Bad Faith Episode 484 Promo - Can the Left Learn From Zohran? (w/ Ross Barkan)
Jun 23, 2025
Joining the conversation is Ross Barkan, a journalist and author of "Cuomo: Return of the Dark Prince." He shares his firsthand insights into socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani's rise in the New York City mayoral race. Barkan contrasts Mamdani's effective strategies with Andrew Cuomo's campaign missteps. The discussion highlights the left's struggle to unify support and mobilize resources against entrenched political figures, emphasizing the urgent need for aggressive progressive fundraising. It's a deep dive into what lessons the left can draw from this pivotal race.
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Cuomo's Failed Campaign Strategy
- Andrew Cuomo's campaign is remarkably poor, even worse than historically bad campaigns.
- Its lack of effective messaging and minimal personal engagement weaken his front-running position.
Campaign Messaging Weakness
- Cuomo's campaign lacks a clear affirmative message, making criticisms less focused and diluted.
- This diffusion allows voters to overlook his scandals and the hypocrisy of his endorsements.
Left's Institutional Failure in NYC
- The institutional and NGO left has largely failed to support Zoran Mamdani with money and infrastructure.
- This absence allowed Cuomo's well-funded super PAC to dominate, missing a crucial chance to mount an effective opposition.