His success has horrified some commentators. Foreign born, not white and unashamedly socialist. What could be worse? Oh, and he is Muslim.
The success of the 33 year old Zohran Mamdani to secure the nomination as the Democratic candidate for the mayor of New York raised a lot of questions for the Democrat leadership as well as Republicans. His easy defeat of former governor Andrew Cuomo, who enjoyed substantial financial backing from billionaires, has raised questions about the direction of the Democratic Party. Mamdani’s campaign was mainly funded by a large number of small donations. Could putting the party back in touch with the masses and representing their interests be replicated elsewhere? Taking big handouts from billionaires is quick and easy, but then they have expectations attached to the handouts.
His success has also caused problems for the Republicans who want to attack him but do not want to appear overtly racist or islamophobic. His support for Palestine and vilification of Israel over Gaza might seem to offer the opportunity to accuse him of being anti-Semitic. Unfortunately he has the support of several prominent Jewish people including Congressmen Chuck Schumer and Jerry Nadler. He has also published a detailed plan to tackle anti-Semitism in New York. With his spokesman, Andrew Epstein, being Jewish the anti-Semitic attack would flounder.
Zohran Mamdani essentials
Born : Kampala, Uganda
Religion : Muslim
Age moved to USA : 7
Education : Bronx High School of Science
Bowdoin College – degree in Africana Studies
Early activism : co-founded the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.
Employment : housing counsellor.
Interests : film, rap, and writing
But, but.. he’s foreign!
Laura Loomer has tried to navigate the pitfalls of all the obvious traps for the unwary bile merchant. The best she could come up with is referencing the fact that he is foreign. Bless her toxic shrivelled heart. Of course by this she means he isn’t white.
Many were quick to remind her of Arnold Schwarzenegger (Austrian govener of California), Ted Cruz (Canadian born Senator for Texas), Marco Rubio ( Cuban Senator for Florida) and other foreign Republican goveners and senators. Of course these are all white and Republican so they are okay.
Question
Are far right activists and politicians actually thick, or do they assume all their followers are stupid and have no ability to retain or seek facts?