The Cornell Political Union hosted Curtis Sliwa at Anabel Taylor Hall on Tuesday for a spirited debate on the resolution of “community over government.” The founder of the Guardian Angels donned his signature red beret and addressed a crowd of over 125 students, emphasizing the power of grassroots organization and the need for students to be doers rather than just talkers. Sliwa encouraged the audience to remain curious and question authority, sharing his own experiences as a perennial outsider in New York City politics. Fresh off his unsuccessful 2025 mayoral run against Zohran Mamdani, Sliwa took the opportunity to critique his former opponent and the political establishment. Despite his underdog status in the race, Sliwa noted his surprising traction with the “Gen Z nation” of supporters who resonated with his “real New Yorker” persona. During his remarks, he also took aim at President Trump, critiquing his recent bombings in Iran as “insanity” and urging students to follow their principles rather than their bank accounts. Though a long-time Republican, Sliwa made a point of distancing himself from the MAGA movement. Sliwa also spoke of his love for electronic dance music; more on that below. The debate brought a diverse set of student voices from the Union, offering various perspectives on the necessity of the state versus the strength of local ties. Some warning against a government that taxes citizens while favoring billionaires; others argued it was only through government that meaningful progress could be made. After the rigorous exchange of ideas and closing remarks by Sliwa, the resolution was ultimately rejected in a narrow 16 to 19 vote. Fun Fact: Sliwa’s love for Electronic Dance Music is no secret. He’s said he listens to The Chainsmokers’ “Don’t Let Me Down” nightly to decompress, describing the lyrics as a “conversation with himself” during peak exhaustion. His morning mantra? BUNT.’s “Best Day of My Life,” which he used to stay optimistic on the campaign trail. He credits Calvin Harris with sparking his love for the genre—a topic he now explores in depth on his Substack.