By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Centrist Democrats frequently adopt messaging that mirrors Republican talking points, even when those points are not entirely accurate, as seen with Andrew Cuomo’s crime rate fearmongering. This approach alienates potential Democratic voters, especially those affected by the issues being discussed, leading to decreased motivation to participate in elections. Furthermore, centrist Democrats often fail to directly address material needs, particularly economic issues, as effectively as their more progressive counterparts. Finally, unlike centrist Democrats, politicians like Mamdani are willing to introduce new and innovative policy solutions, rather than merely incremental adjustments to existing services.
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Mamdani Did All the Things the Establishment Hates. He Won Anyway. This phrase captures the essence of a remarkable political upset. The establishment, a nebulous term encompassing the traditional power structures of both Democrats and Republicans, often favors candidates who adhere to certain unspoken rules. These rules typically involve playing it safe, fundraising within established channels, and avoiding stances that could be perceived as too radical or disruptive. Mamdani, however, seems to have thrown the playbook out the window. He embraced authenticity, stood firm on his principles, and in doing so, he not only survived but thrived, demonstrating that the establishment’s methods are not the only path to victory.
The establishment dislikes authenticity because it’s unpredictable, uncontrollable. It’s difficult to manipulate someone who is genuine, who speaks their mind without fear of alienating the “right” people. Mamdani’s willingness to call out powerful figures, from the former federal government to the influence of certain interests, clearly resonates with voters who are tired of the status quo. His directness and conviction, even when challenging entrenched power dynamics, seem to have galvanized support, which is something the establishment can’t seem to comprehend.
His success raises fundamental questions about fundraising. Did he raise half the money as another candidate? It seems so. Yet, the internet has leveled the playing field, allowing anyone to get worldwide attention. This is a radical change, and the establishment isn’t quite sure how to handle it. We are seeing people going to extreme lengths and spending large sums of money to try and stop him, rather than pay a little more in taxes.
This victory might be the start of a progressive wave, and it’s a welcome one. The current approach, as the supporters see it, has not worked for some time. The fact that people are demanding his citizenship be revoked and that he be deported says a lot about the level of fear and concern that is currently running rampant. The fact that Mamdani emerged in the primary is hopefully a collective harbinger of change. The supporters of the new way are clearly saying, “Fuck the establishment.”
The context of this win is a local election, and the fact that the people are voting in their own interest, rather than falling in line, is not something that is considered often. People in New York are voting to take care of New Yorkers, and that is what really matters. The victory is a sign of strength and independence, and not some political proxy war being fought for outsiders.
Mamdani’s campaign offered a refreshing contrast to the usual political fare. He was willing to try new, bolder approaches to address local issues, like considering municipal grocery stores. The more the establishment attacks, the more the voters become intrigued. The establishment’s fear and the voters’ intrigue is a sign that the Democratic voters are tired of the current establishment and its stale ideas. The whole point of the opposition research is to try and find something wrong with the candidate, but the more that is shown, the more that the candidate’s genuineness is revealed. He is someone who speaks his mind and is genuine about his positions.
In many ways, Mamdani represents a rejection of the establishment’s preferred methods. He is not a politician who is afraid to offend a few people in order to stand up for his convictions, and it appears his voters appreciate him for that. The fact that he won despite breaking the establishment’s unwritten rules is a victory for the voters and what the people want. Mamdani ran a good campaign and spoke out for the people. He is not the establishment, and the public is reacting to that fact.