By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The upcoming mayoral election between Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani presents a stark contrast between centrist politics and a more progressive vision. Supporting Cuomo, despite his scandals and problematic policies, would be a vote for the status quo and a continuation of the Democratic Party’s history of political defeats. Mamdani’s candidacy represents a challenge to the centrist establishment and offers a more hopeful path forward, inspiring a movement that could bring about positive change. The author expresses hope for Mamdani’s victory, not only as a rejection of Trumpism and current policies, but also as a statement against the outdated relevance of the centrist Democratic leadership.
Read the original article here
The Defeat of Andrew Cuomo Would Be a Devastating Loss for Scumbag Centrism
The potential defeat of Andrew Cuomo would be a significant blow, not just to his political aspirations, but to the entire edifice of what’s been aptly termed “Scumbag Centrism.” It’s a phrase that perfectly encapsulates a certain brand of political maneuvering – one that prioritizes the comfort of the powerful, the maintenance of the status quo, and the perpetuation of a “both sides” narrative, even in the face of glaring injustices. The enthusiasm for Zohran Mamdani, a candidate whose platform seemingly champions everyday Americans, highlights a stark contrast to Cuomo’s approach. A victory for Mamdani, or any candidate echoing his sentiments, would be a clear rejection of Trumpism and a potent message against the policies of “establishment” politicians.
The irony isn’t lost on many: some Democrats have endorsed Cuomo despite his past actions. The “long game” strategy, favored by many centrists, has demonstrably failed to deliver meaningful progress for working-class Americans. Instead, it has facilitated an unprecedented concentration of wealth at the top, fueling instability and inequality. A Cuomo victory, it is correctly argued, would mean more of the same: a continuation of the existing power structures that benefit the wealthy while paying mere lip service to the needs of the masses. It is believed that his defeat would represent an inflection point, signaling a growing desire for genuine change, a departure from the tired rhetoric of compromise and a willingness to fight for the interests of the working class.
Cuomo’s political career has been marred by scandals, including allegations of sexual harassment and accusations of covering up COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. His record, from his support for Republican-aligned Democratic state legislators to his handling of the pandemic, disqualifies him from high office. This type of behavior from someone in a high position cannot go unchecked. Yet, the Democratic Party’s willingness to embrace him, or at least tolerate his continued presence in the political arena, speaks volumes about its values. Many argue that a win by Cuomo would validate corruption and misogyny, and signal a lack of commitment to justice and equality. This is what’s so frustrating about “Scumbag Centrism”.
Many people rightly feel that the defeat of Cuomo would be a rejection of the kind of politics he represents. It would be a victory for those who are tired of seeing the Democratic Party align itself with the very forces it claims to oppose. It would provide an opportunity to reflect upon the state of the Democratic Party and the policies they’ve implemented. The focus on things like economic inequality, healthcare access, and the erosion of the middle class are very real concerns that are addressed by the other party, the republicans. The fact that these concerns are barely, if ever, addressed by the Democrats is a point of growing discontent. This all highlights how the current Democratic Party is running on fumes from decades ago.
Some are concerned that even if Cuomo were to lose, he may still run as a third party candidate. Such actions would undermine the efforts of progressive candidates, further illustrating the lengths to which “Scumbag Centrism” will go to maintain its grip on power. The goal of good radical centrists is not only about the election, but rather about the future. The idea that millionaires and billionaires could leave the state due to taxes is dismissed. The focus is on supporting those who will fight for the working class.
A Cuomo victory would be a victory for a legacy of centrism, corruption and disregard for the welfare of everyday Americans. The opposition to his candidacy is not merely about personal failings. It’s about the kind of politics he embodies: a politics that prioritizes the interests of the wealthy and powerful over the needs of the people. His defeat would serve as a warning to the establishment. It would be a message that voters are no longer willing to tolerate the status quo. It’s a message that could reshape the political landscape.
In this context, the defeat of Andrew Cuomo becomes more than just an election outcome. It becomes a symbol of a larger struggle – a struggle between the forces of progress and the forces of reaction, between the desire for genuine change and the inertia of the status quo. The current generation of the Democratic Party, the ones in charge, are seen as the ones propping up the current system. The people want a future of fighters and a renewed fight for the needs of all people, not just the top end of town.