During a recent rally for New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered a fervent speech that drew comparisons to Howard Dean's infamous 2004 Iowa caucus address.
The event, held in Queens, was marked by Ocasio-Cortez's impassioned rhetoric and the presence of Senator Bernie Sanders, both of whom are known for their far-left political stances. Mamdani, a candidate with a controversial platform, has openly stated his intention to raise property taxes based on race, specifically targeting white individuals.
As reported by Gateway Pundit, Mamdani, a self-proclaimed Communist Muslim originally from Uganda, is challenging former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the mayoral race. Despite his radical views, Mamdani has garnered endorsements from prominent Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
The rally's theme, "New York is Not For Sale," underscored Mamdani's commitment to opposing the influence of wealthy elites and oligarchs who support his political adversaries.
The rally attendees, energized by the candidate's message, chanted slogans like "Tax the Rich!" and expressed their disapproval of Governor Hochul. Ocasio-Cortez, known for her theatrical delivery, adopted various accents as she addressed the crowd, echoing the diverse immigrant history of New York City. "
This city was built by the Irish escaping famine, Italians fleeing fascism, Jews escaping the Holocaust," she proclaimed. She continued to highlight the contributions of Black Americans, Latinos, Native Peoples, and Asian-Americans, emphasizing their role in creating what she described as "the freest, toughest, and greatest city on earth."
The rally coincided with the commencement of early voting in New York City, which saw a significant increase in voter turnout compared to previous years. According to The New York Post, the New York City Board of Elections reported 79,409 early voter check-ins by the close of polls on Saturday night, a notable rise from the 15,418 recorded four years prior.
The breakdown of ballots cast included 24,046 in Manhattan, 22,105 in Brooklyn, 19,045 in Queens, 7,793 in the Bronx, and 6,420 in Staten Island.
As the mayoral race intensifies, the involvement of high-profile figures like Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders highlights the deep ideological divides within the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape of New York City. The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the city's future, particularly in terms of taxation and governance.
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