Observers heaped praise on New York Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's appearance on Fox News on Wednesday, saying his interview could serve as a model that Democrats adopt going forward.
Mamdani joined Fox News' Martha MacCallum on "The Story" to discuss his candidacy. MacCallum asked pointed questions about whether Mamdani denounces Hamas and if he is proud to live in the global financial capital. Mamdani appeared calm and focused, according to analysts, and illustrated how Democrats can get their message across in an unfriendly environment.
At one point during the interview, Mamdani appealed to President Donald Trump. Looking directly into the camera, he told the president that he would be different from the current mayor, Eric Adams, who cowed to Trump early on in his second administration.
"I will not be a mayor like Mayor Adams, who will call you to figure out how to stay out of jail," Mamdani said. "I won't be a disgraced governor like Andrew Cuomo, who will call you to ask how to win this election. I can do those things on my own."
Observers shared their reactions to the interview on social media.
"This is how it’s done!" Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE) posted on X.
"This is so smart. And the kind of leadership that many people want: they're worried about economic issues and want people to work together to help them, not to give up their values," Christina Reynolds posted on X.
"Maybe it's time for the pathetic and cowardly Democratic Leadership to FINALLY ENDORSE ZOHRAN MAMDANI?" writer Wajahat Ali posted on Bluesky.
"Honestly, smart for Mamdani to go on Fox," journalist Eric Garcia posted on Bluesky. "Mamdani gets to say he went into the Lion's Den. Fox gets to say they 'got' that 'radical socialist Mamdani.' Everyone wins."
"Aura," journalist and political commentator Peter Rothpletz posted on X.
"A lot of the playbook is right here, go where you would not typically be expected, be a clear communicator and remained message disciplined on lowering the cost of living," Tahara Hoops, economic analysis director at the Chamber of Progress, posted on X.