In a recent opinion editorial for RedState, Becca Lower delves into the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party, particularly in the context of the New York City mayoral race.
The piece highlights the internal divisions that have surfaced following State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani's victory in the Democratic primary, a development that has piqued the interest of conservative observers who typically view Democrats as a unified front.
Lower notes a significant shift in union endorsements, as reported by The New York Times. Major unions, including the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, Local 32BJ SEIU, and the New York State Nurses Association, have thrown their support behind Mamdani, a democratic socialist.
These unions are rallying behind Mamdani due to his focus on affordability and working-class issues, promising robust grassroots campaigns to unseat incumbent Mayor Eric Adams in the upcoming general election.
However, the political landscape remains fluid. Mayor Adams has garnered support from business owners who previously backed former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Meanwhile, major Democratic donors are contemplating their next moves, with some considering an independent run by Cuomo or backing Adams, who is also running as an independent. Barry Diller, a media executive and significant donor, expressed his continued support for Cuomo, stating, "Id like Cuomo to still run."
The editorial also touches on the actions of far-left Democrats, such as Brad Lander, who engaged in cross-endorsement with Mamdani during the primary. Lower criticizes these politicians for their performative opposition to ICE agents, suggesting that such actions undermine their credibility.
Lower points out an intriguing aspect of the Democratic Party's current discourse, as highlighted by Lander's comments. Lander stated, "The line in the Democratic Party right now is not between progressives and moderates its between fighters and folders."
Despite having the opportunity to criticize establishment figures like Cuomo, Lander refrains, a stance shared by other progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Ocasio-Cortez has emphasized the importance of Mamdani's message over individual candidates, urging the Democratic establishment to learn from his electoral success.
Lower speculates that the reluctance of these progressives to directly attack establishment figures stems from a strategic desire to maintain influence within the party. They aim to promote a narrative centered on working-class empowerment while ensuring they remain aligned with party power brokers. This cautious approach reflects a broader strategy to retain power and influence, even as they advocate for progressive policies.
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