Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MS) claimed that “big-time investors are freaking out” over New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
Warren was among the early Democratic lawmakers to endorse Mamdani for mayor. Her endorsement notably came before fellow New Yorkers such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which refers to the violent uprisings against Israel, is a sticking point for many holding back endorsements. Warren addressed the issue on CNBC’s Squawk Box Thursday, making it clear she condemns the phrase herself.
“If this encourages violence in any way, then I am opposed to it. I am a no-violence person. I think it’s a very, very bad idea,” Warren said.
Warren has a history of toeing the line on sanctioning violence. After UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was murdered last December, Warren said the shooting “should be a warning to everyone in the healthcare system.”
“But let’s be clear: Mamdani ran this race because he said, ‘I can make government work better for families on the ground,’” Warren said.
Some of Mamdani’s campaign promises are to freeze rent and provide free child care. However, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running against Mamdani as an independent candidate, claimed these initiatives could be accomplished in the New York Assembly, where Mamdani holds office.
Warren expressed her approval of Mamdani’s proposals.
“And I understand that big-time investors are freaking out about that because they can’t quite understand how somebody is going to, maybe, make it to be mayor without having come and bent a knee to them,” Warren added.
WHO IS ZOHRAN MAMDANI, THE SOCIALIST CANDIDATE CHALLENGING ERIC ADAMS TO BE NYC MAYOR?
“But that’s not what he did. He went directly to the people, he told them what he wanted to do, and I think he’s going to do it.”
Mamdani descended on Capitol Hill this week to rally support among House Democrats. According to Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), who also endorsed Mamdani, no one at the meeting asked Mamdani about the phrase “globalize the intifada.”