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’m not downplaying Sanders. I explicitly measure him under unfair standards to point out that even under these European standards, Mamdani makes a difference. Sanders had a tour through Europe and talked to leaders who assured him that what he talks about is normal here.
What I heard about the two is that Sanders didn’t reach the black voters (FD Signifier talked about that a lot) and Mamdani built a network of solidarity with different marginalized groups, authentically cares about trans and queer issues and is in solidarity with Palestine while still winning Jewish votes for example.
Him being mayor is more of a symbolic victory than one that will change the country.
Yes, a symbol that makes me hopeful. Of cause having Sanders as president would be a greater change for the country. Changes on the federal level are obviously greater than a city. He is a start, a hopeful one, and – to quote Andor – Revolutions are built on hope.
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’m not downplaying Sanders. I explicitly measure him under unfair standards to point out that even under these European standards, Mamdani makes a difference. Sanders had a tour through Europe and talked to leaders who assured him that what he talks about is normal here.
What I heard about the two is that Sanders didn’t reach the black voters (FD Signifier talked about that a lot) and Mamdani built a network of solidarity with different marginalized groups, authentically cares about trans and queer issues and is in solidarity with Palestine while still winning Jewish votes for example.
Yes, a symbol that makes me hopeful. Of cause having Sanders as president would be a greater change for the country. Changes on the federal level are obviously greater than a city. He is a start, a hopeful one, and – to quote Andor – Revolutions are built on hope.
based and yeah, fully agree :3