CNN’s “Table for Five” crew erupted in surprise after Brooklyn attorney Arthur Aidala let slip a potentially racist quip.
The Saturday Morning “Table for Five” panel was discussing the anti-Muslim movement that opponents of mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani faced in the run up to his successful election last on Tuesday.
“I think a lot of the antagonism against Mamdani is really not about policies or past statements. It's the idea of a scary Muslim person suddenly leading New York City,” said former White House senior advisor Nayyera Haq. “Luckily, I mean, I was on the capitol property at my first job on 9/11. I think in 20 years we've evolved and moved past these scary images of halal meat coming for you.”
“But this is a personal point for me,” Haq continued. “Someone like Mamdani being able to be his full, truthful self, be authentic about what it means to be a New Yorker right now, who is struggling. That works. I wish it was integrity… but we've seen a two-time, impeached president with multiple corruption scandals get reelected. I think it's the authenticity.”
“That's what Trump has,” argued “Cari Champion Show” host Cari Champion. “So why can Trump be as authentic and divisive as he is while what Mamdani does is completely inappropriate?”
“He's already said we're not going to invest in any of our funds — thank God the [New York] comptroller who controls the funds is Jewish,” blurted the “Arthur Aidala Power Hour” host, causing confused looks and sidelong stares around the table.
“What does the comptroller being Jewish have to do with it,” asked Haq.
“He's already said we're not going to invest any more funds with anyone who works with Israel,” said Aidala, who Trump was temporarily considering for the position of U.S. Attorney of Brooklyn. “He decides where the pension funds go, and if you invest in Israel, then, then, according to Mamdani, he doesn't want [that].”