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CNBC’s Jim Cramer made a lighthearted comment suggesting that wealthy New Yorkers might be at risk of getting shot, while David Faber humorously proposed that one way to lower rent in New York City would be to “stop all business and drive everybody out.” The two co-hosts shared their thoughts on what life in the Big Apple could be like under Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani.
Faber and Cramer, who co-anchor the network’s “Squawk on the Street,” reacted on Wednesday to Mamdani’s shock victory in Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral primary.
“The new mayor, potentially, of New York is going to freeze the rents and everybody eats for free,” Faber said mockingly. “So they don’t have to worry.”
“But how ’bout the rich?” Cramer said. “Do they get shot?”
“Yes, they get taken away,” Faber replied.
“Is this Lenin?” Cramer asked. “Not John Lennon.”
Faber predicted an exodus of well-heeled New Yorkers if Mamdani takes over.
“He wants to get the rents down,” Faber said. “One good way to do it is to stop all business and drive everybody out. That’ll bring the rent down.”
Cramer agreed.
“That’s a very good point,” Cramer said. “They’ll go to Jersey, where I am.”
Mamdani’s platform — and his rhetoric — have drawn a torrent of criticism from across the political spectrum.
Critics argue his proposals — including a rent freeze for 2.4 million stabilized apartments, construction of city-owned affordable homes, fare-free buses, universal free childcare and city-run grocery stores — are economically unfeasible and would require massive tax increases that could drive away businesses and investment.
The Partnership for New York City, representing nearly 300 CEOs, has warned that these plans could have unintended consequences for the city’s economy and its most vulnerable residents.
The Post has sought comment from Mamdani.