Eric Adams Snubbed at DNC Event

New York City Mayor Eric Adams finds himself on the sidelines at the Democratic National Convention, sparking speculation about his standing within the party.

At a Glance

NYC Mayor Eric Adams not given a speaking role at the 2024 Democratic National Convention
Adams downplays the apparent snub, focusing on meetings with national leaders
Political insiders view the exclusion as a rebuke, potentially linked to Adams’ criticism of Biden’s immigration policies
Other prominent Democrats, including Gov. Kathy Hochul and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, secured speaking spots
Adams expresses continued support for Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign

Adams Excluded from DNC Speaker Lineup

In a surprising turn of events, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been left off the speaker list for the 2024 Democratic National Convention. This omission has raised eyebrows among political observers, given Adams’ position as the mayor of America’s largest city and his national profile within the Democratic Party.

The absence of Adams from the convention’s roster is particularly notable when contrasted with the inclusion of other prominent Democratic figures. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have both secured speaking roles, as have New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Perceived Snub or Strategic Decision?

While Adams himself has downplayed the situation, some political insiders view his exclusion as a deliberate snub. Hank Sheinkopf, a Democratic political consultant who worked on Bill Clinton’s re-election campaign, didn’t mince words when describing the situation.

“This is a snub. This is a slap in the face,” Sheinkopf stated. “Socialist AOC and Gov. Hochul got speaking slots. Not the spokesman for urban America.”

Eric Adams snubbed by DNC, goes without speaking spot: ‘This is a slap in the face’ https://t.co/lS03ep2UOp pic.twitter.com/AYTMQB4x1B

— New York Post (@nypost) August 20, 2024

The decision to exclude Adams from the speaking lineup has fueled speculation about potential divisions within the Democratic Party. Some observers suggest it may be related to Adams’ recent criticisms of the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant crisis, which has significantly impacted New York City.

Adams’ Response and Political Strategy

Despite the perceived slight, Mayor Adams has maintained a diplomatic stance. When questioned about his lack of a speaking role, Adams emphasized his support for Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential aspirations.

“Whatever it takes for her to win … there’s no ego,” Adams stated. “She’s running for president, and it is not my job to try to supersede her run for president like it’s about Eric. This is not the Eric show, this is her show, and that’s what I’m going to support.”

Mayor Eric Adams, asked about being snubbed without a prominent role at the DNC, says: "I have one mission and that is to elect VP Harris as the President… I'm not on an ego trip." He says "I'm a solider" and he'll carry out his orders.

— Emma G. Fitzsimmons (@emmagf) August 20, 2024

Adams further added, “Sometimes, it’s best just to be quiet,” suggesting a strategic approach to navigating the complex dynamics of party politics.

Implications for Adams’ Influence

The mayor’s exclusion from the DNC speaker lineup raises questions about his current standing within the Democratic Party. It’s worth noting that Adams was previously removed from President Biden’s reelection campaign surrogate list, potentially indicating a cooling of relations between the mayor and the national party leadership.

Despite these setbacks, Adams remains focused on addressing pressing issues facing New York City. He plans to attend the convention to meet with national leaders about challenges such as the ongoing migrant crisis, which has cost New York City taxpayers nearly $5.5 billion so far.

Looking Ahead

As the Democratic National Convention unfolds, all eyes will be on how Mayor Adams navigates this apparent snub. His ability to maintain influence within the party while addressing the needs of New York City residents will be crucial in the coming months.

The situation serves as a reminder of the complex and often unpredictable nature of party politics, where today’s allies can become tomorrow’s adversaries. For now, Adams seems content to play a supporting role, focusing on the challenges facing his city while allowing national figures to take center stage at the convention.