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Unlike Zohran Mamdani, most Dems want prosperity — not class warfare

Unlike Zohran Mamdani, most Dems want prosperity — not class warfare

New York Posta day ago
Liberals and progressives are celebrating Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani's primary victory as proof that New York City is ready for a 'democratic socialist' revolution.
They're badly in need of a history lesson: Every socialist revolution has failed and set back the goals it meant to accomplish.
Everywhere it has been tried, socialism has meant economic decay at best and mass death at worst.
The global death toll from socialism and communism is roughly 100 million souls.
Whether the victims died in Stalinist gulags, Mao's Great Leap famine or Pol Pot's 'killing fields,' the underlying logic was the same: When the state owns everything, the individual owns nothing — not even his life.
Mamdani's own platform may seem more anodyne, but it is a distilled sampler of socialism's greatest failures: nationalized businesses (public utilities), price controls (rent freezes, 'affordable' everything) and government-run retail.
Meanwhile, capitalism's ledger shows no mass graves — only the lifted living standards of billions.
Even China's rise from Mao-made famine to middle-class affluence began the day Deng Xiaoping opened markets and let peasants keep what they grew.
Mamdani promises city-run groceries to 'bring down prices,' as if 8 million New Yorkers will flock to a public-owned store without remembering Venezuela's empty-shelf socialism.
He proposes a rent freeze, forcing down the price of housing. Berlin's leftist government tried the same stunt with its 2020 Mietendeckel: Apartment listings collapsed 41.5% in a single year.
He proposes fare-free buses. Tallinn, Estonia, made transit free in 2013; a Royal Institute of Technology audit found ridership rose barely 3% and car traffic scarcely fell, even as taxpayers picked up the heavy bill.
He proposes no-cost child care. Quebec's celebrated '$5-a-day' day care ballooned in cost and delivered a 'sizeable negative shock to non-cognitive skills' that lingered into adolescence, per the National Bureau of Economic Research — along with higher crime and lower life satisfaction.
All this is funded, naturally, by punishing 'the rich' — until they decamp to Florida, just as over a million wealth-holders fled Fidel Castro's Cuba, 6 million Venezuelans (most college educated) abandoned Nicolás Maduro's 'Bolivarian miracle' and 15% of Russia's millionaires bolted in a single year once Vladimir Putin's neo-Soviet expansion started.
The socialist mayoral hopeful's web site also touts 'public ownership of utilities,' a polite phrase for state takeover of the power grid.
Another of Mamdani's proposals is boosting the city's minimum wage to $30 an hour by 2030 — an 82% jump.
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That would saddle small employers with entry-level labor costs near $65,000 a year, forcing many to lay off staff, automate or close — and leave fewer rungs on the ladder for new workers.
Then there's policing. This may be the part of Mamdani's platform that is most acutely not what it seems.
In 2020, Mamdani embraced 'defund the police' during the city's summer of riots. Now he says he merely wants to shift funds to a new Department of Community Safety.
Here's the irony socialists rarely acknowledge: Every successful socialist leader, from Venezuela's Hugo Chávez and Maduro Venezuela to Colombia's Gustavo Petro and Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum's Mexico, has depended on a stronger, more intrusive police force to enforce rationing, suppress dissent and make those neat five-year plans look 'orderly.'
Finally, his 'Trump-proofing' proposal — getting ICE out of NYC and ending any cooperation with the feds — sounds like an open invitation for gangs like the Tren de Aragua and MS-13.
Do New York City socialists expect everyone to hold hands and sing Kumbaya?
Mamdani's agenda is doomed to fail because it doesn't understand that NYC's problem is not capitalism but its own government.
High costs in New York stem from layers of policy that strangle them: restrictive zoning locks 75% of residential land into one- and two-family lots, prevailing-wage and union rules push subway construction to an eye-watering $2 billion to $3 billion per mile, and the New York City Housing Authority's $80 billion repair backlog shows what happens when government runs housing.
Add the nation's heaviest big-city tax burden and miles of red tape, and you've got an economy in which prices climb and paychecks stall.
Why are Democrats doing this to themselves? Part of the answer is Donald Trump.
An unconventional Republican back in the White House has driven many liberals to think the best response is a hard-left hook.
But backing Mamdani's agenda clashes with that of the majority of Democratic voters who value prosperity over class warfare — among them the millions of Latinos who've escaped socialism, support Democrats and now face a party willing to impose on them the very ideas that prompted them to flee.
Santiago Vidal Calvo is a policy analyst at the Manhattan Institute. The views are his own and not those of the Manhattan Institute.
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NY Times rushed out story on Mamdani claiming to be black on Columbia application over fears it would be scooped by Christopher Rufo: report
NY Times rushed out story on Mamdani claiming to be black on Columbia application over fears it would be scooped by Christopher Rufo: report

New York Post

time34 minutes ago

  • New York Post

NY Times rushed out story on Mamdani claiming to be black on Columbia application over fears it would be scooped by Christopher Rufo: report

The New York Times rushed to put out its story on Zohran Mamdani claiming to be 'African American' when he applied to Columbia University because the newspaper feared it would be scooped by right-leaning journalist Christopher Rufo, according to a report. The Gray Lady is facing a storm of criticism following its decision to publish the story based on hacked Columbia documents that revealed Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, identified as both 'Asian' and 'Black or African American' on his 2009 college application. Mamdani, who is of Indian descent and was born in Uganda, confirmed the details to the Times and said he checked those boxes because the application did not reflect the complexity of his background. Advertisement 4 Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, claimed to be African American on his 2009 college application. Paul Martinka for NY Post Two people familiar with the reporting process told Semafor that the Times knew Rufo and other reporters were working on the same lead. Rufo confirmed to Semafor that he had been pursuing the story and planned to release more details on his Substack. Advertisement A Times spokesperson declined to say whether Rufo's reporting prompted the timing of the publication but referred Semafor to a prior statement given to the Columbia Journalism Review. 'What matters most here is whether the information was true and factual — it was, confirmed by Mr. Mamdani; that it was independently confirmed; and that it is relevant to the public,' Patrick Healy, assistant managing editor for standards and trust at the Times, told CJR. Mayor Eric Adams, who is running against Mamdani as an independent, publicly called on Columbia to release Mamdani's admission records, calling his racial identification 'deeply offensive.' Aides to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who lost to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, said Mamdani's claims on the form could be 'the tip of the iceberg' and that the state assemblyman could be hiding even more 'fraud.' Advertisement 4 The New York Times broke the story about Mamdani's application to Columbia University. Christopher Sadowski The Times piece drew criticism over the weekend, sparking heated debate among Mamdani's supporters, media observers and even Gray Lady journalists. Some critics defended Mamdani's racial identification, pointing out that he was born in Africa. Others questioned the ethics of reporting on a college application that was ultimately rejected, and whether hacked materials from a teenager's personal file merited a full news article. A large share of the criticism focused on the source of the documents — a online figure known using the psuedonym Crémieux. Advertisement Initially described by the Times as 'an academic and an opponent of affirmative action,' Crémieux has previously promoted controversial views on the link between race and IQ. According to The Guardian, Crémieux is the alias of Jordan Lasker. The Times later updated the article to note that Crémieux 'writes often about IQ and race.' The Post has sought comment from Rufo and Mamdani. Lasker was not immediately available for comment. Jane Kirtley, a media ethics professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, questioned the decision to grant the source anonymity. 'It seems a little disingenuous to play this game of 'We know something you don't know,'' she said. 'Why would you promise him anonymity and then play hide-the-ball with the readers?' She added: 'My question is: Why would you have even made that promise to this individual in the first instance? I don't see the need.' The story also caused friction within the Times newsroom. Advertisement 4 According to a report, the Times rushed the story's publication because it feared it would be scooped by right-leaning journalist Christopher Rufo. The Washington Post via Getty Images 'People are really upset,' one Times journalist told Semafor. Times columnist Jamelle Bouie was particularly vocal, posting on Bluesky: 'i think you should tell readers if your source is a nazi.' He deleted that post — and others expressing frustration with the article — citing a violation of Times social media guidelines. Bouie did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Lydia Polgreen, another Times columnist, shared her perspective without directly commenting on the story's newsworthiness. 'I can see why a political young man like Zohran might fill out his college application the way he did,' she wrote on Twitter. 'Because if you are like me, you struggle to be known in this country. Our visual sorting is so simplistic and quite brutal.' Polgreen, who is biracial with African parents, said she understood Mamdani's identification choices. Advertisement 4 Mamdani unsuccessfully applied for admission to Columbia University (whose campus is seen above). AP The Times leadership stood by the reporting. According to Semafor, senior editors were aligned in their decision to publish and approved the story after a standard editorial review. A senior Times reporter defended the story by pointing to the public conversation it had sparked. 'The fact that this story engendered all the conversation and debate that it has feels like all the evidence you need that this was a legit line of reporting,' the reporter said. Advertisement Still, critics questioned the newsworthiness of the article and the Times' choice to base it on stolen records. 'We publish stories once newsworthy information is confirmed and our reporters and editors have completed their work,' a Times spokesperson told The Post. 'That was the case with this story; we went to Mr. Mamdani, he confirmed our information as true, and our colleagues had done thorough reporting. We don't hit publish because others may be working on a story.'

Balthazar owner Keith McNally among NYC millionaires backing socialist Zohran Mamdani for mayor
Balthazar owner Keith McNally among NYC millionaires backing socialist Zohran Mamdani for mayor

New York Post

time34 minutes ago

  • New York Post

Balthazar owner Keith McNally among NYC millionaires backing socialist Zohran Mamdani for mayor

Balthazar owner Keith McNally — whose SoHo hotspot has been a magnet for A-listers and one-percenters for years — is throwing his support behind marxist New York City mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani. McNally — who owns more than a dozen eateries in Manhattan including Minetta Tavern, Pastis and Morandi — called the democratic socialist 'fantastic' on Instagram, adding: 'More so, when my affluent, paranoid friends tell me Mamdani's dangerous.' 6 Zohran Mamdani is the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor. Paul Martinka for NY Post Advertisement The restaurateur joins left-leaning financiers, corporate lawyers and other business leaders who are aligning behind Mamdani — despite his platform to tax wealthy to pay for his expansive social programs, according to the Wall Street Journal. Mamdani became the front-runner to lead the nation's center of capitalism by shocking former Gov. Andrew Cuomo to win the Democratic primary for mayor last month. His policy proposals include free public buses, a freeze on regulated rents, universal childcare starting at six weeks old and a pilot program for city-run grocery stores. Advertisement 6 Restaurateur Keith McNally, best known for owning and operating several iconic eateries including Balthazar, has praised Mamdani. Instagram/@keithmcnallynyc Yet a growing faction of millionaires sees Mamdani as a necessary force to address the city's deepening income inequality — and are willing to pay their 'fair share' to elect him over current Mayor Eric Adams, who will run as an independent. James Hueston, a 27-year-old venture capitalist, is part of a group of younger, upwardly mobile professionals, many in finance, who are backing Mamdani's campaign. 'In my eyes, I should absolutely be paying my fair share for the people that need it,' Hueston told the Journal, adding that his views don't represent those of his employer. Advertisement 6 Kathryn Wylde, president and chief executive officer of Partnership for New York, said she recently met with Mamdani. Bloomberg via Getty Images 'I don't think that he's increasing taxation for the sake of it. I think that he's doing it to fund very explicitly good policies.' Voting data show that about a third of the city's wealthiest residents supported Mamdani in the primary. Many donors — particularly from Wall Street and large law firms — have remained anonymous, citing concerns about being ostracized by colleagues or clients. One executive at a major bank told the Journal she feared for her safety and that of her family if her support became public. Advertisement Campaign finance records confirm that Mamdani received contributions from a trader at Jane Street Capital, a managing director at Deutsche Bank and several employees at Goldman Sachs. 6 Ahmed Haque, CEO of Didactic Labs, said that he is supporting Mamdani. Linkedin/Ahmed F. Haque While critics like billionaires Bill Ackman and Dan Loeb have denounced Mamdani's agenda and thrown their financial might behind Adams, others have offered words of encouragement. Bradley Tusk, a venture capitalist who ran Michael Bloomberg's third campaign for mayor, wrote on LinkedIn that New Yorkers should 'do what we can to help him succeed.' These unusual alliances may stem from a belief that Mamdani's proposals are either politically constrained or morally necessary. Some backers assume that Albany's control over taxation will prevent the most aggressive parts of his agenda from being enacted. Others argue that his focus on small businesses, transit equity and public health infrastructure could improve quality of life across the city. 'His qualifying comments have identified the capitalist system as promoting income inequality. A lot of people in business agree with him on that,' said Kathy Wylde, president of the Partnership for New York City, a major business group. Advertisement Wylde met with Mamdani in September and recalled him saying, 'I'm not in favor of government taking over your business.' 6 Mark Gorton, CEO of Tower Research, told the Journal he supports Mamdani's plan for free buses. Sportsfile via Getty Images Wylde, who did not offer an endorsement, added that Mamdani 'has already acknowledged that the housing crisis is only going to be addressed if there's an increase in private supply. So he's not just talking about social or socialized housing solutions.' Mamdani has also faced intense criticism from Jewish leaders and pro-Israel groups for defending the slogan 'globalize the intifada,' supporting BDS and sponsoring the 'Not on Our Dime!' Act, which aimed to block New York charities from aiding the Israeli military or settlements. Advertisement After the October 2023 Hamas attack, Mamdani condemned Israeli actions but did not explicitly criticize Hamas, further fueling accusations of bias. Some supporters said Mamdani's immigrant background and Muslim identity also influenced their decision to back him, particularly in contrast to Cuomo, who left office in disgrace over allegations of sexual harassment. Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! President Trump's threat to deport Mamdani, a naturalized citizen born in Uganda, has further energized parts of the city's diverse business class. Advertisement Even Mamdani's ads have struck a chord with entrepreneurial voters. In one campaign spot, he promises to cut red tape for street vendors. In another, filmed in a neighborhood bodega, he pledges to simplify permitting processes for small businesses. 'For immigrants coming to this country, these small businesses represent the single path for upward mobility that they have,' Ahmed Haque, CEO of Didactic Labs, told the Journal. 'Overall, they are far more open to Mamdani's message because the high costs of New York City are forcing them out of the city.' 6 James Hueston, a 27-year-old venture capitalist, said he would gladly pay more in taxes. Linkedin/James Hueston Advertisement Mamdani's coalition includes both immigrant entrepreneurs and prominent investors. Mark Gorton, CEO of Tower Research, told the Journal he supports Mamdani's plan for free buses and brushed off warnings that wealthy residents would leave the city if taxes rise. 'New York is a pretty special place,' he said. 'It's very hard to go somewhere else. And are you going to do it for an extra 2%?'

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