Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa Performed a Skit. N.Y. Republicans Are Livid.
nytimes.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Months after the mayoral election in which Zohran Mamdani defeated Curtis Sliwa, the two appeared together in a comedy skit at the Inner Circle press corps’ annual roast, drawing mixed reactions from the audience.
- The skit featured Sliwa as “Dr. Cliwa,” giving allergy shots to Mamdani, who is portrayed as an aspiring cat owner, eliciting laughter except from some notable figures.
- Former Governor David A. Paterson left the event early and later faced backlash from attendees upset that Sliwa, who had refused to withdraw from the mayoral race to support moderate Democrat Andrew Cuomo, was now publicly friendly with Mamdani.
- The public camaraderie between Sliwa and Mamdani intensified Republican suspicions of a possible nonaggression pact that may have influenced the election outcome in Mamdani’s favor.
- John A. Catsimatidis expressed disappointment, suggesting that Sliwa’s attacks on Cuomo were part of a strategy that ultimately benefited Mamdani.
