The Weekly Standard founder Bill Kristol has drawn sharp criticism after expressing support for socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani in New York City’s mayoral race, despite the presence of a Republican contender. During an October interview with The Forum, Kristol dismissed concerns about Mamdani’s progressive policies, stating, “I don’t think he even will do that … And so they’ll be fine. So there’ll be some grocery store somewhere and it won’t be as good as the privately run ones, and it will go out of business in three years and it’ll be a little bit of a waste of taxpayer money, you know? Or it’ll be harmless, you know?”
Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has pledged policies including free public transit and childcare, though experts question the feasibility of his campaign promises. Kristol’s remarks sparked backlash on social media, with critics highlighting his apparent disregard for traditional conservative principles. The former Republican strategist also criticized Andrew Cuomo’s electability, suggesting that center-right figures’ reluctance to back Cuomo reflects broader political dysfunction.
Kristol’s comments underscore a growing divide within right-leaning circles, as some abandon long-standing alliances in favor of unconventional candidates. His pivot has left observers questioning the stability of his ideological stance and the future of New York City’s political landscape.
