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Democratic mayoral candidate Eric Adams doubled down Wednesday on his opposition to left-wing “philosophies” — but insisted that a campaign speech in which he blasted the Democratic Socialists of America wasn’t aimed at US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
During an appearance in Washington, DC, Adams said, “I’m not running against a member of Congress, I’m running against philosophies.”
But he also acknowledged that his remarks at a Monday fundraiser in Queens — which were caught on camera and exclusively reported by The Post — “gave the appearance that there was a personal attack on Alexan — Congresswoman Cortez.”
The DSA calls Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who represents the Bronx and Queens, its “foremost socialist superstar” and says she “inspired up to 10,000 people to join” the nonprofit organization.
“Her name was never mentioned by me,” Adams said Wednesday.
“I’m running against philosophies and we have different philosophical beliefs. And while you campaign, you point out your different philosophical beliefs.”
The former NYPD captain added: “I don’t believe in disbanding police departments. They play a role. I believe they should function. And I point out my philosophical beliefs.”
Ocasio-Cortez is an outspoken supporter of the “Defund the Police” movement and recently suggested that “if we want to reduce the number of people in our jails, the answer is to stop building more of them.”
Adams was in the nation’s capital to meet with members of New York City’s congressional delegation — including Ocasio-Cortez — following last week’s certification of his victory in the June 22 Democratic mayoral primary.
US Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), who represents Long Island and Queens, said Adams “brought the whole delegation together” and “came here as a gracious winner of his primary election.”
But US Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), representing Staten Island and Brooklyn, was excluded from the gathering at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, which was organized by US Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) of Manhattan.
“I don’t believe the invitation was extended to her by Chairman Nadler,” said US Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who represents Brooklyn.
“It’s not clear to me that it would have been appropriate for Congresswoman Malliotakis to be here or whether that would have served her own political interests. But I’m confident Eric Adams is going to win Staten Island.”
Malliotakis has issued an open invitation to meet with Adams to discuss the issues facing her district.
Neither Nadler’s office nor an Adams representative returned requests for comment.
Meanwhile, the Republican candidate for mayor, Guardian Angels founder-turned-radio host Curtis Sliwa, called Adams’ comments regarding Ocasio-Cortez and the DSA “brazen” and “chutzpah.”
“His war is not against the DSA, that battle is over,” Sliwa said during a news conference in Manhattan.
“His war is now against Curtis Sliwa to see who becomes the next mayor of New York City.”
Sliwa added: “By the way, if you’re going to take on the DSA, you have to say AOC. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.”
“It’s like stuck in his throat. He can’t even say it,” Sliwa said.
“[She’s] the person who controls the purse strings, the person who is the head of the DSA in New York City, the most powerful DSA person other than [US Sen.] Bernie Sanders [I-Vt.] himself.”
An Ocasio-Cortez spokesperson declined to comment and the DSA didn’t immediately respond to an inquiry.
Additional reporting by Julia Marsh and Carl Campanile
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