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.
Great analysis! Mamdani is a master, grounded in real needs and real solutions. Thanks for the essay, Waleed.
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.
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.
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.