Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York. Why is corporate America so terrified of a 34 year old Muslim?
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Nov 6, 2025 Zohran Mamdani's stunning rise to become New York's first Muslim mayor is a tale of resilience and vision. The hosts dive into Mamdani's progressive promises, like rent freezes and a $30 minimum wage, which resonated with voters. They discuss the smear campaigns he faced, branding him an antisemite, and how he effectively mobilized grassroots support. His direct communication style stands in stark contrast to traditional political doublespeak. The podcast highlights Mamdani's efforts to build a broad coalition while challenging corporate influence in a hopeful shift for progressive politics.
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Concrete Promises Mobilized Voters
- Zohran Mamdani campaigned with concrete, bold policies rather than vague promises.
- Clear proposals (rent freeze, free childcare, free buses, $30 minimum) mobilized large voter turnout.
Optimism Threatens The Powerful
- Standing for human goodness attracts intense institutional pushback.
- Challenges to optimistic politics come from entrenched powers threatened by equality, according to the hosts.
Demonisation And False Attack Ads
- Mamdani endured extreme demonisation, including insinuations he would welcome another 9/11.
- Attack ads and racist AI-generated images portrayed him as a criminal and anti-Semite yet he still triumphed.
