On Point | Podcast The Democrats divided over populism
Jul 10, 2025
Amit Singh Baga, a Democratic strategist and former advisor to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, joins Kate DeGroiter from the centrist think tank Third Way. They dive into the recent rise of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani in New York City, igniting debates on populism's role in the party's future. The discussion covers housing crises, food affordability, and the ideological divides between populist and traditional Democratic strategies. They also analyze the party's generational tensions and the importance of connecting with diverse voter concerns.
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Affordability is the Key Crisis
- Affordability is the number one crisis in New York City and across America now.
- Zoran Mamdani's populist, positive, specific vision targets rent freezes, cheaper groceries, and universal childcare.
Housing Construction Crucial For Affordability
- New York's rent stabilization covers about a million residents but most pay market rate rent.
- Housing construction and cutting red tape are essential alongside rent control for broad affordability.
Political Feasibility Requires Collaboration
- Tax reforms to fund Mamdani's policies need Albany's approval, but political interest exists.
- Collaboration between city, state legislature, and governor is possible amid political competition.