The Playbook Podcast Mr. Mamdani goes to Washington
Nov 21, 2025
Two politicians from opposite ends of the spectrum unite over the pressing issue of affordability. President Trump pushes for redistricting changes in Indiana, while Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani prepares for a pivotal meeting in Washington. The contrasting backgrounds of Trump and Mamdani reveal the challenges ahead. Additionally, Barack Obama emerges as a mentor to rising Democrats, highlighting a leadership vacuum within the party. Can Mamdani navigate this complicated political landscape and find common ground?
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Indiana Senate President Pushback
- Roderick Bray described cordial White House conversations until a last angry call from President Trump.
- Bray said he prefers winning the 1st congressional district the traditional way rather than mid-cycle redistricting.
Redistricting Relies On Fragile Math
- Trump's redistricting push assumes 2024 margins will hold into 2026, which many in Indiana doubt.
- That skepticism fuels intra-party conflict and risky primaries that could waste resources on Senate fights instead of flipping the 1st district.
Gerrymandering As An Arms Race
- Partisan redistricting has become an 'arms race' where both parties fear unilateral disarmament.
- Institutional actors resist aggressive redraws partly from long-term strategic caution and fairness concerns.