Mixed Signals from Semafor Media The secret to Zohran Mamdani’s winning media strategy is simpler than you think
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Jul 3, 2025 
Morris Katz and Rebecca Katz, powerhouses from the political ad agency Fight, share insights from Zohran Mamdani's unexpected Democratic primary win. They discuss the groundbreaking use of vertical videos, like the viral "Halalflation," that helped engage younger voters. The conversation dives into how authenticity and relatable content have reshaped political communication. They also highlight the shift from traditional campaigns to more spontaneous, emotionally-driven strategies, offering lessons for future political candidates navigating modern media.
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Zoran's Viral Video Ideas
- Zoran Mamdani generated many ideas for viral videos, including jumping into freezing water in a suit for rent freeze publicity.
- The campaign trusted Zoran's instincts and empowered him to lead strategy and content creation.
Trump and Zoran's Media Mastery
- Trump's social media savvy redefined political communication by directly shaping news cycles.
- Zoran used the reverse tactic, focusing on a real affordability crisis and raising it to the forefront.
Candidate Media Fluency Matters
- Candidates must understand and adapt to current media forms like TikTok, reels, and YouTube shorts.
- It's crucial to have candidates who are native to social media, not just learning it from others.