After Party with Emily Jashinsky Vibe Shift Against Identity Politics, with Batya Ungar-Sargon, and How the Center-Left Failed, with David Leonhardt
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Jul 1, 2025 
Batya Ungar-Sargon, author of *Second Class*, critiques the rise of Zohran Mamdani in political circles for prioritizing economic issues over identity politics. She discusses the working class's shared interests across party lines and the failings of elite agendas. David Leonhardt, of the New York Times, dives into the center-left's disconnect and Mamdani's political savvy, while Emily Jashinsky reflects on a cultural vibe shift, questioning whether elitist values resonate with today's youth.
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Economic Focus Wins Mamdani Race
- Zoran Mamdani's campaign succeeded by focusing on economic issues and affordability, minimizing identity politics.
- Young voters respond strongly to economic populism over cultural identity themes currently.
Mamandani's Elite Populist Image
- Mamdani represents an over-credentialed elite masquerading as a working-class populist.
- His support mainly comes from affluent, college-educated voters, not from the traditional working-class base.
Working Class Consensus across Parties
- The working class across party lines shares common concerns about immigration and healthcare.
- Successful populist strategies must address these issues rather than focus on identity.
