“Earlier this month, the City Council led by Menin said it could fill the city’s $5.4 billion budget gap without having to raise property taxes or dipping into the city’s reserves, as Mamdani has suggested.”

“The mayor fired back in video, “Her plan claims to close the city’s $5.4 billion fiscal gap without taxing the rich or cutting services. “The problem is that’s not what it would do. If her proposal was adopted, it would result in slashing billions of dollars from agency budgets, and working New Yorkers would pay the price,” he said — making claims that even fellow Dems insisted were not true.”

“Only 48% of New Yorkers meanwhile approve of Hizzoner’s work so far, a lower percentage than his predecessor Eric Adams had at this point in his tenure, according to the latest Marist College poll.”

“The mayor’s primary-race campaign relied on snappy videos to break through to voters, given he was a backbench state assemblyman.”

“Footage included stunts such as him plunging into the frigid waves of Coney Island to promote a rent freeze.”

“The video practice has followed the mayor into City Hall, where he recently ate a Crunchwrap Supreme as part of a livestreamed “mukbang” – a popular YouTube format where hosts discuss topics while eating large amounts of food – to explain a settlement involving Taco Bell.”

“Beyond Mamdani’s videos, Hizzoner has also employed other unorthodox communications strategies, such as the mayor inviting social–media influencers for his first “press conference, with them gushing to him, “I’ve had so much fun making content for you.””