| From | Matt (Crooked) <[email protected]> |
| Subject | What A Day: Mr. Cardamom vs. Amazon Cuomo |
| Date | June 20, 2025 9:34 PM |
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MATT BERG
& CROOKED MEDIA
FRIDAY
JUNE 20, 2025
You'll never catch me, better just catch Z’s.”
— NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, aka Mr. Cardamom, [in his song “Nani.”]([link removed])
CLOSING THE BIG GAP-PLE
A Millennial socialist is making Andrew Cuomo sweat in the race to be NYC’s next mayor. What does this say about the Democratic Party right now?
- Get ready to rumble! It’s [Mr. Cardamom]([link removed]) vs. [Amazon Cuomo]([link removed]) in the contentious match to be crowned New York City’s Top Cheese. In this corner, we have Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist with a fledgling rap career, whose astronomical rise in recent months is attributed to his social media savvy campaign for free buses, city-run grocery stores, and rent freezes. In the other corner, we have former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running on a simple platform: You know my name! The primary is next Tuesday… and it’ll be spicy.
- Mamdani is putting up a noble fight, weathering many blows: Critics accuse him of being too inexperienced, unrealistic, and — because of his [support]([link removed]) for the BDS movement and [reluctance to condemn]([link removed]) phrases like “globalize the intifada” — not supportive enough of the city’s Jewish communities. Cuomo is looking strong, as expected: He’s a much-more experienced hand who could be a formidable foe to President Donald Trump. But he’s also a [certified creep]([link removed]) who moved into an [$8,000-per-month]([link removed]) apartment in the city last year. So, there’s that…
- But the establishment wants Cuomo to win — or, more accurately, doesn’t want a democratic socialist making the rules. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-NY) endorsed Cuomo[]([link removed]) today, citing his credentials. Billionaire troll Bill Ackman [warned that]([link removed]) fellow rich dudes will move out of the city if Mamdani wins. A democratic socialist in office would be “profound and dangerous,” Harvard Professor Lawrence Summers tweeted[]([link removed]). The New York Times editorial board didn’t endorse either candidate, but warned against supporting Mamdani. Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg donated $5 million[]([link removed]) to Cuomo’s super PAC. DoorDash threw in $1 million[]([link removed]). Even landlords committed $2.5 million[]([link removed]) to his campaign. Quite the coalition!
Democratic voters want their party to change. But the path to building something new and improved is still unclear.
- Sixty-two percent of Democrats want new leaders for their party, [according to a new poll]([link removed]). Cuomo’s return to politics is “a vivid example of the dysfunction eating away at the Democratic Party nationally,” New York Times columnist Mara Gay wrote today[]([link removed]). “For the past decade, uninspiring politicians have stomped out competition and held on to power. Many of them have clear flaws and liabilities … Yet they insist they should remain in charge, strangling the new talent that could reinvigorate the party.” The effects of this have never been clearer: Three Democrats have already [died in office]([link removed]) this year.
- Mamdani and his allies didn’t expect him to be able to mount a serious challenge. After all, winning might not be the whole point. Before jumping into the race, Mamdani [saw this as an opportunity]([link removed]) to create a model for what strong campaigns on the left can look like, according to a democratic operative who’s been working with him.
- Cuomo seems likely to squeeze out a victory — largely thanks to his name recognition and government experience — even though the ranked-choice voting system [will make the race closer]([link removed]). But the stubborn divide between two extremely different candidates underscores a vacuum of leadership in the Democratic Party that’s unable to unite moderates and leftists under one umbrella. (Meanwhile, normie Republicans have no issue locking arms with MAGA’s loopiest whackadoos!)
There are understandable arguments for wanting either candidate to lead the world’s wealthiest city. But Mr. Cardamom [predicted his own rise]([link removed]) years ago: “I be in an elevator to the top. Go and find your own way there.”
PEACE OUT
Wait… Donald Trump might bomb Iran. Isn’t Congress the one who declares whether the United States goes to war?
Good question, astute imaginary reader! The answer, technically, is yes — but Capitol Hill [ceded that power to the president]([link removed]) after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Still, some Democrats are mad that their leaders aren’t pushing hard enough to claw those powers back.
Five days after Israel attacked Iran, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joined a group of senators[]([link removed]) to declare “by law, the president must consult Congress and seek authorization if he is considering taking the country to war.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who’s often critical of Schumer, said that statement didn’t go far enough in challenging Trump’s possible actions.
“Part of my problem is he didn’t take a clear stand,” Khanna told Politico[]([link removed]), referring to Schumer. “That’s exactly what people hate about the Democratic Party. We should be the party of peace.”
This week, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced a bill that would require Trump to receive congressional permission before striking Iran. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced a similar bill in the House. Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries haven’t signed onto either. Why? “Lawmakers have privately stressed to Schumer the need to maintain the military's flexibility in this situation,” Axios reports[]([link removed]).
It’s unlikely either of these bills would pass, considering most Republicans are too afraid to go against Trump. But muted responses from Democratic leaders on an issue that is so [unpopular among Americans]([link removed]) is frustrating, Khanna said.
Even Theo Von, the manosphere podcaster who recently sat down with Vice President JD Vance, came out forcefully against striking Iran. “I think this is a horrible idea,” he said in a podcast appearance with Khanna. “I don’t even understand how it’s an option.”
Schumer’s office didn’t respond to What A Day’s request for comment.
WHAT A SPONSOR
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No crash, no jitters. Just clean, sustained energy.
○ Coffee+ is a mild roast–light & smooth. Low acidity which is easy on sensitive stomachs. Mellow energy.
○ Coffee+ Bold is a rich blend of medium roast 100% Arabica coffee–robust & full-bodied yet smooth. Extra boost of energy.
○ Both are 100% Arabica coffee, have functional benefits, and are mold-free. Everyday Dose does 3rd party testing.
Get 45% off your first subscription order of 30-servings of Coffee+ or Bold+ You’ll also receive a starter kit with over $100 in free gifts including a rechargeable frother and gunmetal serving spoon by going to [everydaydose.com/BTC]([link removed]) or entering BTC at checkout. You’ll also get FREE gifts throughout the year!
[link removed]
WHAT ELSE?
[Israeli troops killed at least 44 Palestinians]([link removed]) in the Gaza Strip today, local officials said, adding to a deadly string of attacks against civilians who have been trying to get food. The situation is becoming increasingly dire: The United Nations warned of a man-made drought in the territory, as water systems collapse.
[The Trump administration laid off more than 600 people]([link removed]) who work for Voice of America, a U.S.-funded outlet that aims to provide news in countries with limited press freedom. There will be less than 200 people working there now, down from more than 1,300 earlier this year.
[The Supreme Court decided to allow vape companies]([link removed]) challenging FDA policy decisions to appeal to a friendlier court. Appearing in front of the conservative Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, for instance, might boost their chances at a favorable outcome. Uh, I don't think that's how the law is supposed to work!
[Donald Trump is allowed to retain control]([link removed]) of the National Guard in California, an appeals court ruled last night. Trump touted the decision as a “BIG WIN” on social media, while Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) pledged to keep fighting back.
[ICE denied that they tried to access]([link removed]) Dodgers Stadium after the team said that it had refused entry to agents yesterday. In a separate statement, the Department of Homeland Security said those scary dudes in face coverings with weapons were from a different one of its component agencies, Customs and Border Protection. DHS also said that their presence at the ballpark was “unrelated to any operation or enforcement” and it “had nothing to do with the Dodgers.” Well, I feel so much better already!
[About 16 billion login credentials to Facebook]([link removed]), Google and Apple accounts have been leaked recently, according to researchers who found datasets with the information. It’s worth noting that 16 billion is roughly twice the number of people on earth. Does everyone have two accounts, or is there a secret parallel universe full of a whole other populace addicted to Big Tech products?
FRIEND (OF THE POD) ZONE
In the latest episode of Friends of the Pod subscription show Pollercoaster, Dan dives into why Trump’s disapproval numbers are ticking back up and what polls really tell us about immigration. He also reflects on how protest movements can spark real change, then takes questions from the Friends of the Pod Discord, like: Have celebrities checked out of politics? And do their endorsements even matter anymore? To get access to these exclusive series and more, subscribe to our Friends of the Pod community at [crooked.com/friends]([link removed]) or on Apple Podcasts.
[A federal judge ordered the Trump administration]([link removed]) to free Columbia grad student Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder who has been detained since March because of his pro-Palestinian activism on campus. Khalil isn’t a flight risk nor “a danger to the community,” the judge said. “Period, full stop.”
[A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s]([link removed]) attempt to withhold transportation funding as a way to force Democrat-ruled states to comply with his immigration enforcement agenda. Turns out you can’t run the government like Tony Soprano!
[Streaming service Deezer will start adding tags]([link removed]) to songs that are created with artificial intelligence. I’ve never met anyone that uses Deezer, but it’s encouraging to see a small music streamer come up with a sensible solution for an industry-wide problem.
[Happy Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year!]([link removed]) The new season officially begins at 10:41 p.m. Eastern time. I, for one, refuse to believe that Brat summer was almost a year ago.
Meet Crumpet, a very adorable rescue!
“He is getting me through every day of this goddamn administration, and he loves you, too.”
— Laura
[link removed]
[link removed] [link removed] [link removed] [link removed]
[Share this newsletter]([link removed])
No longer want to receive these emails? [Unsubscribe]([link removed]).
Crooked Media 4817 N 56th St Suite 45 Lincoln, Nebraska 68504
& CROOKED MEDIA
FRIDAY
JUNE 20, 2025
You'll never catch me, better just catch Z’s.”
— NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, aka Mr. Cardamom, [in his song “Nani.”]([link removed])
CLOSING THE BIG GAP-PLE
A Millennial socialist is making Andrew Cuomo sweat in the race to be NYC’s next mayor. What does this say about the Democratic Party right now?
- Get ready to rumble! It’s [Mr. Cardamom]([link removed]) vs. [Amazon Cuomo]([link removed]) in the contentious match to be crowned New York City’s Top Cheese. In this corner, we have Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist with a fledgling rap career, whose astronomical rise in recent months is attributed to his social media savvy campaign for free buses, city-run grocery stores, and rent freezes. In the other corner, we have former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running on a simple platform: You know my name! The primary is next Tuesday… and it’ll be spicy.
- Mamdani is putting up a noble fight, weathering many blows: Critics accuse him of being too inexperienced, unrealistic, and — because of his [support]([link removed]) for the BDS movement and [reluctance to condemn]([link removed]) phrases like “globalize the intifada” — not supportive enough of the city’s Jewish communities. Cuomo is looking strong, as expected: He’s a much-more experienced hand who could be a formidable foe to President Donald Trump. But he’s also a [certified creep]([link removed]) who moved into an [$8,000-per-month]([link removed]) apartment in the city last year. So, there’s that…
- But the establishment wants Cuomo to win — or, more accurately, doesn’t want a democratic socialist making the rules. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-NY) endorsed Cuomo[]([link removed]) today, citing his credentials. Billionaire troll Bill Ackman [warned that]([link removed]) fellow rich dudes will move out of the city if Mamdani wins. A democratic socialist in office would be “profound and dangerous,” Harvard Professor Lawrence Summers tweeted[]([link removed]). The New York Times editorial board didn’t endorse either candidate, but warned against supporting Mamdani. Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg donated $5 million[]([link removed]) to Cuomo’s super PAC. DoorDash threw in $1 million[]([link removed]). Even landlords committed $2.5 million[]([link removed]) to his campaign. Quite the coalition!
Democratic voters want their party to change. But the path to building something new and improved is still unclear.
- Sixty-two percent of Democrats want new leaders for their party, [according to a new poll]([link removed]). Cuomo’s return to politics is “a vivid example of the dysfunction eating away at the Democratic Party nationally,” New York Times columnist Mara Gay wrote today[]([link removed]). “For the past decade, uninspiring politicians have stomped out competition and held on to power. Many of them have clear flaws and liabilities … Yet they insist they should remain in charge, strangling the new talent that could reinvigorate the party.” The effects of this have never been clearer: Three Democrats have already [died in office]([link removed]) this year.
- Mamdani and his allies didn’t expect him to be able to mount a serious challenge. After all, winning might not be the whole point. Before jumping into the race, Mamdani [saw this as an opportunity]([link removed]) to create a model for what strong campaigns on the left can look like, according to a democratic operative who’s been working with him.
- Cuomo seems likely to squeeze out a victory — largely thanks to his name recognition and government experience — even though the ranked-choice voting system [will make the race closer]([link removed]). But the stubborn divide between two extremely different candidates underscores a vacuum of leadership in the Democratic Party that’s unable to unite moderates and leftists under one umbrella. (Meanwhile, normie Republicans have no issue locking arms with MAGA’s loopiest whackadoos!)
There are understandable arguments for wanting either candidate to lead the world’s wealthiest city. But Mr. Cardamom [predicted his own rise]([link removed]) years ago: “I be in an elevator to the top. Go and find your own way there.”
PEACE OUT
Wait… Donald Trump might bomb Iran. Isn’t Congress the one who declares whether the United States goes to war?
Good question, astute imaginary reader! The answer, technically, is yes — but Capitol Hill [ceded that power to the president]([link removed]) after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Still, some Democrats are mad that their leaders aren’t pushing hard enough to claw those powers back.
Five days after Israel attacked Iran, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joined a group of senators[]([link removed]) to declare “by law, the president must consult Congress and seek authorization if he is considering taking the country to war.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who’s often critical of Schumer, said that statement didn’t go far enough in challenging Trump’s possible actions.
“Part of my problem is he didn’t take a clear stand,” Khanna told Politico[]([link removed]), referring to Schumer. “That’s exactly what people hate about the Democratic Party. We should be the party of peace.”
This week, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced a bill that would require Trump to receive congressional permission before striking Iran. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced a similar bill in the House. Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries haven’t signed onto either. Why? “Lawmakers have privately stressed to Schumer the need to maintain the military's flexibility in this situation,” Axios reports[]([link removed]).
It’s unlikely either of these bills would pass, considering most Republicans are too afraid to go against Trump. But muted responses from Democratic leaders on an issue that is so [unpopular among Americans]([link removed]) is frustrating, Khanna said.
Even Theo Von, the manosphere podcaster who recently sat down with Vice President JD Vance, came out forcefully against striking Iran. “I think this is a horrible idea,” he said in a podcast appearance with Khanna. “I don’t even understand how it’s an option.”
Schumer’s office didn’t respond to What A Day’s request for comment.
WHAT A SPONSOR
[link removed]
Coffee… with benefits? Yes, please!
Everyday Dose takes coffee to the next level. It combines 100% Arabica coffee with powerful ingredients like Lion’s Mane and Chaga, collagen protein, and nootropics to fuel your brain, boost focus, and gives you clean, sustained energy all day long.
No crash, no jitters. Just clean, sustained energy.
○ Coffee+ is a mild roast–light & smooth. Low acidity which is easy on sensitive stomachs. Mellow energy.
○ Coffee+ Bold is a rich blend of medium roast 100% Arabica coffee–robust & full-bodied yet smooth. Extra boost of energy.
○ Both are 100% Arabica coffee, have functional benefits, and are mold-free. Everyday Dose does 3rd party testing.
Get 45% off your first subscription order of 30-servings of Coffee+ or Bold+ You’ll also receive a starter kit with over $100 in free gifts including a rechargeable frother and gunmetal serving spoon by going to [everydaydose.com/BTC]([link removed]) or entering BTC at checkout. You’ll also get FREE gifts throughout the year!
[link removed]
WHAT ELSE?
[Israeli troops killed at least 44 Palestinians]([link removed]) in the Gaza Strip today, local officials said, adding to a deadly string of attacks against civilians who have been trying to get food. The situation is becoming increasingly dire: The United Nations warned of a man-made drought in the territory, as water systems collapse.
[The Trump administration laid off more than 600 people]([link removed]) who work for Voice of America, a U.S.-funded outlet that aims to provide news in countries with limited press freedom. There will be less than 200 people working there now, down from more than 1,300 earlier this year.
[The Supreme Court decided to allow vape companies]([link removed]) challenging FDA policy decisions to appeal to a friendlier court. Appearing in front of the conservative Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, for instance, might boost their chances at a favorable outcome. Uh, I don't think that's how the law is supposed to work!
[Donald Trump is allowed to retain control]([link removed]) of the National Guard in California, an appeals court ruled last night. Trump touted the decision as a “BIG WIN” on social media, while Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) pledged to keep fighting back.
[ICE denied that they tried to access]([link removed]) Dodgers Stadium after the team said that it had refused entry to agents yesterday. In a separate statement, the Department of Homeland Security said those scary dudes in face coverings with weapons were from a different one of its component agencies, Customs and Border Protection. DHS also said that their presence at the ballpark was “unrelated to any operation or enforcement” and it “had nothing to do with the Dodgers.” Well, I feel so much better already!
[About 16 billion login credentials to Facebook]([link removed]), Google and Apple accounts have been leaked recently, according to researchers who found datasets with the information. It’s worth noting that 16 billion is roughly twice the number of people on earth. Does everyone have two accounts, or is there a secret parallel universe full of a whole other populace addicted to Big Tech products?
FRIEND (OF THE POD) ZONE
In the latest episode of Friends of the Pod subscription show Pollercoaster, Dan dives into why Trump’s disapproval numbers are ticking back up and what polls really tell us about immigration. He also reflects on how protest movements can spark real change, then takes questions from the Friends of the Pod Discord, like: Have celebrities checked out of politics? And do their endorsements even matter anymore? To get access to these exclusive series and more, subscribe to our Friends of the Pod community at [crooked.com/friends]([link removed]) or on Apple Podcasts.
[A federal judge ordered the Trump administration]([link removed]) to free Columbia grad student Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder who has been detained since March because of his pro-Palestinian activism on campus. Khalil isn’t a flight risk nor “a danger to the community,” the judge said. “Period, full stop.”
[A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s]([link removed]) attempt to withhold transportation funding as a way to force Democrat-ruled states to comply with his immigration enforcement agenda. Turns out you can’t run the government like Tony Soprano!
[Streaming service Deezer will start adding tags]([link removed]) to songs that are created with artificial intelligence. I’ve never met anyone that uses Deezer, but it’s encouraging to see a small music streamer come up with a sensible solution for an industry-wide problem.
[Happy Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year!]([link removed]) The new season officially begins at 10:41 p.m. Eastern time. I, for one, refuse to believe that Brat summer was almost a year ago.
Meet Crumpet, a very adorable rescue!
“He is getting me through every day of this goddamn administration, and he loves you, too.”
— Laura
[link removed]
[link removed] [link removed] [link removed] [link removed]
[Share this newsletter]([link removed])
No longer want to receive these emails? [Unsubscribe]([link removed]).
Crooked Media 4817 N 56th St Suite 45 Lincoln, Nebraska 68504
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