Beautiful analysis. Lessons for the left and Democrats -- and for anyone wanting to build a new governing coalition to improve the lives of working people.
People: Please write to me and tell me if you were able to click on the immediatelu preceding link. I fear that my links, to articles I have written, are automatically scrubbed or deleted from the computer.
The phrase “fog of intention” really stood out to me, a beautiful visualization of how I feel hearing moderate Democrat sound bites. There’s such a disconnect and helpless acceptance of futile attempts to change things.
We must move and speak in ways that can cut through the fog, and it sounds like Mamdani does it powerfully and beautifully. So excited to watch his come up. Awesome essay!
Thank you for speaking out so clearly! For me, Mamdani is the only answer unless we want ICE and rump to rule the city. We don't need a rump apologist or another old fascist. As a Jew (antizionist) I love Mamdani. He understands the problems inherent in letting isn't-real (the technopowerful genocidal state) run and ruin us with their technology and weaponry to create a police state NYers do not want. He has great ideas, youth and the willingness to listen to the actual issues and problem-solve. He is the future, and he'll make sure NY stays affordable so my kid can afford to live here (if my kid ever finishes grad school and comes home). Yes, I want free buses. Yes, I want rent free grocery stores where bulk purchases make food affordable again. I want to vote for a person who isn't owned by real estate moguls. Mamdani forever!
Sounds like he is promoting what we have as a standard in Australia. That and compulsory voting on a Saturday in the US will truly make them more like the lucky country, Australia. In Australia EVERYONE can walk into a public hospital and get world class treatment.
Excellent analysis of Mamdani. But I'm not sure it is a prescription for the Democratic Party. Mamdani is an extraordinarily gifted politician, much like AOC. Most politicians, pretty much by definition, are average at their craft. Would the Mamdani approach work for them? I'm not sure.
I think a better model for most politicians might be Bernie Sanders. His personality may be basic shouty Jewish uncle, but he clearly defines an enemy: the oligarchs. Unless a candidate has unusual charisma, voters tend to vote against, rather than for. The Republicans have enemies: "elites" (read Jews); "thugs" (read non-white); and female subordination (uncoded.) The Democrats are poor at defining enemies. "We're-not-crazy" doesn't cut it. "Malefactors of great wealth" is more the ticket. It worked for Roosevelt.
Beautiful analysis. Lessons for the left and Democrats -- and for anyone wanting to build a new governing coalition to improve the lives of working people.
Great analysis! Mamdani is a master, grounded in real needs and real solutions. Thanks for the essay, Waleed.
Thanks for a terrific essay using concrete examples to chart the way forward. Wish it were required reading for every adrift Dem.
Great writing about a great politician!
"what sets him apart isn’t novelty; it’s conviction."
In 8 words, explains the fundamental problem with the Democratic establishment.
The details on how he stays "on message", even on Fox, are also fascinating and enlightening.
Mamdani's meteoric rise in the polls teaches us that Democrats should, first and foremost, TALK ABOUT AND DENOUNCE INCOME INEQUALITY
That makes so much more sense that the usual BS that mars NYC politics -- ethnic and religious slugfests
https://davidgottfried.substack.com/p/new-york-city-politics-an-exercise
People: Please write to me and tell me if you were able to click on the immediatelu preceding link. I fear that my links, to articles I have written, are automatically scrubbed or deleted from the computer.
The phrase “fog of intention” really stood out to me, a beautiful visualization of how I feel hearing moderate Democrat sound bites. There’s such a disconnect and helpless acceptance of futile attempts to change things.
We must move and speak in ways that can cut through the fog, and it sounds like Mamdani does it powerfully and beautifully. So excited to watch his come up. Awesome essay!
Thank you for speaking out so clearly! For me, Mamdani is the only answer unless we want ICE and rump to rule the city. We don't need a rump apologist or another old fascist. As a Jew (antizionist) I love Mamdani. He understands the problems inherent in letting isn't-real (the technopowerful genocidal state) run and ruin us with their technology and weaponry to create a police state NYers do not want. He has great ideas, youth and the willingness to listen to the actual issues and problem-solve. He is the future, and he'll make sure NY stays affordable so my kid can afford to live here (if my kid ever finishes grad school and comes home). Yes, I want free buses. Yes, I want rent free grocery stores where bulk purchases make food affordable again. I want to vote for a person who isn't owned by real estate moguls. Mamdani forever!
Thanks, Waleed. I hope every politician who is sincere about solving problems and interested in winning reads your analysis here.
Sounds like he is promoting what we have as a standard in Australia. That and compulsory voting on a Saturday in the US will truly make them more like the lucky country, Australia. In Australia EVERYONE can walk into a public hospital and get world class treatment.
Excellent analysis of Mamdani. But I'm not sure it is a prescription for the Democratic Party. Mamdani is an extraordinarily gifted politician, much like AOC. Most politicians, pretty much by definition, are average at their craft. Would the Mamdani approach work for them? I'm not sure.
I think a better model for most politicians might be Bernie Sanders. His personality may be basic shouty Jewish uncle, but he clearly defines an enemy: the oligarchs. Unless a candidate has unusual charisma, voters tend to vote against, rather than for. The Republicans have enemies: "elites" (read Jews); "thugs" (read non-white); and female subordination (uncoded.) The Democrats are poor at defining enemies. "We're-not-crazy" doesn't cut it. "Malefactors of great wealth" is more the ticket. It worked for Roosevelt.