From Left to Right, Mamdani's Triumph Stirs Fear and Joy in US Politics
Zachary Waston, NYC
Democrats experience mixed emotions as liberal victories spark hope and apprehension within U.S. political circles
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A self-identified socialist, a Muslim, and a newcomer to the political stage could soon take the reins of New York City as its mayor. Zohran Mamdani secured a strong launching pad for himself after winning the Democratic primaries, shocking the nation.
The "Wall Street Journal" sounded the alarm the morning after the primaries, with banks in a tizzy. The "New York Times" heralded a new political comet on the horizon - amidst a party fractured in two. President Trump weighed in, tweeting: "Zohran Mamdani, a radical communist nutjob, is on his way to becoming mayor."
So, what went down? The Democratic Party has chosen its candidate for the mayoral election in New York City. Andrew Cuomo, ex-governor and a seasoned politician with affluent backers and a troubled past, appeared to be the front runner. He led in the polls all the way up until the final stretch, when Mamdani glided past him. With the official results yet to be announced, Mamdani is set to run as the Democratic candidate in November's election.
Politics | Trump Strikes Back Socialist Ex-Rapper Could Soon Lead NYC Mamdani kept a steady presence via phone calls and door-knocking endeavors. His team claims a staggering million households were targeted during his campaign. Mamdani shared his vision for an affordable city, accessible to all. His campaign promises included a four-year rent freeze for two million people, free public transportation, city-owned grocery stores, and a higher minimum wage. He plans to pay for such initiatives through increased taxes on corporations and the affluent.
The reactions have ranged from jubilation to terror - on both sides of the political aisle. Shortly after Mamdani's victory, the Republican camp expressed concern. Congressman Mike Lawler opined that the Democrats would have to either endorse Mamdani's positions or reject them. If they endorsed, Lawler warned, voters would grow displeased. If they rejected, they risked incurring their base's wrath. Republican legislator JD Vance congratulated Mamdani, dubbing him the "new head of the Democratic Party."
The Republican National Committee denounced Mamdani as an "antisemitic socialist radical." Cuomo, too, accused Mamdani of antisemitism during their campaign. Mamdani responded to Israel's Gaza conflict by calling it a genocide and declining to recognize Israel as a Jewish state in a debate. However, a poll reveals Mamdani could win over a disproportionate number of Jewish Democrats, particularly young women and members of the Jewish community who prioritize economic issues over foreign policy, according to Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf.
Politics | Trump Aims Low at New York Mayoral Candidate Trump expressed his displeasure, calling the situation "ridiculous" on his "Truth Social" platform. "We've had radical leftists before," he mused, "but this takes it too far, even for New York."
While the debate continues, one possible answer to Trump's musings emerges from Fox News. The host suggested that the financial capitol of New York isn't as left as other major US cities, which may leave Republican strategists questioning: Could a radical socialist win such a city?
"Too Far for New York"
A potential explanation may come from Cuomo himself: While offering his congratulations to Mamdani on a "smart and great campaign," many moderate Democrats interpret this as distancing themselves from Mamdani without explicitly endorsing him. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer offered a lukewarm compliment to Mamdani's campaign, but fellow representatives Hakeem Jeffries refrained from a clear endorsement.
Former economic advisor to President Obama Lawrence Summers expressed alarm: "I'm deeply concerned about the future of the Democratic Party and the country." Two Democratic representatives from New York's suburbs have already distanced themselves from Mamdani, stating he is "too extreme for New York."
Moderate Democrats fear Mamdani is providing Trump with fuel for the congressional elections next year. Meanwhile, progressive Democrats see Mamdani as a trailblazer, signaling a path back to success for their cause.
Bernie Sanders, the left-wing figurehead, spoke to "Politico" magazine after Mamdani's win, arguing that "begging millionaires for donations doesn't win elections." Cuomo relied on such practices, Sanders claimed, and consequently lost to Mamdani's grassroots campaign. "Instead, address the needs of the working class," Sanders said, "take on the billionaire class, the oligarchy. That's how you win elections." Sanders hopes the Democratic Party learns from Mamdani's example.
Politics | Trump and Mamdani: An Uneasy Matchup All the hopes, all the fears - in both political camps - they will either gain or lose weight depending on whether Mamdani wins the mayoral elections in November or not. Trump ally Elise Stefanik is anticipating a run for New York governor next year and is already using Mamdani to apply pressure to her Democratic opponents. However, she also cautions: "Mamdani will only play a significant role in the elections if he actually becomes mayor."
The European Union and its Member States closely watched the political developments in New York City, as the victory of Zohran Mamdani sparks debates both within the Democratic Party and across party lines. The polarizing figure, if elected as mayor, could pose a challenge to traditional politics, reflecting a divisive trend that extends beyond the US.
In the realm of general news, the teenager-turned-politician's triumph stirs unease among establishment politicians, while progressive groups hail him as a symbol of change. As the November elections approach, the global political landscape could witness shifts driven by Mamdani's unconventional approach to politics and challenges to traditional power structures.
