OPINION: Are Media Claims “Sliwa Can’t Win” Beyond News’ Mandate?
By Anonymous Staten Island Resident
Lately, I have heard from “the media” that Curtis Sliwa is “unelectable” due to lack of support, and that voters who might have voted for the street-smart founder of the vaunted Guardian Angels, should instead vote for Mario Cuomo to “prevent Mandami from getting in.” Cuomo? Are you kidding? Let’s just ignore history, shall we?
Ah, the media. The Fourth Estate—perhaps more so than ever, the Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse, galloping ever closer to defining the very contours of our democratic faith, riding on the airwaves, not a horse.
Will it take the Fifth Estate to stop this unaccounted-for Fifth Horseman of Doom? Independent media retains this responsibility, solely. This, also, is Constitutionally mandated. Why haven’t other islanders written in to this paper or others on this exact issue? You should be ashamed.
As voters, we expect the media to serve as a trustworthy guide through the murky waters of political choice. But somewhere along the way, something went terribly wrong. Media outlets, with all their polls, predictions, and chatter, have started behaving like psychic octopuses, confidently stating which candidates are “unelectable”—with the solemn certainty that only an internet meme or a late-night pundit could summon.
Here’s the problem: the idea that a candidate, in this case, Mr. Curtis Sliwa, “can’t win” is an insult to both the democratic process and to voters’ capacity for surprise. And it’s worse when this mantra is based on one thing and one thing only: polling data. But let’s take a moment to consider that in the great theatre of democracy, polling might not be the definitive script it’s made out to be. And media declaring who “can’t win”? Well, that’s simply bad journalism. It’s an electoral misstep of the highest order.
The Polling Paradox: Data, Not Destiny
Polling is a curious creature. On one hand, it’s an invaluable tool for gauging public opinion—a thermometer for the health of the electorate. On the other, it’s about as predictable as a weatherman forecasting a tornado in November. We should remember what Alexis de Tocqueville warned us about democracy in America. He feared, not just the tyranny of the majority, but the way in which public opinion could easily be manipulated, swayed, or warped by the media’s interpretation of it.
When media outlets claim that a candidate “can’t win” because of polling, they reduce the complex, unpredictable art of democracy to a simple, mechanistic number. Yet history is full of upsets. Do we remember that early on, polling told us that Donald Trump had no chance of winning the presidency in 2016? I mean, every major outlet had essentially written him off—only to see him shatter predictions and storm through the electoral process with an outcome no one foresaw.
Polling is often touted as an oracle, but oracles can be wrong. And worse, when media outlets pass off these numbers as the final word on a race, they are subtly (or not-so-subtly) telling voters, “Don’t bother supporting that candidate—they’re not worth your time.” They’re reducing the democratic process to the business of counting heads before those heads have even cast their votes.
When media outlets trumpet a candidate’s “electability” based on polling data, they are not just delivering news—they are shaping the news. That’s a problem. Clearly.
The fact that a candidate might be “losing” in the polls becomes, in itself, a story. But let’s not forget, polling data can be as misleading as a five-dollar bill folded in half and placed beneath a stack of campaign flyers. It’s not necessarily indicative of a candidate’s ultimate chances.
The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: How Polls Affect Voter Behavior
The danger here is a self-fulfilling prophecy. When media outlets insist that a candidate “can’t win,” it creates a feedback loop that discourages voter participation. Why vote for a candidate if everyone says they’re destined to lose? This is a powerful psychological effect that has been explored in various academic fields. But more importantly, it undermines the integrity of democracy itself. Media isn’t just reporting reality—it is creating it.
James Madison, in the Federalist Papers, wrote about the importance of a free press in maintaining the integrity of democratic systems. A free press, he argued, should not merely follow the whims of public opinion; it should serve as a counterbalance, helping to inform and engage citizens in the political process. However, in this age of 24-hour news cycles and clickbait headlines, the media often forgets this noble calling and instead caters to the easiest narrative: the horse race.
It’s as though every election is reduced to a football game, where we know, by halftime, who’s going to win based on the score. How realistic is that?
And when we’re talking about life, is this really democracy in action? Is the role of media to act as a scoreboard, or to enliven and engage and enlighten the public? We must ask whether this approach does justice to the very principles upon which our country was built.
To quote Tocqueville again, “The great advantage of democracy is that it ensures the prosperity of all, provided that it maintains a balanced and informed populace.” And to be balanced, a media landscape should provide voters not just with numbers, but with context. It should teach citizens that every vote counts, and every race has twists and turns that may defy conventional wisdom.
Polling Data: A Snapshot in Time, Not a Script
Here’s the crux of the matter: polling data is merely a snapshot, not a full narrative. It can reflect a moment in time but cannot predict the future with absolute certainty. Much like a weather forecast, it provides a range of possibilities, not a guarantee. And anyone who tells you otherwise is either ignorant of the limitations of data or seeking to manipulate you for their own gain.
Take the example of the 2020 Democratic primaries. Early on, polling data had a frontrunner, Joe Biden, as the “underdog”—he was struggling in national polling, and pundits were ready to crown other candidates like Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders as the heirs apparent. But when the votes were actually cast, Biden dominated. Polling data, which had painted him as a man of the past, didn’t account for voter sentiment on the ground, and certainly didn’t account for the intricacies of the electorate’s preferences.
This highlights the fluidity of political races.
As Tocqueville noted, “Democracy is the slow work of gradual change.”
Just as in life, the political terrain is shaped by more than just numbers—it is shaped by human behavior, unforeseen events, and the changing dynamics of social movements.
The media, when it presents polling data as destiny, doesn’t just ignore this uncertainty—it actively diminishes it. It locks the electoral process into a neat, predictable box, which ultimately diminishes voters’ agency. After all, if we already know who’s “winning” based on a poll, why bother engaging in the process at all?
The Influence of Polling on Electoral Outcomes: Swaying Things Much?
Now, one might ask, “But surely polling has some value, right?” Indeed, polling is invaluable. When done properly, it can illuminate trends, highlight public opinion, and shed light on shifts within the electorate. But it’s critical to note the difference between trend analysis and deterministic forecasting. A poll showing that 50% of voters support one candidate over another is not a guarantee that this will translate into a victory come Election Day. C’mon. If that were life, I’d come home from AC a winner every time. Just stop.
Polling data is subject to numerous external variables: voter turnout, last-minute endorsements, unexpected scandals, and the inexorable tide of current events. So how could they even know? It’s pure BS.
Even the way polling is conducted—what questions are asked, how respondents are selected—can skew results. We must remember the words of Madison, who argued for a robust public discourse: “A free press is a servant of the people, not its master.” When the media begins to dictate who can win based on polling data alone, they are not serving the people—they are shaping their perceptions, often to the detriment of a more nuanced, open-minded democratic process.
Conclusion: Democracy, Not Data
The role of the media in a democracy is not just to predict the future, but to engage voters in an informed, thoughtful way. It should foster civic engagement, not cultivate a sense of futility. The idea that a candidate “can’t win” based on polling data alone is not just misleading; it’s anti-democratic. It discourages voter participation, fosters apathy, and undermines the very essence of electoral freedom.
As Madison and de Tocqueville both warned, democracy is a fragile experiment that relies on an informed, engaged populace. When the media asserts that a candidate is “unelectable,” it does not just predict the future—it may influence the future. And that, my dear reader, is a chilling thought.
So the next time you see a headline declaring that a candidate “can’t win,” remember this: Democracy is not about data—it’s about choice. And the only way to shape the future is by engaging with it, vote by vote, poll by poll, until the very end. Don’t let the media, with their snapshots of public opinion, decide what’s possible.
After all, history has taught us one thing: No candidate is ever truly unelectable until the final ballots are counted.
So, if you were going to vote for Curtis, then vote for Curtis! Don’t believe the hype and don’t let some media pundit tell you what to do. It’s not really the American Way.
Really, these are attempts to disenfranchise Curtis Sliwa and the voters. Resist.
Whomever you’re going to vote for, got out there and vote! Be involved.
Just don’t let some lame news station tell you to give up hope.
Banner Image: Alexis de Toqueville. Image Credit – Wikipedia
I mean, the other boros make fun of us, but we got random guys spewing words like this on here? Please.
So much for stereotypes, huh? I think we’re the ones who humor YOU, oh 4 other illustrious boros. Not that I don’t love NYC. I do. But let’s be honest. I get my fill of Manhattan after a while but the grime remains for days. Brooklyn: Fuggeddaboudittt!! Pizza and knishes and bagels then Tumms! Queens? Ya’ know…A stranger’ll talk your ear off for a day on first meeting! And the Bronx…Home run! The Yankees ARE Major League Baseball history. But always crossing the bridge it’s like a sigh of relief.
I mean, if we’re on the jersey side coming home from the city, I hold in that sigh for as long as possible.
The stench of pollution in Linden makes us keep our nostrils sealed to prevent the cloud of gas from stinging too much.
This topic here? Sounds good to me. I know U.S. History and studied and was a solid C- student but it’s always good relearning the important parts. De Who Ville? History wasn’t ever my best subject. But if these words are all true I think we got some thinking to do. I don’t watch those shows. That ain’t news. It’s entertainment for people who find that sort of thing entertaining. Me? Paint drying.
If it was a choice between paint drying and watching *** News?
I must admit I sneak into the TV room and watch Grandpa watch TV. I love the guy but I watch him react to the TV and I get shivers as my Dad’s Dad is screaming at the TV. I tell him go and clean your Porsche. He tells me, “You do it, sport.” WT*? “Sport?” I’m a freakin girl! He can’t even react properly he’s so absorbed in three talking heads engage like total ignorami about another guy. I can see why he gets upset.
That Porsche used to be his first love. I can watch those “news” shows but I do so ironically. I am 100% sure he’s voting however the channel he watches tells him.
Nah’, kid. Don’t give up there. Keep talking with him. Get him to go do something like washing the car together. The TV is like hypnotism and keeps them sitting there. It’s a clear tactic to keep engagement continuing…it’s well-studied for fruitcakes who think I’m just blowing hot air.
good advice
anything that gets them away from the tv is good
I thought you were gonna suggest smoking a spliff or something
teach me not to make assumptions
very nice advice
Unfair comparison. You worked as a painter for years, man. I know you IRL. 🙂
How about something you don’t enjoy doing all by itself?
I’m a bit of an amateur painter, myself. My biggest influence is Manet. Wonderful to see some other artists on here.
* * * * *
As far as Mr. Sliwa, he has every right to run and the newscasters have every right to tell you a vote for him is a vote wasted.
I am an A student and I can say that this is not exactly what we learn.
I like Curtis Sliwa and hope he doesn’t get rid of his hat. That’s his identity. He earned it.
It’s nothing to be ashamed of.
I think NYC with him as mayor we all win. I think he is a true hero and respects all people. (LGBT+ black latino etc)
I actually cannot yet vote. But in truth I still have a valuable opinion.
Curtis Sliwa is sensible and you can hear hours of him talking on the radio online on You Tube and other places.
These other people are just politicians. Mr. Sliwa is a legend.
Sliwa lost so who cares
He never had a chance
If Cuomo had dropped out he’d have gotten more votes for sure but not a win not even close
If Sliwa had dropped out, Mandami would have lost. He made Cuomo lose. How selfish.
I have no idea what Sliwa is thinking going out there and wasting his time knowing he won’t win but a winner never quits.
I didn’t vote for a Democrat and will never. *** “News” can shove it! They basically gave up the title of news a long time ago and they also turned on Trump a while ago. So I am not voting or I vote for Sliwa. What did I do? That aint’ none o’ your business, guy.
Watching other people vote for a guy they hate was a riot. *’n losers.
I think it’s sad that *** news says they are conservative but then give their endorsement to a Dem
Me vote Dem because a fake news guy or gal says so
not on your life
Curtis Sliwa could have won but they made it difficult acting like he a a clown when he is a down to earth man
Agreed, friend.
Junk-o-tainment
Garbage-o-tainment
Boring-o-tainment
All those channels are beyond boring. They literally destroy brain cells simply by watching.
can you point to a study
OK, troll. Try telling me watching TV and YouTube clowns is in any way GOOD. We had PBS…maybe still will..that’s mostly good..but yeah it’s true that most movies these days, videos, YouTube, TikTok, and all he rest is garbage. TV shows these days? is not really good. Not for your body, either. All that sitting there like a lump. But that’s any TV not just politics. Go out and do something. Work on a motorcycle. Get a hobby. Sports. Art. ANYTHING! Get a job!
Just like anything TV in moderation can be neutral, even beneficial.
I say that remembering how many good shows I’ve watched over my lifetime.
I probably spent years in front of the tv but I also got a lot done like homework, texting my friends and Grandma, eating dinner and snacks, and talking on the phone. Also helping my Mom. I don’t mind the tv as long as it isn’t politics.
can u point to the couch where my auntie sits with her bf and they salivate at the tv
I love commenters like you. Do you mean they are salivating like zombies? It’s a common trait of TV-watchers. It means your getting smarter.
This is our Republican Democracy being tested. Very interesting.
I can say that everything should be a factor. But they started saying this real early. So it is manipulation.
Trump should get mad like he does for other stuff. This is serous.
This is NOT our Republican Democracy being tested.
This is our Republican Democracy being tested.
What in the hell is that supposed to mean? You must’ve been sussed, guy. That makes no sense. I doubt you were teasing us. I’d like to know what you actually meant.
This is a local election in a municipality in one of the 50 states. This has very little to do with our “Republican Democracy” as you call it.
It’s a Democratic Republic, btw.
Disenfranchise? Now you’re talking like a Lefty. Snap out of it. Cuomo needs to win to save NY.
How ’bout SCREW? Is that a better word for you, o mighty linguistic legend that you must be?
Noiceeeeeeeeeee
Dissin’ Franchise: When you step out of line and diss a respected franchise like LOTR and your friends diss YOU.
You, sir,mare a freakin’ WEIRDO
What…..LOTR ? I looked it up. Lord of the Rings? You’ve got to be kidding me. I can imagine you hanging out at a comic book shop in your spare time, which I assume you have a lot of.
No, Crank. They didn’t teach us that part. I am sure of it. I was an A- student in history. We learned alot back then but not this part. I am sure of it. I’d remember.
I learned all this. But it was in a Poly Sci class at C.S.I.
Hank, man, there is no way that you never ever watched that *** news. And why they cutting off the news? *** *** ***
Let’s see if that gets through. Why are you protecting them? The major media are guilty. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** You going to block out every one? I hope you have to do it my hand, you miserable editors.
I can’t list that many news stations. Bravo to this guy for dedication.
Here’s a shiny new Participation Trophy.
🏆
Yuo can add it top your collection so Moms can be Proud.
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Here Bas3dEddi3JoFUNK this your own participation trophy just for you
I like your creative spelling
–gives trophy– 🏆
Yo why does the trophy appear different in my comment I am writing than the comment above
Strange — oh and I just got 777 for the puzzle
I am voting for Sliwa. I am Polish and I know he is a good man. Not because we are both the same ethnicity but his family was on the island and people knew them. He is good people. Not an extremist of any sort. He didn’t make the Guardian Angels to be viscous or because he had a xhip on his shoulder. He was just a kid then but he cared like an older man should. Cuomo? *** you lost all cred with me. I went outside and on my deck and had a cigar. I figure the time I wasted (And I figured out the hours and I literally had a tear I am an accountant BTW) and I know a cigar is less harm than all those hours in front of my TV listening to those pundits. Shameful the writer says. No shameless.
“I am voting for Sliwa. I am Polish and I know he is a good man. Not because we are both the same ethnicity but his family was on the island and people knew them. He is good people. ”
You actually undermine your own statement there.
i voted for Sliwa because I did not like the riots when we had them and they said BLM caused massive looting. I also don’t like that the mayor now didn’t stoop the looting. That ruined many businesses. Many small businesses in ethnic areas minority-owned and were robbed blind. So for me I voted Sliwa. The only sensible choice.
That was DeBlasio! Not Adams. Get your timeline straight. See? It’s these uneducated voters ruining our Blessed country. Get educated.
I’m a Proud Black Man Succeeding in this Cruel World.
I did not vote for Obama. I did not consider his color. I considered it great a Black man was running for president, but that in and of itself scored zero extra points with me.
So I hear you that you say you vibe because he is Polish also but don’t let that alone influence. That is not right.
Successful: Voets GOP
Failure: Votes Dem
Black white red green you name it
Always the same pattern
GOP is the party of winners and women who are HOT
DEMs attract ugly losers with mental problems
I am more confused than ever. So what do I do? If I vote for Sliwa don’t I let the Democrats win? My wife is saying how I’m going to ruin everything. But I can’t vote Dem. It is against my deeper principles. So I sit out? This is a real moral quandary. Damned if you do damned if you don’t.
Yo you guys suck. Anyone over there at the news HQ notice that the guy’s head is cut off in the main picture on your news page? Are you even serious bro? What a lazybones effort.
As far as CS — I am hoping he is more like Sam Pirozzolo and those kinds of sensible Republicans than….some others. Naming names is lame. But I’ve had it up to here with this nonsense. It gets old. Anyone else not sleeping?
I’m not sleeping but it’s exactly a day later .. They approve comments very slowly on here
wow is that your irl selfie 🤭 nah, love it
ppl actually call u that 🤭🤭 u got rizz grillz
Why do gen alpha kids have user names like this ? ?
Do you guys think your a bunch of cyborgs. Lammmmmmmmmme
I am Gen Z and you are all posers. I see you on here and ******* and ****** pretending to be older but you reveal yourself with your ridiculous language and usernames like BT369G5k. Umm…Right.
Curits Sliwa is the man! He could never win mostly bc the voters are dim.
my vote remains unchanged and I watch all the news
it is a secret ballot so no one should know
First: Shout outs to West Brighton, Port Town, the Harbor, Arlington
Next up: Don’t tell my peoples how to be voting clown
Lastly: May the best man win
My vote is sealed. Too late to change my mind. My main concern is Mandami. I voted accordingly.
Mrs. T I respect that you say that about your vote being seal
I think if we remember that more then we all would have a better future
It definitely isn’t anyone’s ‘s business what you do in that ballot box
not your spouse
nor
your kin
or
co-workers
NO ONE
This is a very skewed opinion because it doesn’t once mention the threat of Commie Corporal Mandami the nutjob.
He’s going to help my Muslim friends…like how? They own delis my friend. So you put the Muslim delis out of business with Commie delis. Why might I ask?
Oh, and I am a Roman Catholic and practicing and I buy my smokes at my Muslim buddy’s deli so what have you got to say?
If you vote for Curtis you literally split the vote. Then that happens and the Commie comes in power and he takes over the schools, the police, takes your house, forces everyone to live the the PJs. Then only then you will know.
First of all relax and take a deep breathe. The projects are already full. My buddy worked in PJ elevator maintenance for NYC for decades. Trust me. Full to the gills. You’re not going there but I can’t guarantee that the nut ward isn’t calling softly. ha ha
Curtis Sliwa is the man. Even if he doesn’t win he is the winner in my book and everyone I know.
Either way this sky is falling attitude is sinking America. Fast. Quit it.
You should write dystopian vision plots for B movies. That was wild. Nobody is taking your house. But the taxes may soar. His scheme seems to benefit slumlords. Do the math. Don’t move either. Don’t Give Up the Ship. That’s what Scott LoBaido says. If you don’t know him, look him up.
All of their promises by every one of them is a bunch of bs
Anthony, you still smoke cigarettes? Wow. Everyone I know quit. Everyone I know used to smoke. Oh wait a few still do. It’s not worth the price. And they’re garbage. But GW Bush get us the legal right to grow our own tobacco so why not give that a try? I smoked home tobacco only once It was very different but very strong. I tried after I quit. I smoked a cigarette a few times here and there. Mostly it reminded me how gross tobacco makes me feel. What an experience I’d rather avoid.
As a Jewish person I am afraid that Mandami is not really a person I should trust. I know he goes to temples and does the whole routine but in truth I still don’t trust him. His associations and remarks leave me wondering if he has any level of sincerity in those visits or if he is just pandering. I respect for the author. That is their view. So be it. Nothing terrible, in fact quite interesting. To me, the entire discussion is just lacking the context of the situation. Why are no other Jewish people leaving comments? Personally I think Sliwa could have easily won had the news not played fishy games. But they did and now here we are and their strategy was not to support Sliwa for whatever wild reason but rather to ignore him and support Cuomo as well thus creating this dilemma. So yes, I agree with the premise of this opinion, but I also see that there may be certain times when you use your vote in manner that isn’t so direct as “I vote for the guy I like” and still be doing good. Sliwa has Jewish kids. I don’t think he is bad. But they did their best to confuse the voters and try to cook him before the race started really.
I think Cuomo would have been better. No one listened.
yeahhhh nothing bad has happened yet
hopefully you’ll be wrong
As a Jewish person I am afraid that Mandami is not really a person I should trust, but neither is any politician. They’re out for #1 and that’s it. When it’s not convenient for them, they dump us. HISTORY
My Dad met Curtis Sliwa
He said that Mr. Sliwa was not a phony
yeahhhhhhhh the election been over