, Stewart and Mamdani remained friends throughout the interview. (Or use Curtis Sliwa's Favorite TerminologyStewart glassed him.) At the end, Stewart took a moment to simply acknowledge Mamdani's historic success. “Honestly, I think any New Yorker who looks at somebody getting an opportunity represents communities that haven't been represented that way: a Muslim, a young person, a progressive, a democratic socialist,” Stewart said. “There are so many different communities looking to you, and I hate to call you a bit of a Jackie Robinson moment. And I know that probably carries some weight, but gosh, what an exciting opportunity.”
