In June 2025, Stephen Colbert interviewed Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander while both were competing in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. The exchanges that can be verified from available transcript excerpts cover whether Israel has the right to exist, how Mamdani answered questions about antisemitism and Jewish New Yorkers’ safety, and how the two men described their political differences. The full program is not available in a complete, verifiable transcript, so this article limits its claims to what the accessible excerpts and listing support.
The appearance at a glance
The CBS podcast listing for the extended episode is dated June 24, 2025, and runs about 38 minutes. A separate clip catalogued by Grabien is dated June 23, 2025. These are two different records of the same appearance, so “June 2025” is the safest date to use unless a publishing context requires the specific day.
At the time, the guests held these roles:
- Brad Lander was New York City Comptroller.
- Zohran Mamdani was a New York State Assemblyman.
Both were candidates in the city’s Democratic mayoral primary, which means the interview was framed around a contest, not a governing role for either man.
Israel’s right to exist
The clearest exchange in the accessible material is Colbert’s question to both guests about whether Israel has the right to exist. The clip’s transcript has some obscured words in the question, so the exact phrasing of the question is not fully reproduced here. The answers are reported as follows:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Brad Lander said he believes in the vision of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.
- Zohran Mamdani answered directly: “Yes. Like all nations, I believe it has the right to exist and a responsibility also to uphold international law.”
Mamdani’s answer ties the affirmation of Israel’s right to exist to an obligation under international law. Lander’s answer is framed around a vision of a Jewish and democratic state. The two answers are not identical in wording or emphasis, and readers should not treat them as a joint statement.
Antisemitism and Jewish New Yorkers’ concerns
In a second excerpt, Colbert asks about Jewish New Yorkers’ concerns over antisemitism and whether Mamdani would protect them. According to that transcript, Mamdani:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- said he understands the fear Jewish New Yorkers feel, and referred to attacks in Washington, D.C., and Boulder;
- said his public-safety proposal includes increased funding for anti-hate-crime programming;
- said there is no room for violence when asked about it;
- described navigating policy disagreement as a question of shared humanity.
These are Mamdani’s stated commitments in the interview. They do not show how any policy would be carried out, and the excerpt does not establish any later implementation. The transcript is machine-generated and contains transcription artifacts, so the wording above is a paraphrase in several places. If exact language matters, check the video or audio before quoting.
What the accessible record does not show
The CBS listing also mentions a segment about U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and the wider Iran conflict. The accessible transcript is cut off after the opening monologue, so it does not show what either guest said on that topic. Any remarks about Iran should not be attributed to Mamdani or Lander without the complete recording.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
To check the full interview, readers should:
- Open the CBS podcast listing for the 38-minute extended episode dated June 24, 2025.
- Look for a complete transcript or full-length video; the transcript on the page reviewed is login-limited.
- Compare any quoted line against the recording, particularly on the antisemitism exchange, where the available transcript has artifacts.
The campaign context: an alliance across differences
In These Times’ August/September 2025 issue describes Mamdani and Lander as allies who had political differences, and places their Colbert interview in June 2025. The article is an interpretive account of the campaign relationship, not part of the interview itself. It quotes Mamdani on the party’s direction:
“It’s a question for our own party. Do we move forward with the same politicians [and] policies of the past that delivered us this present, or do we move forward with a new generation of leadership, one that is actually looking to serve the people?”
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The magazine reproduces this quote, so it should be attributed to In These Times’ account rather than cited as a verbatim line from the Colbert broadcast.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Comparing the two guests
The table below separates what the interview record shows from the later contextual account.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchBest Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
| Point of comparison | Brad Lander | Zohran Mamdani |
|---|---|---|
| Role at the time (June 2025) | New York City Comptroller; mayoral candidate | New York State Assemblyman; mayoral candidate |
| Answer on whether Israel has the right to exist | Said he believes in the vision of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state (paraphrased from a transcript with an obscured question) | “Yes. Like all nations, I believe it has the right to exist and a responsibility also to uphold international law.” |
| Stated approach to antisemitism | Not stated in the accessible excerpts | Cited increased anti-hate-crime funding in his public-safety proposal; said there is no room for violence |
| Position on the party’s direction | Not stated in the accessible excerpts | Framed the choice as continuing past politicians and policies or moving to new leadership (quoted by In These Times, August/September 2025) |
| Relationship between the two | Described as an alliance across political differences (In These Times, August/September 2025) | Described as an alliance across political differences (In These Times, August/September 2025) |
The table shows where the evidence is thin. For Lander, the excerpts do not give a comparable answer on antisemitism or on the party’s direction, so no position should be inferred for him on those points.
How to describe the interview accurately
The strongest accurate summary is narrow: in June 2025, during the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, Colbert asked both guests about Israel’s right to exist and asked Mamdani about antisemitism and Jewish New Yorkers’ safety. Mamdani answered both questions with affirmations and policy commitments, and Lander gave a shorter answer on Israel. Anything beyond those exchanges, including the Iran segment, requires the full recording.
The guests’ willingness to appear together on the same program and the later alliance described by In These Times do not mean they agreed on every issue, and this article does not present them as having done so.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
