Well, as you know by now, Mamdani shocked the city by beating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary on Tuesday. A huge hurdle remains: 4November2025 when he runs against Cuomo (who will be allowed to compete as an independent), current mayor Eric Adams (also now an independent), the Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and other potential independent candidates.
Under normal circumstance, you would give Sliwa no chance. But this time, three Democrats will trisect their votes, providing Sliwa an opportunity to sneak in as mayor. I saw this WABC radio spot actually suggesting Sliwa as a possible Veep candidate last year.
Ranked choice will not be used. This process is called the first-past-the-post system.
- Voters will mark one candidate as their favorite.
- The person with the most votes wins.
- This individual will not need to gain more than half the votes.
- In other words, this is the usual way voting goes in the USA.
- How confusing can this be? Watch this video.
"Frankly, for Democrats, this is a time for choosing. Do they align themselves with a radical socialist who engages in antisemitism, hates the police, believes that illegal immigrants should have free everything, and you know, is basically going to destroy the finances of New York City?" Lawler posed. "They can't have it both ways."
And another: Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee referred to Mamdani as “little Muhammad” and said he’s “an antisemitic, socialist, communist who will destroy the great City of New York.”
Some Republicans are calling on Donald Trump to revoke Mamdani's citizenship and deport him for his Islamophobic bigotry.
Trump himself?
It’s finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor. We’ve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he’s not very smart, he’s got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!
- He was born in Uganda on 18October1991, and is thus 33 years old.
- His father is 79-year old Mahmood Mamdani of Indian ancestry (was born in Bombay), now serving as a noted professor of government at Columbia University, while also chancellor of Kampala International University in Uganda. Way back in 1965, he made a bus journey to Montgomery, Alabama to participate in the civil rights movement, and was jailed. Went on to obtain a PhD in government from Harvard in 1974.
- His mother is 67-year old Mira Nair who was born in India, and is now an American filmmaker based in New York City. Her production company has produced a number of award-winning films. Won Golden Lions for Monsoon Wedding and Salaam Bombay!
- Family brought him to New York City when he was seven.
- Graduated from Bowdoin College in African Studies.
- For a time was a hip-hop musician, and was music supervisor for one of his mom's films.
- Became a naturalized citizen in 2018.
- First elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020, and has been unopposed in reelections.
- Announced his candidacy for mayor in 2024 on a platform of free city buses, public child care, city-owned grocery stores, rent freeze and affordable social housing units.
- Is a Democrat and identifies himself as a democratic socialist. Is more liberal than Senator Bernie Sanders. Has the support of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
- Is a critic of Israel. 12% of New York City are Jewish.
- He is a Shia Muslim. 9% of NYC are Muslims.
- Has proficiency in Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and Spanish.
- This year got married to Syrian American artist Rama Duwaji.
- Is a fan of the New York Mets baseball team and New York Giants football team.
In other words, Zohran Mamdani has all the desirable attributes and weakness of a potential Republican opponent. Republicans should be thrilled. On the other hand, he should have thus been destroyed by Andrew Cuomo. Why did this not happen?
Democrats? Happy about his victory, but in general consternation, for he represents the extreme Democratic left, exactly what they were trying to avoid the past few decades.
Are Americans, experiencing the sixth month of Trump's presidency, beginning to turn against him? Or is New York City different? Amidst these conflicting points of view, are clues on what Democrats can do to better prepare for the 3November2026 midterm elections....if Trump allows for it.
- Democrats seem inclined to kick out the old for something new and refreshing. But shouldn't the party head in the direction of becoming more centrists, perhaps even integrate some MAGA-like principles?
- During the recent presidential campaign, Liberals hurt the Democratic Party, worse so by Progressives.
- Certainly, this opposition party couldn't possibly turn to the extreme direction of Democratic Socialists, as was shown by Mamdani. Democratic leaders said positive things, but not in support of his policies and proclivities.
- Won't know much until the New York City mayor's general election on November 4, 2025, for only 30% of New York city voters participated in this recent race.
One more intriguing political matter dealing with the Israel/U.S. vs Iran ceasefire.
- There is no certainty today on how successful those bunker-busters were in damaging Iran's nuclear facilities. And we might not truly know for years to come.
- Where is Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei? He is 86-years old and ailing, and has nominated his successors. He finally came out of hiding today.
- Will there be a regime change?
- 17 senior military commanders were killed in the latest war, and the current government is in jeopardy.
- There are opposition leaders, but most of them have been killed, jailed or exiled.
The most recent uprising in 2022 was sparked by the killing of Mahsa Amini for not properly wearing the hajib.- Allowed to proceed naturally, there is little hope for a democratic transition.
- However, if the current links Israel has established in Iran can work with the USA, who knows, maybe a way can be found for a fair national election. Yet, don't hold your breath on this possibility.
Into this scenario comes Reza Pahlavi, 64-year old eldest son of the last shah of Iran.- Was named Crown Prince in 1967.
- Graduated from the University of Southern California.
- Is a U.S. trained fighter pilot.
- Fluent in English, French and Persian.
- On his website says that Iran should become democratic and secular.
In March 2023, Pahlavi embarked on a tour of the United Kingdom and gave a speech to the Oxford Union. During the speech, he argued that "secular[ism] is a prerequisite to democracy" and that Islamic regimes fail by not accepting freedom of religion. He called for the right to Internet access to be restored to Iran to help communication between dissident movements and for non-violent tactics to be used in bringing down the Iranian regime. During the speech, a large demonstration took place outside in support of Pahlavi calling for his restoration.[29][30]
After that tour, also went to Israel.- In a 2024 poll, almost 80% of Iranians preferred Pahlavi over the current Islamic leadership.
- Reza Pahlavi promised in a June 2025 interview to Iran international that he would ensure "a lawful transition". Pahlavi stated that experts in transitional justice will ensure there are fair trials, promising every defendant the right to defend oneself in court. Pahlavi stated that unlike the 1979 revolution, no summary executions will be carried out. Pahlavi told Iran International that the transition will not be like the 1979 revolution. Pahlavi said they will ensure "equal rights for all Iranians—regardless of religion, ethnicity, or belief".[60]
- Is a Shia Muslim, as is Zhoran Mamdani.
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