By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Despite dire warnings from right-wing media about the potential negative impacts of Zohran Mamdani’s election, the new mayor has instead focused on fulfilling campaign promises. Mamdani’s early actions included creating task forces for affordable housing and initiating “rental ripoff” hearings to address tenant concerns. He also implemented initiatives like providing free childcare for two-year-olds and addressing municipal repairs, such as fixing a problematic cycling ramp on the Williamsburg Bridge. These moves have drawn criticism from some right-wing outlets, but have also been met with support from his constituents.
Read the original article here
Mamdani’s first 10 days: getting things done despite right’s dystopian fantasies
Mamdani’s first 10 days are a testament to the power of tangible action, especially in the face of relentless negativity and the manufactured outrage machine. His approach, particularly his focus on fixing immediate, visible problems like potholes, highlights a fundamental truth: people respond positively to competence and a genuine effort to improve their daily lives. This is especially relevant when contrasted with the endless cycle of partisan bickering and performative outrage that often defines political discourse. While the right-wing machine cranks out the usual dystopian fantasies, Mamdani’s moves focus on doing things that just get done.
It’s fascinating to see how the opposition responds to such straightforward actions. The very people who once loudly decried him as a “fascist-communist-anarchist Muslim terrorist” are now conspicuously silent. They’re rendered irrelevant because the rhetoric of fear and division loses its punch when confronted with the reality of competence. It’s a stark contrast to the usual playbook, which often involves focusing on divisive cultural issues rather than addressing concrete needs. The whole “Blue MAGA” concept, obsessed with hate and division, is exposed when someone just rolls up their sleeves and starts doing the work.
This approach resonates because it addresses a deeply felt need for practical solutions. While larger policy changes are crucial, the everyday experience of living is shaped by things like infrastructure. Fixing a broken bike path, for instance, sends a powerful message that the government is actually working for the people. This focus on small, impactful improvements can foster a sense of trust and engagement that’s often lacking in today’s political climate. It’s not about grandstanding or ideological purity; it’s about making a demonstrable difference in people’s lives. And most of the time, the right-wing fear mongers and political critics are nowhere to be found when real change is implemented.
It’s also worth noting the sheer audacity of simply *doing* things. While some politicians are stuck in the quagmire of committees, consultants, and endless analysis paralysis, Mamdani is showing that direct action can yield immediate results. He’s not waiting for years of studies or hearings; he’s getting things done in a way that directly contradicts the narrative that government is inherently inefficient or incapable. It’s a powerful challenge to the status quo and a potent reminder that politics can be about serving the public rather than self-serving agendas.
The opposition’s responses are telling. They can’t attack him for incompetence or corruption because he is actually delivering. Their only recourse is to revert to personal attacks, attempting to paint him with labels that simply don’t stick when confronted with the reality of his actions. This desperation reveals the bankruptcy of their own approach, which relies on fear, division, and an unwillingness to engage in the hard work of governing.
Ultimately, Mamdani’s success hinges on his ability to stay focused on the fundamentals. The relentless negativity from the right, with their constant stream of dystopian predictions, is a testament to the fear they have of real progress. His willingness to avoid the usual pitfalls of political grandstanding in favor of practical action is the most significant aspect of his success. His campaign was a textbook example of leveraging strengths with a clear message. The victory against entrenched money and legacy names highlights the potential for sustained progressive voting, a shift that could reshape the political landscape. By prioritizing tangible improvements and ignoring the noise, he is showing a clear path to building a better city and, perhaps, a better nation.