Macrodose Mamdani's Momentous Win w/ Sarah Jaffe
9 snips
Nov 5, 2025 Join author and journalist Sarah Jaffe as she dives into the thrilling rise of Zohran Mamdani, from activist to a key player in New York politics. She reveals how Mamdani's grassroots listening shaped his campaign and resonated with voters, and discusses the reactions of the Democratic establishment. The conversation touches on the coalition that fueled his victory and the challenges he will face in office. Jaffe also explores the implications of Mamdani's victory for economic populism and the future of left-wing politics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Coalition-Building Beat TikTok Stardom
- Zohran Mamdani combined grassroots organizing with DSA political infrastructure and liberal endorsements to build a winning coalition.
- His rise reflects long-term local organizing meeting cross-class alliances rather than viral media tricks.
Learning From The Adams Election
- Eric Adams won the prior election after left splits and scandals, teaching the left to organize earlier and more coherently.
- That lesson directly shaped how Mamdani's coalition assembled and campaigned.
Simple Platform, Deep Roots
- The campaign distilled complex demands into five simple, relatable policies people could grasp quickly.
- Those policies tied to long-standing organizing wins and real community needs, boosting credibility.
