Obama and Mamdani Attend First Joint Public Event at New York Daycare, Emphasize Free Childcare

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Former U.S. President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani held their first joint public event on April 18 (local time) at a daycare center in the Bronx, New York.

According to Yonhap News and foreign media outlets, the two sang children's songs with the kids and read picture books addressing the meaning of community, focusing on promoting the policy of "universal free childcare."

At the event, Mayor Mamdani stated, "We are working to supply more housing in New York City," and took the opportunity to introduce his housing policy as well.

During the event, there was a lighthearted exchange about pizza. When former President Obama asked, "Who likes pizza?" Mayor Mamdani prompted him to choose between New York pizza and Chicago pizza. Obama responded, "Since I'm in New York now, I won't say anything bad about pizza," eliciting laughter from the audience.

New York and Chicago are well known for their distinct pizza styles: New York for its thin and crispy crust, and Chicago for its thick and hearty slices. Mayor Mamdani spent his childhood in New York after immigrating there with his family, while Obama lived in Chicago for many years as a community organizer, law professor, lawyer, and politician. His presidential library is also located in Chicago, and his wife, Michelle Obama, is originally from Chicago as well.

Meanwhile, when children asked Mayor Mamdani to sing "Soda Pop," he replied that he did not know the lyrics. Former President Obama put his hand on Mamdani's shoulder and joked, "It seems the kids just made you feel old," to which Mayor Mamdani responded with a laugh, "I really do feel old."

Mayor Mamdani plans to expand free childcare to 2,000 two-year-olds starting this fall. After the event, the two held a separate, private conversation, and the New York Mayor's Office reported that they discussed New York's vision and the importance of childcare policy during that meeting.

Last year, former President Obama did not officially endorse any candidate during the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, but he did make a supportive phone call to Mayor Mamdani just before the general election.

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