During a recent appearance on CNN, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey sidestepped inquiries regarding his stance on Zohran Mamdani, a socialist contender for the mayoralty of New York City.
This evasion comes amidst a backdrop of mixed reactions from Democrats, with some rallying behind Mamdani while others remain reticent.
As reported by The Post Millennial, the interview aired on Sunday, featuring CNN's Manu Raju questioning Booker on whether he would back Mamdani, who recently triumphed over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral primary.
Raju inquired, "Democratic leaders are not supporting [Mamdani]. Is that a problem? Do you support him?" In response, Booker sidestepped the question, emphasizing unity over division. He remarked, "The lines that divide us in America are not nearly as strong as the ties that bind us."
Booker further elaborated on his perspective, criticizing the divisive narratives often perpetuated by large corporations. "Big corporations, people want to keep our eyes on the screen, want to pit us against each other and tell us how much we should hate each other. I am sorry. The left-right lens is not the right lens to look at this right now," he stated. Instead, he advocated for a focus on pragmatic governance.
Despite Raju's persistent questioning, Booker refrained from endorsing Mamdani, reiterating his focus on New Jersey's political landscape. "I have learned a long time ago: Let New York politics be New York politics," Booker declared.
He highlighted his commitment to supporting Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey's gubernatorial race and other local legislative contests, while expressing affection for New York City as a neighboring entity.
Mamdani's campaign, characterized by proposals such as rent freezes and government-run grocery stores, has resonated with far-left activists, leading to his unexpected victory in the Democratic primary. His candidacy has attracted endorsements from prominent figures like Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and members of the congressional "Squad," including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former Rep. Jamaal Bowman.
Nevertheless, Mamdani's socialist platform has not garnered universal support within the Democratic Party. Some left-wing activists and politicians are urging New York Democratic leaders, including Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, to endorse Mamdani.
According to the New York Daily News, Senator Warren has actively encouraged these leaders to align with Mamdani's vision, as evidenced by her recent campaign appearance in Manhattan.
The reluctance of certain Democrats to endorse Mamdani underscores the ideological tensions within the party, as it grapples with the influence of progressive voices. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the question remains whether Mamdani's candidacy will bridge or further widen the divide among Democrats.
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