CNN host Michael Smerconish expressed surprise Saturday after seeing the tight results of a social media poll he conducted on whether “tax the rich” messaging helps or hurts Democrats, according to Mediaite.
The question was prompted in part by a recent video from socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who filmed himself outside billionaire Ken Griffin’s Manhattan penthouse while advocating for a tax on luxury second homes. Smerconish criticized the move on his weekend program, suggesting it felt more like a “shakedown” than a serious policy proposal.
The controversy intensified after Vornado Realty Trust CEO Steve Roth weighed in, sparking widespread debate. Roth drew backlash for saying that the phrase “tax the rich,” when delivered with anger by politicians, can be “just as hateful as some disgusting racial slurs.” His remarks quickly circulated online and fueled heated discussions across cable news.
Against that backdrop, Smerconish asked viewers: “Is the Mamdani ‘tax the rich’ theme an asset or liability for Democrats nationally?” More than 25,000 people responded, producing a nearly even split—51% called it an asset, while 49% viewed it as a liability, according to the outlet.
Reading the results on air, Smerconish seemed taken aback by how close the outcome turned out to be. Despite the narrow margin, Smerconish made clear where he stood.
“Forty-nine percent is the correct answer—it is a liability,” he argued, contending that while such rhetoric might energize voters in Democratic primaries, it could prove less effective in a general election.
“To make it tax the rich, great for a Democratic primary candidate, not so good in a general, at least in my opinion,” Smerconish said.
The episode highlights Mamdani’s clear shift toward a more openly socialist approach in New York City. Instead of softening his message, Mamdani appears to be leaning into the path to ‘tax the rich.’