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By Lydia Patrick
Life & Trends Reporter
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New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has gone viral after responding to President Donald Trump’s remark that he was “much better looking” than him, as New Yorkers hit the polls in today’s mayoral race.
The 79-year-old president took aim at the 34-year-old assemblymember during an interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes. When asked about comparisons between himself and Mamdani, he didn’t hold back.
“Some people have compared him to a left-wing version of you: charismatic, breaking the old rules. What do you think about that?” journalist Norah O’Donnell asked.
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The president responded: “Well, I think I’m a much better-looking person than him. Right?”
Trump went on to criticize O’Donnell for describing Mamdani as a “Democratic Socialist,” claiming instead that he was a “communist.” His comments came on Sunday, as early in-person voting concluded**.** More than 735,00 New Yorkers cast their ballots early ahead of Election Day.
Since then, a video of Mamdani’s response has spread widely online, earning over 33,000 upvotes in the subreddit r/fauxmoi. Newsweek reached out to the Redditor who posted the video, u/cmaia1503, but could not verify the details of the case.
In the clip, a reporter asks the assemblymember if he has a response to Trump’s comment about being more attractive.
Mamdani laughed and replied: “My focus is on the cost of living crisis, bud.”
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Newsweek reached out to the White House and Mamdani's press office for comment via email out of their ordinary working hours.
New Yorkers are heading to the polls today to choose their next mayor, with voting set to close at 9 p.m. ET. Mamdani, who secured the Democratic nomination earlier this year, faces former Governor Andrew Cuomo—now running as an independent—and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
New York City traditionally leans Democratic, and polls suggest Mamdani holds a lead over his rivals. The younger candidate has drawn attention for his sparky social media presence and progressive proposals, including city-run grocery stores and free public buses.
Mamdani has also gained the backing of key Democratic figures, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, has also endorsed him.
Meanwhile, Trump issued a late endorsement of Cuomo, threatening to withdraw federal funding from New York City if Mamdani wins the race. The president dismissed Republican candidate Sliwa, saying that a vote for him would ultimately help propel Mamdani.
On Reddit, users shared their thoughts on Mamdani’s viral moment.
“Zohran might be the best I’ve ever seen at telling you his opinion while not saying anything. Like I know in this clip as soon as he heard that he thought ‘not in a million years’ but his words kept it on the cost of living,” wrote JohnnySeven88*.*
“First time I heard about him was seeing him pop up in TikTok. In the first few minutes I was like, ‘this guy is going to be a political powerhouse,’” said another user.
“He just has IT. Can’t quite define it, but he’s got it,” added StoppableHulk*.*
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