Never Apologize
The article discusses the political and cultural implications of public apologies, using James Comey and Zohran Mamdani as examples of figures who faced backlash and responded with conciliatory statements. It argues that in the current media environment, retracting statements or issuing apologies can be perceived as weakness and may invite further attacks. The author advocates for a strategy of refusing to apologize or retreat in the face of public scrutiny.
- ▪James Comey was indicted over a joke he posted in the sand on a beach, reading '86 47', which was interpreted by some as a threat against President Donald Trump.
- ▪Comey deleted the post and issued a statement clarifying he did not intend violence, which the article characterizes as a damaging retreat.
- ▪New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's spokesperson issued a statement condemning Hamas and the October 7 attacks after right-wing media criticized his wife for liking certain social media posts.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
_Voices _Voices Support Us _Voices Never Apologize James Comey, Zohran Mamdani, and the lost art of doubling down. Share Copy link Share on Facebook Share on Bluesky Share on X Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Katherine Krueger May 2 2026, 5:44 a.m. Share Copy link Share on Facebook Share on Bluesky Share on X Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Ousted FBI Director James Comey listens during a hearing before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on Capitol Hill on June 8, 2017, in Washington, D.C. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images Another writer once told me that she never, ever apologizes. How unenlightened and abrasive, I thought at the time.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Intercept.
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