Video: Paging Dr. Cliwa.
“Paging Dr. Sliwa” is a comedic sketch presented at the annual charity event Inner Circle Show in New York City. In the video, Zohran Mamdani appears in a lighthearted scene where he consults Curtis Sliwa, who is portrayed as a doctor, ahead of moving into the mayoral residence.
The sketch is structured as a humorous dialogue with elements of self-parody and references to local New York City life. It reflects the event’s long-standing tradition of blending politics and media through satire and entertainment.
Good. How are you doing, doctor?
Ah, it’s not how I’m doing — it’s how you’re doing, young man. My name is Dr. Curtis Sliwa.
Dr. Sliwa, you said?
Yeah, Dr. Sliwa. I’m looking at your name here on the chart. I don’t even want to try to pronounce it. Hey, is it okay if I just call you “Z-Man”?
Yeah, that’s fine. You look very familiar, though.
Were you ever riding the trains in the wee hours of the morning from, like, 1980 to 1991?
I wasn’t — how do you say this, Dr. Cleveland? — alive.
Okay, young buck. So you’re here for a cat allergy shot, huh?
Yes, sir. My wife and I are adopting a cat.
It never stops with one or two. Oh no, it doesn’t. How many shots have you gotten up to now?
This is actually going to be my third shot.
Oh, your third? Mm-hmm. You know, I got five shots in the back of a cab.
Back of a cab?
Well, it’s before your time. Dr. Gambino and Dr. Scotty — they did things a lot differently back in the day.
What day was that exactly?
Oh, you ever see Love Story?
Anyway, I don’t know if the nurse told you — I’m sort of going through a midlife crisis, you know, changing careers. It’s been a little traumatic.
What were you doing before?
Oh, you know, hosting radio shows, protecting parades’ right to exist, and most importantly, helping to destroy sinister old political dynasties.
Oh, by the way, it isn’t all about me — what do you do?
Oh, I’m a content creator, but I do a little governing on the side.
Anyway, first day — you’re going to do great, Dr. Sliwa.
Don’t be glazing me, Z-Man. Okay.
But hey, I’m a little nervous, I’ve got to be honest with you. Whenever I get nervous, I treat myself to a new beret.
This one is a new color that the shop just got in — red.
Oh, looks good on you, Dr. Sliwa.
Anyway, there’s something I have to get to. Do you mind if we get the show on the road?
No worries — I’ve got a train to go out and patrol. You mind if I put on something that helped get me through cat med allergy school?
Not at all.
Now I know you — you’re that guy who couldn’t bench press 30 lb.
31 lb… meow!
[screaming]
I’ll be a daydream, I’ll wear your favorite things…
We could be beautiful.
Inner Circle is an annual charity gala organized by the NYC press corps.
Every year, the Mayor’s office and staff are asked to be a part of it, making videos and sketches spoofing themselves. This played last weekend at the event – we thought you might like to see it for yourself.
Source: NYC Mayor’s Office
