I think that’s downplaying how radical it was to self describe as a socialist politician in America when he did. His work in destigmatizing leftism was necessary for Mamdani to exist, and him winning a seat in the most undemocratic and unfair chamber of our parliament is incredibly impressive. Him challenging neoliberal hegemony in his 2016 and 2020 runs for president might’ve not succeeded, but it played a large role in every socialist win in this far right hellhole.
I don’t think Mamdani is as far left compared to current voters as Bernie was even 20 years ago. Him being mayor is more of a symbolic victory than one that will change the country. He was undoubtedly a response to the corrupt cop who used to be mayor, and the corporate opposition was a failed power grab by Democrats thinking they could use 2024 as an excuse to go further right. He’s a start, but we need DSA candidates to primary every establishment candidate they can to really change things.
I think that’s downplaying how radical it was to self describe as a socialist politician in America when he did. His work in destigmatizing leftism was necessary for Mamdani to exist, and him winning a seat in the most undemocratic and unfair chamber of our parliament is incredibly impressive. Him challenging neoliberal hegemony in his 2016 and 2020 runs for president might’ve not succeeded, but it played a large role in every socialist win in this far right hellhole.
I don’t think Mamdani is as far left compared to current voters as Bernie was even 20 years ago. Him being mayor is more of a symbolic victory than one that will change the country. He was undoubtedly a response to the corrupt cop who used to be mayor, and the corporate opposition was a failed power grab by Democrats thinking they could use 2024 as an excuse to go further right. He’s a start, but we need DSA candidates to primary every establishment candidate they can to really change things.