“Say the Line!” How Israel’s ‘Right to Exist’ Shapes US Politics and Media

When New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last month, the conversation started off lighthearted. But halfway through, Colbert pivoted sharply.

“Do you support Israel’s right to exist?” he asked, almost casually.

Mamdani responded carefully. He affirmed that every country has a right to exist, but only within the bounds of international law. It was a measured answer. Still, backlash came swiftly.

Mainstream outlets…