The former governor's apparent aloof persona contrasts wildly with his rivals Mamdani, the socialist Democratic nominee, and GOP standard bearer Curtis Sliwa, who've daily shown face across the Big Apple since Aug. 31.

Socialist upstart candidate Zohran Mamdani entered the first general mayoral election debate as the front-runner and left the same way --despite some strong performances from his rivals, a Post panel of political experts said. 

Socialist Zohran Mamdani skirted tough questions and offered few specifics as he smoothly swatted off a barrage of attacks from ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo during a heated first general mayoral election debate Thursday.