Democratic strategist James Carville has publicly condemned former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, labeling him the "asshole of this century" for his recent remarks about Zohran Mamdani, New York City's current Hall counsel.
Giuliani, who led the city during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, stated in an interview with Newsmax that Mamdani had "no business" attending the 25-year commemoration of the event. Giuliani, who said he lost friends during the attacks, expressed that Mamdani's presence was offensive to him. Giuliani also claimed Mamdani is a supporter of Islamic extremists, asserting that "all of the Muslims he supports are murderers." While the specific individuals Giuliani referred to were not identified, Mamdani has faced scrutiny for hiring Ramzi Kassem, a former defense counsel for an al-Qaeda member detained at Guantanamo Bay.
Carville, speaking on his Politicon YouTube channel with co-host Al Hunt, directly addressed Giuliani's comments. "The biggest asshole of this century is Rudy Giuliani, and he said that Mamdani had no business being at the 25-year commemoration. You’re an asshole, Giuliani," Carville stated, using expletives to describe Giuliani.
Despite the heated exchange, Giuliani and Mamdani were seen shaking hands at a Friday memorial ceremony. The interaction comes as Giuliani faces his own criticism. Mamdani recently released documents related to the Sept. 11 attacks, which he claims show city officials were aware of the toxic air quality around ground zero but misled residents and first responders about its safety.
Al Hunt commented on Giuliani's public standing, noting, "It’s hard to think of anybody who has fallen more in the last 25 years." Hunt added that it was difficult to reconcile Giuliani's past image as a "great American hero" after 9/11 with his current controversies.