Eric Adams’ Omission Raises Questions at Major Political Event

New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ conspicuous absence from the list of DNC speakers has sparked questions about his standing in the Democratic Party.

At a Glance

Eric Adams will attend the 2024 Democratic National Convention but has no speaking role.
Political insiders suggest the omission is due to Adams’ criticism of President Biden and a federal corruption probe.
Other prominent Democratic figures, including minority mayors and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, received speaking slots.
Adams downplayed the snub, emphasizing his support for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Adams’ Absence Raises Eyebrows

Mayor Eric Adams will attend the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago but has been excluded from the speaking lineup. Political observers and insiders consider this exclusion a significant snub, hinting at internal Democratic Party disputes. Allies of Adams believe this choice reflects more profound political rifts, particularly concerning Adams’ recent criticism of President Biden’s handling of the migrant crisis and his ongoing federal corruption probe.

Adams has faced mounting pressure and scrutiny, but his exclusion from speaking roles is notable. While other prominent black Democratic mayors, including Chicago’s Brandon Johnson and Los Angeles’ Karen Bass, secured speaker spots, Adams was noticeably absent. Furthermore, high-profile New Yorkers such as Governor Kathy Hochul and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also received speaking opportunities, underscoring Adams’ conspicuous omission.

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

Political Repercussions and Criticisms

Adams’ situation highlights growing political tensions within the Democratic Party. Political consultant Hank Sheinkopf, who worked on Bill Clinton’s re-election campaign, stated, “This is a snub. This is a slap in the face.” He further commented, “This is punishment for Adams criticizing the administration on the migrant crisis. It’s not just bad for him. It’s bad planning by the party.” Sheinkopf’s remarks encapsulate the broader implications of Adams’ exclusion for both his political career and the party.

“This is punishment for Adams criticizing the administration on the migrant crisis. It’s not just bad for him. It’s bad planning by the party,” said Dem political consultant Hank Sheinkopf, who worked on Bill Clinton’s re-election campaign.

Adams’ affiliation with Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign remains steadfast. When asked about the matter, Adams remarked, “You may say, ‘Well, don’t you want to take a more prominent role?’ No, I want [Vice President Kamala Harris] to win, that’s what I want her to do.” He emphasized that there is no ego involved, stating, “Sometimes, it’s best just to be quiet.” Despite his exclusion, Adams reiterated his support for Harris, implying that his omission would not impact his commitment.

Mayor Eric Adams says he did not ask to speak at the DNC. "Trust me, there are sharp elbows and a lot of people want to be on the stage… Sometimes it's best to just be quiet."

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

Ongoing Federal Investigation

In addition to political snubs, Adams is also under investigation due to a federal corruption probe. His campaign and he himself received subpoenas related to an investigation that has spanned nine months. The investigation reportedly involves Adams’ campaign’s ties to Turkish government officials. However, Adams has not been directly accused of wrongdoing and maintains his adherence to fundraising laws.

“To be clear, we have not identified any evidence of illegal conduct by the mayor,” – Brendan McGuire, Adams’ attorney

Despite the federal scrutiny, Adams has expressed willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation. His attorney, Brendan McGuire, asserts that their own investigation has found no evidence of illegal conduct by the mayor, undermining the reported theories of federal prosecution. As the investigation approaches its conclusion, legal experts anticipate either a resolution or potential indictments.