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markpkessinger

(8,809 posts)
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 09:43 AM Jun 30

Gillibrand's disgusting comments about Zohran Mamdani on Brian Lehrer's show

This clip features excerpts of Kristen Gillibrand's radio interview with Brian Lehrer. What is truly remarkable about it is the way she, a non-Jewish person, presumes to lecture Brian Lehrer (who is Jewish, and is a highly respected radio host here in NY). As Lehrer pushes back on her outrageous claims, the interview goes from Gillibrand stating (falsely) that Mamdani supports "global jihad" and violence against Jews, to falsely claiming Mamdani said "globalize the intifada (no, he never said it, he was asked specifically to denounce the phrase, and he declined to do so), to eventually Gillibrand admitting she had no evidence on which t o base these claims, yet continued to imply that Mamdani was somehow anti-Semitic. This is just vile!

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Gillibrand's disgusting comments about Zohran Mamdani on Brian Lehrer's show (Original Post) markpkessinger Jun 30 OP
There was already a 200+ response thread about this Prairie Gates Jun 30 #1
Sorry I missed that thread . . . markpkessinger Jun 30 #3
Of course you have a right Prairie Gates Jun 30 #5
Does it bother you? We do have an ignore feature you can try. Autumn Jun 30 #7
Oh, I also have a right to post my response, yeah? Prairie Gates Jun 30 #8
But of course. Autumn Jun 30 #9
it's the tone of your post, the OP has been a member since 2010 so I'm sure they know the process Shellback Squid Jun 30 #11
I think this post is Great and the OP is awesome !!!!! Trueblue1968 Jul 2 #61
why be nasty? I missed the earlier thread so I appreciate the post. Shellback Squid Jun 30 #10
Same here PatSeg Jun 30 #14
If you don't like a thread liberalhistorian Jul 2 #62
Not everybody is here on the weekend. Autumn Jun 30 #6
Your post does not identify the full source of this video. delisen Jun 30 #23
I'm not sure of the exact source, but it hardly matters in this case . . . markpkessinger Jun 30 #29
It matters that you have not identified the true source of the video you posted delisen Jun 30 #39
I distinguished in my OP between the commenter on the video and Brian Lehrer . . . markpkessinger Jun 30 #43
I need to correct myself . . . markpkessinger Jun 30 #44
I just read this correction so you can ignore my comment on it in my last post delisen Jun 30 #46
This video is by Vauschi, the streamer who supports child pornography delisen Jun 30 #45
I'm glad H2O Man Jun 30 #36
Because there is always room for another bash Gillibrand thread SocialDemocrat61 Jun 30 #17
as there should be, I believe she railroaded Franken Shellback Squid Jun 30 #20
Her and 38 other senators SocialDemocrat61 Jun 30 #21
don't you understand who led the charge at the time? Kirsten Shellback Squid Jun 30 #22
I have SocialDemocrat61 Jun 30 #25
Actually in his book, Franken blamed Schumer. delisen Jun 30 #28
Why blame a man SocialDemocrat61 Jun 30 #33
I am going to take a reckless guess here DFW Jun 30 #42
Frankenstein? tavernier Jul 2 #66
remember Franken jaymac Jun 30 #32
She is another unaccomplished senator BonnieJW Jun 30 #26
Securing medical funding for 9/11 first responders SocialDemocrat61 Jun 30 #27
At the time it did atreides1 Jul 1 #52
Probably not SocialDemocrat61 Jul 1 #54
Ha! Prairie Gates Jun 30 #30
Hateful ignorant racism and liberalhistorian Jul 2 #63
Plus sexism SocialDemocrat61 Jul 2 #65
Follow the money. Emile Jun 30 #2
DURec leftstreet Jun 30 #4
Where are the Democratic Congresspeople Nanjeanne Jun 30 #12
You mean like Rep. Laura Gillen? SocialDemocrat61 Jun 30 #15
I mean Dem politicians condemning Gillen and Nanjeanne Jun 30 #34
I also blame the corporate media SocialDemocrat61 Jun 30 #37
True. Which is why he is so impressive in Nanjeanne Jun 30 #40
Vile liar. Flagrantly racist. What a fine representative of Vote Blue No Matter Who vanessa_ca Jun 30 #13
Welcome to DU Nixie Jun 30 #24
Thank you -eom vanessa_ca Jun 30 #35
"a tale told by a fool, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" from Macbeth. Ping Tung Jun 30 #16
I liked that he pointed out that there was zero evidence of the statements the establishment says he made. AStern Jun 30 #18
It's amazing that this isn't a parody. David__77 Jun 30 #19
Just think about her crypto vote and some of her other votes. Passages Jun 30 #31
AIPAC has entered the chat. aocommunalpunch Jun 30 #38
Kick it Prairie Gates Jun 30 #41
This thread has sexism in it and the video is biased. Pris Jun 30 #47
Don't confuse them with facts SocialDemocrat61 Jun 30 #49
I guess the Biden's Health Imbroglio had run its course and we're on to something newer. Torchlight Jun 30 #48
Is DU pulling this thread? This video is altered Pris Jul 1 #50
I have had a post pulled because I criticized a Democrat but this isn't being pulled? Pris Jul 1 #51
The video was "altered" only in the sense that playback was sped up . . . markpkessinger Jul 1 #57
This is a hateful post about a feminist Democratic Senator who agrees with a Democratic Nominee Pris Jul 1 #53
The video is sped up, but it doesn't change what she said. n/t markpkessinger Jul 1 #55
Sped up is altering Pris Jul 2 #59
Post removed Post removed Jul 2 #60
We no longer have Moderators here on DU, members alert and juries of DUers vote on removing posts Rhiannon12866 Jul 2 #64
Or it's rooted in . . . markpkessinger Jul 2 #67
Mamdani has provided such clarification . . . markpkessinger Jul 1 #56
The video content wasn't altered angrychair Jul 1 #58

Shellback Squid

(9,529 posts)
11. it's the tone of your post, the OP has been a member since 2010 so I'm sure they know the process
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 10:20 AM
Jun 30

lighten up Francis..

liberalhistorian

(20,889 posts)
62. If you don't like a thread
Wed Jul 2, 2025, 01:36 AM
Jul 2

you're certainly free to just not read it! There should be no limit to the calling out of hateful ignorant racism and xenophobia, including when spewed by Democrats.

delisen

(7,109 posts)
23. Your post does not identify the full source of this video.
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 12:09 PM
Jun 30

This appears to be a podcast wherein clips from the Brian Lehrer interview with the senator are being discussed and commented upon.

This seems to be a form of propaganda. Will you please identify the actual podcast and the persons discussing the clips from the Lehrer interview?

markpkessinger

(8,809 posts)
29. I'm not sure of the exact source, but it hardly matters in this case . . .
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 12:38 PM
Jun 30

.I thought the person commenting on the exchange between Lehrer and Gillibrand made some excellent points. Not everything we discuss here has to be from a major, well-known source. And as for it being "propaganda," are you suggesting that Gillibrand didn't say these things on Lehrer's show?

delisen

(7,109 posts)
39. It matters that you have not identified the true source of the video you posted
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 01:04 PM
Jun 30

Some responders here seem to be mistaking-attributing to Brian Lehrer words and comments actually being spoken by the third party or the actual source.

markpkessinger

(8,809 posts)
43. I distinguished in my OP between the commenter on the video and Brian Lehrer . . .
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 01:27 PM
Jun 30

. . . sorry if that confused you.

markpkessinger

(8,809 posts)
44. I need to correct myself . . .
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 01:58 PM
Jun 30

My apologies. I did not make the distinction between the person commenting on the interview, and the speakers in the interview itself. (I had posted this elsewhere, where I did make that distinction.)

But it's clear enough when you listen to the video when it's Brian Lehrer speaking -- his voice is pretty distinctive -- and when it is the commenter. And Lehrer certainly provides some pushback to her statements. So there was nothing at all misleading about my OP, and I'm not responsible for any misinterpretation by those who watch the video.

delisen

(7,109 posts)
46. I just read this correction so you can ignore my comment on it in my last post
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 03:27 PM
Jun 30

I still think that a video about a Democrat by Vausch should be identified.

delisen

(7,109 posts)
45. This video is by Vauschi, the streamer who supports child pornography
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 03:20 PM
Jun 30

Later in his video he bashes New York City Democrats as being worse than Republicans, and even manages to bring in Hilary Clinton for criticism.

He has doctored parts of his excepts from the the Brian Lehrer show to speed up some of Gillibrand’s statements while leaving Lehrer’s at regular speed which has the effect of making Gillibrand sound very nervous and on edge.

The Brian Lehrer tape is available so I don’t know why you selected this character’s show to post.

Vausch is a product of Beverly Hills, and probably makes his money by being edgy, so I don’t know whether his stances on child porn, lowering the edge of consent are designed to just get him clicks, fame, and money or whether he is wedded to these views.

I still do not see where you distinguished in your op between Vausc and Brian Lehrer

H2O Man

(77,373 posts)
36. I'm glad
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 12:54 PM
Jun 30

that you made this post. The topic is part of an on-going conversation. It's not somehow dead in the water. If a previous OP/thread had over 200 responses, that would suggest there is interest in the topic.

Thank you for posting this!

Shellback Squid

(9,529 posts)
22. don't you understand who led the charge at the time? Kirsten
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 12:05 PM
Jun 30

read up on the event to educate yourself

delisen

(7,109 posts)
28. Actually in his book, Franken blamed Schumer.
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 12:31 PM
Jun 30

Abuse he considered her a friend.Gillibrand had been at the time a tireless worker for women in the military who were exploited and abused a, both sexually and otherwise.

I was amazed at the time that many democrats were not aware of her work. Although I wrote to Frankenstein urging him to not resign, i could fully understand Gillibrand’s reaction.

In his book Frankensteinand focus their spoke of his disappointment in Gillibrand because he considered her a friend. However he clearly pointed to Schumer as the party’s powerful leader who demanded his resignation.

For whatever reason many democrats have given Schumer a pass but focus all their anger on Gillibrand.

DFW

(58,505 posts)
42. I am going to take a reckless guess here
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 01:09 PM
Jun 30

This calling Al Franken "Frankenstein" is a result of some computer fill-in program getting busy on its own, and not your personal opinion of Al.

Yes, Al blames Schumer, and would hate to serve again in a Senate where Schumer was the Democratic leader. But he also blames each and every Democratic Senator at the time who never apologized to him. Franni hates them all, and Al pays much attention to how she feels. If you think Al bears any kind of a grudge, just talk to Franni for ten minutes on the subject. Al is downright indifferent by comparison, and I promise you, he is anything but indifferent. He has not "moved on and put it behind him," no matter what assumptions are made by those who don't know him, and I have read a few.

One of the main reasons Al never tried to get his Senate seat back is because he would have had to look at and work with colleagues who said about him what they did. These are fellow Democratic Senators with whom he shared--and still shares--great political affinity. That so many of them have not apologized is something I find highly depressing, and a black stain on those who were there at the time, and think there was nothing wrong with what they did and said. One of them pulled a stunt so evil and dirty (subsequent to his resignation), it is an immense credit to Al that he did not try to sully the name of that senator after being on the receiving end of such cynicism. At this point, he doesn't talk about that jab any more. Some of his friends are not so willing to hold back.

tavernier

(13,811 posts)
66. Frankenstein?
Wed Jul 2, 2025, 03:36 AM
Jul 2

You are very generous to blame the poster’s computer, especially since it happened twice and wasn’t corrected, even after your comment. But I suppose not everyone takes the time to reread their own comments and check for these kind of errors before hitting “Post”.

jaymac

(31 posts)
32. remember Franken
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 12:44 PM
Jun 30

She. made her fame by challenging the military chain of command to adjudicate rape and harassment charges, but she excoriated Franken for a comic spoof and we lost a formidable voice in the senate. she's been wrong before and she'll be wrong again..............don't let her get away with it again

BonnieJW

(2,977 posts)
26. She is another unaccomplished senator
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 12:20 PM
Jun 30

She shows up and bitches to give the illusion of doing her job. She's done nothing since taking office in 2009.

SocialDemocrat61

(5,185 posts)
27. Securing medical funding for 9/11 first responders
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 12:28 PM
Jun 30

and veterans doesn’t count?
Getting the military to change policy and procedures for sexual harassment to protect women doesn’t count?
What do you consider an accomplishment?

atreides1

(16,786 posts)
52. At the time it did
Tue Jul 1, 2025, 12:35 PM
Jul 1

But with the current administration all of that is going to go away. Do you believe that with Hegseth in charge that those policies will remain in effect?

And now she's either a bigot or another paid hack for AIPAC!!!

Nanjeanne

(6,294 posts)
12. Where are the Democratic Congresspeople
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 10:22 AM
Jun 30

asking for her apology? Where is the media asking her to condemn the words and implications of her responses?

Waiting…

Nanjeanne

(6,294 posts)
34. I mean Dem politicians condemning Gillen and
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 12:49 PM
Jun 30

Gillibrand and the other Dems engaging in disgraceful islamophobic remarks and slurs. Some like Bernie and Van Hollen and Murphy have spoken out but I want them to name the names. I’m disgusted by the behavior of members of the party I once was proud of.

SocialDemocrat61

(5,185 posts)
37. I also blame the corporate media
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 12:54 PM
Jun 30

They have pushed a lot of misinformation about Mamdani without any fact checking. Now they are playing a gotcha game with a lot of democrats. If they support Mamdani, they are antisemitic commies. If they don't they are establishment Islamophobes.

Nanjeanne

(6,294 posts)
40. True. Which is why he is so impressive in
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 01:05 PM
Jun 30

Interviews. He is engaging and positive yet he doesn’t parse his words and he responds to those gotcha questions with very savvy understanding of what they try to elicit. He doesn’t word salad but he doesn’t fall into their traps either.

vanessa_ca

(301 posts)
13. Vile liar. Flagrantly racist. What a fine representative of Vote Blue No Matter Who
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 11:13 AM
Jun 30

So that’s what $1,000,000 of contributions from a special interest group sounds like.

She sounds genuinely unhinged. Vile.

Ping Tung

(3,046 posts)
16. "a tale told by a fool, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" from Macbeth.
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 11:27 AM
Jun 30

She may not be a fool but I do think she is, at best, an opportunist and donation seeker.

AStern

(456 posts)
18. I liked that he pointed out that there was zero evidence of the statements the establishment says he made.
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 11:28 AM
Jun 30

She should be ashamed of herself.

And I'm going to start listening to his show.

Passages

(3,261 posts)
31. Just think about her crypto vote and some of her other votes.
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 12:44 PM
Jun 30

It will then begin to make sense.

Pris

(146 posts)
47. This thread has sexism in it and the video is biased.
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 07:08 PM
Jun 30

Schumer made Franken step down.

Gillibrand has been a great senator and she agrees with Mamdani's priorities.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken

“It was like a scene out of a movie,” Franken added.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Franken said, according to the magazine. “I asked him for due process and he said no.”
A spokesman for Schumer confirmed the ultimatum but claimed that Schumer never threatened to rally other Democrats against Franken.

Torchlight

(5,138 posts)
48. I guess the Biden's Health Imbroglio had run its course and we're on to something newer.
Mon Jun 30, 2025, 07:10 PM
Jun 30

Hipper. Fresh.

Pris

(146 posts)
50. Is DU pulling this thread? This video is altered
Tue Jul 1, 2025, 12:28 PM
Jul 1

Damaging female officials who have successfully led legislation to stop sexual harrassment and assault in the military is wrong. Not only that Gillibrand is in SUPPORT of Mamdani's goals for New York City
This post is a hit piece to damage a Democratic Senator.

markpkessinger

(8,809 posts)
57. The video was "altered" only in the sense that playback was sped up . . .
Tue Jul 1, 2025, 01:55 PM
Jul 1

. . . it doesn't change what she said.

And while you're extremely upset about criticism of Gillibrand, you seem to be find with the fact that she has deliberately tried to slander Mamdani, who has far more support among New York Democratic voters than does her preferred candidate!

Pris

(146 posts)
53. This is a hateful post about a feminist Democratic Senator who agrees with a Democratic Nominee
Tue Jul 1, 2025, 12:35 PM
Jul 1

Except for one phrase that is used that is offensive to Jewish people and the Democratic Senator wants clarfication (as does teh Democratic Speaker fo the House).
The video in this OP is altered.
This is a hit piece on a female Democratic Senator.
This entire thread should be removed.

Pris

(146 posts)
59. Sped up is altering
Wed Jul 2, 2025, 12:09 AM
Jul 2

Gillibrand is a senator who does great work.
Democrat and female.
The mob mentality here is rooted in sexism.

Response to Pris (Reply #59)

Rhiannon12866

(239,140 posts)
64. We no longer have Moderators here on DU, members alert and juries of DUers vote on removing posts
Wed Jul 2, 2025, 02:51 AM
Jul 2

markpkessinger

(8,809 posts)
67. Or it's rooted in . . .
Wed Jul 2, 2025, 10:14 AM
Jul 2

. . . a revulsion to a blatant Islamophobe who made false allegations against a politician she happens to dislike.

markpkessinger

(8,809 posts)
56. Mamdani has provided such clarification . . .
Tue Jul 1, 2025, 01:42 PM
Jul 1

. . . He himself never used the words, "globalize the intifada." He was asked whether he would denounce the phrase. He declined to do so, and has since given his reasons for declining. He made it clear in his clarification that there is no place for anti-Semitism in New York.

As for the criticism of Senator Gillibrand, the mere fact that she is an elected Democrat and a woman does not place her beyond criticism. She is not currently running for office, and the rules of this site do NOT prohibit any and all criticism of elected Democrats. And Cuomo was a Democratic candidate, not a nominee! This was a Democratic primary!

BTW, the final results of the ranked choice reallocations are in. It's Mamdani by 56& to Cuomo's 44%!

angrychair

(10,896 posts)
58. The video content wasn't altered
Tue Jul 1, 2025, 02:19 PM
Jul 1

Or taken out of context. I also have not heard her clarify her comments.
Its disheartening and very troubling that so many are so quick to label people as antisemitic because of even the slightest criticism of what Israel is doing.
Throwing that label around so haphazardly causes it to not only lose meaning but also builds up resentment.

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