# Trump Is ‘WEAPONIZING’ Antisemitism: Brad Lander on His Run For Congress Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u0VW2lz7gM Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/9u0VW2lz7gM Generated: 2025-12-23T14:32:32.462+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller and candidate for Congress, stated that he would support recognizing a Palestinian state and actively fights against figures like Trump and those who weaponize antisemitism, emphasizing that true progressive leadership requires unity and confronting extremism, which is why he did not run for Mayor against Eric Adams and Zurain Mamdani. **Key Points:** - Lander decided not to run for NYC Mayor against Eric Adams and Zurain Mamdani because he believed it was necessary to unite the progressive movement against extremism. - Lander supports recognizing a Palestinian state and strongly opposes the weaponization of antisemitism, citing the need to fight against figures like Trump. - He is proud of his work as Comptroller, including protecting the city's pension funds from investments in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. - Lander asserts that the Democratic Party needs bolder leadership that is willing to confront issues directly, contrasting his approach with those of figures like Dan Goldman. - He mentioned that his campaign raised $8 million in the mayoral race and that he has worked with both Adams and Yulin Niu, who endorsed him for Congress. - Lander noted that many New Yorkers are fed up with the divisive rhetoric, such as that used by the far-right, and want leaders focused on unity and practical solutions. - He expressed gratitude for the support he received from figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman, who he worked with in the City Council. ![Screenshot at 04:37: Brad Lander explains that his decision not to run for Mayor was driven by the need to unify progressives to fight against figures like Trump and organize against extremism.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/9u0VW2lz7gM/00-04-37.jpg) **Context:** Brad Lander, the current New York City Comptroller and a candidate for Congress in New York's 10th district, appeared on Mehdi Hasan's show to discuss his political decisions, including why he ultimately chose not to run for Mayor in the crowded Democratic primary. The conversation centered on his progressive values, his alliances with other progressive figures like Jamaal Bowman and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and his principled stance against political extremism and the weaponization of issues like antisemitism, contrasting his approach with that of candidates like Dan Goldman. ## Detailed Analysis Brad Lander, NYC Comptroller and candidate for Congress, explained his decision not to run for Mayor against Eric Adams and Zurain Mamdani was strategic, aimed at uniting progressives against extremism and ensuring a unified front to defeat incumbent Dan Goldman and other right-wing elements. Lander reaffirmed his commitment to progressive values, specifically citing his support for recognizing a Palestinian state and fighting against the weaponization of antisemitism, as exemplified by recent rhetoric. He highlighted his past work, such as successfully pushing for the divestment of NYC pension funds from Russian securities after the invasion of Ukraine, as proof of his commitment to fiscally responsible governance that protects workers and retirees. Lander also mentioned that he has a strong working relationship with other progressives like Jamaal Bowman and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and that many voters are tired of divisive politics. He concluded by stating his intention to continue fighting for these progressive principles in his Congressional race. ### NYC Mayor's Race Decision - Lander did not run against Adams/Mamdani to build a powerful progressive Jewish-Muslim coalition and unite against extremism - He is proud of his past work, like ensuring NYC pension funds divested from Russian assets after the Ukraine invasion. ### Political Stance and Alliances - Lander supports recognizing a Palestinian state and actively fights against the weaponization of antisemitism and figures like Trump - He is eager to work with fellow progressives like Jamaal Bowman and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. ### Contrasting with Opponents - Lander noted that Dan Goldman's style (e.g., supporting the Block the Bomb Act, which would stop US weapons sales to Israel) is different from his own - He emphasized that the Democratic base is tired of politicians who only offer photo ops and are not willing to fight for core progressive values. ### Future Goals - Lander aims to be a strong voice in Congress, advocating for an inclusive, multi-racial democracy and protection for Palestinian human rights, while fighting against the weaponization of antisemitism. ![Screenshot at 00:02: Lander discussing the powerful progressive Jewish-Muslim coalition he helped build.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/9u0VW2lz7gM/00-00-02.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:10: Lander explaining his decision not to run for Mayor outside of NYC politics.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/9u0VW2lz7gM/00-00-10.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:16: Host Mehdi Hasan introduces the topic of Senator Fetterman's statements and media coverage bias.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/9u0VW2lz7gM/00-01-16.jpg) ![Screenshot at 06:18: Zeteo promotional graphic showing how Ground News aggregates biased coverage.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/9u0VW2lz7gM/00-06-18.jpg) ![Screenshot at 25:33: Mehdi Hasan closes the interview, encouraging viewers to subscribe to Zeteo.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/9u0VW2lz7gM/00-25-33.jpg)