The first New York City mayoral debate left many viewers disheartened, with the only clear winner being Florida real estate brokers anticipating more New Yorkers moving south. The debate highlighted the deep divide between the leading candidates: Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist criticized for his inexperience and controversial positions, and Andrew Cuomo, the former governor seen as the only viable alternative by some. Curtis Sliwa, despite his deep knowledge of city issues, was largely sidelined and is urged by the article's author to withdraw from the race to prevent splitting the vote against Mamdani. The piece warns that electing Mamdani could accelerate the city's decline, citing concerns over his policies and rhetoric, and calls for a unified effort to support Cuomo as the more experienced, if flawed, candidate.