Progressive Politics

Mamdani’s proposals are focused on what New York City voters told him they want.

I'd go a step further. He's championed some very popular local policies, but he's also trailblazing into territory that progressives still just have on the drawing board. The trick is that the progressive policies hinge on the municipal leadership providing real, tangible amenities to city residents.

Mamdani interviewed Trump supporters and listened to them.

Did Mamdani do well on Staten Island? Seems like that was Cuomo's turf. Seems like he was much more tuned in with Brooklyn, Uptown Manhattan, and the Bronx. One reason why Richie Torres has completely flip-flopped on Mamdani is tied to how well Mamdani did in Torres's district. Also why Jefferies is running scared.

But rent freezes and cheap groceries and free buses aren't terribly popular with the landlords and the car owners way out in the 'burbs. His failure to jerk off the NYPD is probably his biggest vulnerability, outside pissing off AIPAC by running as a non-self-hating Arab. That's where all of Adams's and Cuomo's supporters still live.