Politics

Cuomo Warns Left Against Embracing NYC Mayor Mamdani Over Deference to Islamism

CUOMO · The Deal With The Devil Both Parties Keep Making · July 9, 2026

CUOMO

The Deal With The Devil Both Parties Keep Making

"I have concerns about Mamdani's deference to Islamism. Okay? Which is different than being Muslim. You guys got to stop confusing this stuff. And you absolutely have to stop this bullshit of calling me an Islamophobe. I'm not an Islamophobe... Islamism is not Islam."

Chris Cuomo says he is giving New York City Mayor Yusef Salaam Mamdani a chance but warns that the mayor shows troubling deference to Islamism, which he carefully distinguishes from Islam as a faith. Cuomo argues Democrats embraced Mamdani because he represents populist disruption but cautions that his ideological leanings could harm Black and brown communities who voted for him. He frames this as another potential 'deal with the devil' for the left.

About this episode

Chris Cuomo delivers a wide-ranging monologue warning both political parties against making cynical compromises for power, which he calls 'deals with the devil.' He accuses Democratic leaders including Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna of knowingly supporting Maine gubernatorial candidate Graham Plattner despite troubling allegations because they were desperate to harness populist energy, only to abandon him after a rape allegation surfaced and poll numbers collapsed. Cuomo also voices concerns about New York City Mayor Yusef Salaam Mamdani's deference to Islamism, distinguishing it carefully from Islam, and warns the left against repeating MAGA's mistake of being absorbed by its fringe. He argues that MAGA itself made a deal with the devil by elevating Trump, whose reckless behavior on NATO, Iran, and Greenland now exemplifies the consequences. Cuomo alleges Republicans are covering up Mitch McConnell's deteriorating health to prevent Kentucky's Democratic governor from filling his seat, and criticizes Trump's new savings accounts as a kleptocratic handout to Wall Street firms with no means-testing. He claims Dan Bongino and other right-wing influencers sold out for money, and that Scott Jennings is lying to protect McConnell. Cuomo calls for open primaries, a focus on economic justice over identity politics, and a return to serving the middle class rather than the wealthy elite. He closes by urging Americans to reject tribalism, embrace critical thinking, and demand leaders who don't compromise core values for political gain.

Key takeaways

Chris Cuomo accuses Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna of backing Maine candidate Graham Plattner despite red flags to secure his populist base, calling it a deal with the devil.
Cuomo warns Democrats are at risk of being absorbed by their fringe the way MAGA consumed the GOP, citing support for candidates like Plattner and Mamdani.
He alleges Republicans are concealing Mitch McConnell's severe health decline to prevent Kentucky's Democratic governor from appointing a replacement senator.
Cuomo claims Trump's new retirement savings accounts are a kleptocratic giveaway to Wall Street firms with political ties and no transparency in the selection process.
He distinguishes between Islam and Islamism, voicing concern that NYC Mayor Mamdani shows troubling deference to Islamist ideology despite populist appeal.
Cuomo argues MAGA made a deal with the devil by elevating Trump, whose reckless actions on Iran, NATO, and Greenland now expose the cost of that compromise.
He calls for federal legislation mandating open primaries and top-two or top-four voting systems to reduce extremism and prevent parties from choosing fringe candidates.