The Democratic Party appears to be experiencing a significant internal rift over the rise of Zohran Mamdani, a figure who has captured the enthusiasm of the party's far-left faction while instilling fear in its more traditional members.
Mark Penn, a former pollster for the Clintons, is among those expressing concern. During a recent appearance on FOX News, Penn described Mamdani's ascent as a "911 moment" for the Democrats, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation.
According to Gateway Pundit, Penn attributes Mamdani's primary victory in part to the controversial ranked choice voting system. In an interview on Fox News's "Americas Newsroom," Penn, who chairs The Harris Poll, urged those opposed to Mamdani's candidacy to focus on his refusal to denounce calls to "globalize the intifada" and his radical economic policies. "Look, this is a 911 moment for the Democratic Party, in the sense that hes an antisemitic socialist," Penn stated. He emphasized the importance of addressing both Mamdani's stance on the intifada and his comments advocating for the seizure of production means. "He is perhaps the most extreme major candidate ever to win such a major office," Penn added.
Penn further elaborated on his concerns via social media, describing Mamdani as a blend of socialism, antisemitism, and Marxism, appealing to a generation disconnected from historical and practical realities.
He pointed out the irony of Mamdani's support base, which consists largely of affluent, well-educated young individuals who have thrived under the very system they now criticize. Penn warned of the dangers of socialism, noting its tendency to lead to authoritarian regimes that undermine the freedoms currently enjoyed.
The rise of Mamdani, propelled by what Penn describes as "hipster socialists in Brooklyn," underscores a broader trend within the Democratic Party. This trend sees a growing divide between traditional liberals and a new wave of progressive activists.
Comedian David Angelo succinctly captured the sentiment, highlighting the paradox of well-off liberals backing a candidate whose policies could potentially erode the very freedoms they cherish. As the Democratic Party grapples with these internal tensions, the implications for its future direction remain uncertain.
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