As we’ve previously reported, the May court-ordered redistricting map for New York had the effect of sending some of the state’s most prominent Democrats into an absolute tailspin, as the redrawn House districts forced incumbent Democrats – some of them longtimers – to make tough decisions on which of their colleagues to challenge in the primary.
Although allegations of racismWhile calls for resignations flooded the airwaves in the immediate aftermath of the incident, it was the race between Reps. Carolyn Maloney & Jerry Nadler that has been in Congress since 1990. Both are over 70 and represent powerful leadership positions in Congress.
Both are now vying for the newly-drawn 12th Congressional district, and to say things have gotten a bit testy between the two would be an understatement, with Nadler at one point calling Maloney “cowardly” over some of her past stances and Maloney going so far as to declare Nadler “senile” earlier this week, referencing comments from a New York Post editorial on their battle.
But on Monday, the eve of Primary Day in New York state, things took an even uglier turn when it was reported that Maloney had not just referred to Nadler as “senile” but also said he was “half-dead.” When she was confronted with her remarks by a CNN reporter, Maloney reportedly ran away while her daughter physically inserted herself with hands flailing between the reporter and Maloney to block him from further asking questions as Maloney got into a waiting vehicle:
CNN reporters tracked her down Monday morning at Upper West Side campaign stops to question her on her comments. One of her daughters repeatedly stood with her legs extended in an effort to block additional questions.
When asked why she called Nadler “half dead,” Maloney closed the door of the car and waved goodbye. When another reporter inquired if Nadler is elderly, Maloney had already closed the door an hour prior to her campaign end.
Nadler allies, meanwhile, have whispered reminders about Maloney’s long history of odd remarks and demeanor, which ranges from being called kooky to not entirely sober. Maloney’s spokesperson didn’t respond to queries about these comments.
Questions have long been raised about Nadler’s health, and those questions got louder after a 2019 event where Nadler appeared to briefly pass out and become disoriented, which prompted then-NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio to offer him something to drink. Nadler later claimed that he didn’t pass out, but that the warm room and dehydration caused him to become overheated.
Things could get worse, despite claims of sobriety and health concerns. It is really interesting if the third candidate in this race – Obama admin alum Suraj Patel – pulls off the upset. That’s a possibility that deeply troubles Nadler, regardless of his feelings about Maloney:
At least one major committee chair — House Judiciary or House Oversight — is going to lose tonight. Nadler told me NY losing two would be “catastrophic.”
He said that no freshman, regardless of how talented, would be able to return as much as senior members.
— Edward-Isaac Dovere (@IsaacDovere) August 23, 2022
While I don’t have a dog in the fight, it is fascinating to me that entrenched politicians speak loudly about their fear of losing power.
New York polls close at 9 PM ET. We’ll have results as they come in. Get ready!
Related: Maloney Told to ‘Blink Twice’ After Weird Hostage-Like Video Apologizing for Crossing Joe Biden