A tense exchange unfolded Friday on CNN after longtime Republican strategist Scott Jennings clashed with former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio over accusations of fear-mongering tied to rising concerns about antisemitism.
Jennings, a former Bush administration adviser, argued that Zohran Mamdani is beginning his new mayoral term with deep political pressure from what he described as an “extremely anti-Israel” base.
“Mamdani’s core of his political support is extremely anti-Israel,” Jennings said. “There are a lot of antisemites that supported him. They were involved in his inaugural committee. They were involved in his campaign.”
He went on to say that Mamdani is walking “a real tightrope,” pointing to rising tensions in New York City and across the United States.
“We have attacks that have increased across the country and in New York City,” Jennings said. “Tensions are high,” adding that protests had included calls “for another October the 7th” and incidents of “violence in and around synagogues.”
That’s when de Blasio immediately jumped in.
“Well, I just have to say, with all due respect, Scott's a very smart guy, but I have to say that's fear mongering," de Blasio said. "No, come on, here's a guy who, again, look who he chose as police commissioner…”
Jennings then pushed back as he interrupted the former Democratic mayor. “Fear mongering?!”
“It is, brother,” de Blasio shot back, asking Jennings to “allow me to finish” as the GOP insider continued to interrupt him.
“Look who he chose as police commissioner for New York City. He chose someone who has a proven history of fighting antisemitism and ensuring the safety of the Jewish community," de Blasio said.
The former NYC mayor went on to argue that Jennings’ Friday comments on CNN fit a broader GOP-style playbook.
“It's unfortunately the Republican playbook to try and stoke fear and division as a political tool,” de Blasio said.
