By Richard Lee

Election debates no longer are as valuable to voters as they once were.

Instead of answering questions directly, candidates often repeat the same talking points. And fewer and fewer voters have their minds made up long before the candidates face off against each other.

Joe Biden’s 2024 with Donald Trump did have a major impact on the presidential race – but not for anything that was said. It was Biden’s disastrous performance that made many voters lose confidence in his ability to serve another term.

So, what will be at stake tonight when the major candidates for New York City mayor debate?

I contend that Zohran Mamdani already has an advantage – and not just because he is far ahead in the polls.

When a challenger is running against an incumbent (and that’s not the case here), the challenger receives a boost. Appearing side-by-side with the person in office levels the playing field. Suddenly the challenger looks presidential, gubernatorial, or in this case, mayoral.

Because Mayor Eric Adams has dropped out of the race, no incumbent will be on stage tonight. But Andrew Cuomo, a former New York governor, will be. So will Curtis Sliwa, an activist who has been a well-known public figure since he founded the Guardian Angels in the late 1970s.

At 33 with just five years as a state assemblyman, Mamdani is the new kid on the block and will enjoy the advantages that normally go to challengers.

On the other hand, Cuomo is a seasoned debater who will bring years of political experience to the table. And Sliwa is a wildcard whose years as an activist and radio talk show host could prove valuable.

Yes, election debates no longer are as valuable to voters as they once were. But this one may be an exception.

Richard Lee, executive director of the Jandoli Institute, covered politics and government as a reporter and later served as Deputy Director of Communication for two New Jersey governors.

Categories: Jandoli Institute, Politics, Richard Lee, richleeonline