The Hugh Hewitt Show: Highly Concentrated

Why Did 78% of 18-30 year olds in NYC vote for Mamdani?

Nov 12, 2025
Arthur Brooks, a social scientist and author of The Happiness Files, dives into the science of happiness and its key drivers. He explains how 50% of happiness is genetic, while habits play a huge role in achieving joy. Brooks shares four essential habits to enhance well-being: daily worship, maintaining family ties, fostering real friendships, and finding meaningful work. He also warns about the pitfalls of internet fame and emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with beliefs for greater fulfillment.
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INSIGHT

Youth Vote Driven By Economic Despair

  • Young NYC voters backed Mamdani largely from economic desperation and cultural grievances.
  • Comfortably Smug says visible economic anxiety and housing/AI fears drove extreme choices.
ADVICE

Prioritize Economic Messaging For Youth

  • Focus conservative outreach on economic concerns rather than intra-right differences.
  • Comfortably Smug says target messaging to young voters with humor, speed, and relatable formats like podcasts.
ANECDOTE

Ruthless Podcast Style Works With Youth

  • Comfortably Smug points to Ruthless podcast techniques: fast, funny, and game-like segments that engage younger audiences.
  • Hewitt and Smug recommend sending those formats to other podcasters to reach under-40s.
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