Charlamagne blasts Van Jones’ criticism of Mamdani’s victory speech
During his popular “Donkey of the Day” segment, radio host Charlamagne tha God took aim at CNN commentator Van Jones, responding sharply to Jones’ critique of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s passionate victory address.
Jones’ critique
On CNN’s election night coverage, Van Jones argued that Mamdani’s tone during his speech represented a change in character compared to his previous public persona.
“I think he missed a chance tonight to open up and bring more people into the tent,” Jones said.
“He was using the microphone in a way that he was almost yelling. That’s not the Mamdani we’ve seen on TikTok or in interviews. It felt like there was a little bit of a character switch.”
Charlamagne’s response
Charlamagne dismissed Jones’ comments, saying that Mamdani had every right to be loud and celebratory after his election win.
“Man, shut the F up forever, okay? There was no opportunity missed,” Charlamagne said. “He took a victory lap because he won. That’s what people do when they win.”
He went on to argue that Jones’ comments were outdated and failed to recognize how political communication has evolved in recent years.
“I just don’t understand how in the era of Trump, we’re still telling people how to talk. The language of politics is dead, and Donald Trump killed it.”
Author’s Summary
Charlamagne tha God defended Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s right to celebrate passionately, rejecting Van Jones’ criticism as tone-deaf in the modern political climate.
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