Credited from: THEHILL
In a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) conveyed a sense of abandonment by the Democratic Party, stating that he feels left behind amid growing political and legal battles. During the conversation, Adams mentioned that certain factions within the Biden administration deemed him "not a good Democrat," which he believes led to his indictment on federal charges including bribery and wire fraud. He has firmly denied these allegations and pleaded not guilty, asserting that his troubles stem from his outspoken criticism of the Biden administration's immigration policies and the influx of migrants into New York City. "That is my belief based on several aspects of it," he told Carlson when asked if he felt punished for his complaints, though he did not delve into specifics.
Adams maintained that the Democratic Party had left him and the working class behind, stating, “People often say, ‘You don’t sound like a Democrat. You seem to have left the party.’ No, the party left me, and it left working-class people.” As he prepares for a reelection bid, Adams faces significant hurdles, including upcoming legal proceedings in April and a dwindling approval rating, with polling indicating that most voters want him to resign. In a hypothetical ranked-choice voting scenario, he garnered only 6 percent support, highlighting the uphill battle he faces.
As he navigates these challenges, Adams has not shied away from speaking about a potential collaboration with his predecessor, Donald Trump. The discussion follows the former president's sympathetic comments regarding Adams's situation, including a suggestion that he might consider a pardon. While Adams has not explicitly stated his stance on accepting such a pardon, he noted, “I’m here to work with the president, and everyone should do that.” His willingness to work with Trump marks a notable deviation from the typical political rhetoric among Democrats, particularly following his indictment.
Adams's decision to engage with Carlson also signals a shift in his approach towards the controversial commentator, who he previously criticized for promoting divisive narratives. Reflecting on the interview experience, Adams remarked, “It was a real pleasure,” suggesting a potential opening for dialogue in the future.
As Adams's political future hangs in the balance, with the Democratic primary looming in June, the dynamics between him, the Trump administration, and the Democratic Party will be closely watched by both supporters and critics. For ongoing updates on his political journey and legal obstacles, readers can find further insights in these articles: The Hill on Trump collaboration and The Hill on Democratic abandonment.