Latest news with #CommunistLunatic
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democrats fret about national fallout after Mamdani stuns in New York City
NEW YORK (AP) — The stunning success of Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old self-described democratic socialist, in the race for New York City mayor has exposed anew the fiery divisions plaguing the Democratic Party as it struggles to repair its brand nearly half a year into Donald Trump's presidency. A fresh round of infighting erupted among Democratic officials, donors and political operatives on Wednesday, a day after Mamdani's leading opponent, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, conceded the Democratic primary. Mamdani appears on a glide path to the nomination, though ranked choice vote counting will determine the final outcome next week. Many progressives cheered the emergence of the young and charismatic Mamdani, whose candidacy caught on with viral campaign videos and a focus on the cost of living. But the party's more pragmatic wing cast the outcome as a serious setback in their quest to broaden Democrats' appeal and move past the more controversial policies that alienated would-be voters in recent elections. Indeed, Wednesday's debate was about much more than who would lead America's largest city for the next four years. Giddy Republicans viewed Mamdani's success as a political gift that would help shape elections across New Jersey and Virginia this fall and into next year's midterms. And while such predictions are premature, national conservative media focused on the New York election with fresh zeal, suggesting that Mamdani's emerging profile as a prominent Democratic leader will surely grow. Trump took aim at Mamdani on social media, calling him 'a 100% Communist Lunatic.' 'We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous," the president wrote. 'Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country.' Some Democrats think so, too. Lawrence Summers, the Treasury Secretary under former Democratic President Barack Obama, aired dire concerns on social media. 'I am profoundly alarmed about the future of the (Democratic Party) and the country" because of the New York City results, Summers wrote. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who had endorsed Mamdani, scoffed at such Democratic critics and instead called for them to follow Mamdani's lead. 'In many ways, Mamdani's campaign really shows the direction in which the Democratic Party should be moving. And that is not to worry about what billionaires want, but to worry about what working-class people want," Sanders told The Associated Press. The Vermont senator warned Republicans against premature celebration. 'People like Mamdani are their worst nightmares," Sanders said of the GOP. 'It's one thing for the Democrats to be strongly against Donald Trump. It is another thing to give working class people something to vote for — a positive agenda." Assuming Mamdani ultimately is the Democratic nominee, he would move to a November election against embattled Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and maybe even Cuomo again, should he also choose to run as an independent. A member of the New York state Legislature since 2021, Mamdani won over Democratic primary voters with an optimistic message centered on the cost-of-living backed by a sprawling grassroots campaign that brought out thousands of volunteers across the city's five boroughs. Initial precinct data shows that he did well in the city's wealthier enclaves while Cuomo struggled in all but majority Black and orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, along with the more conservative Staten Island. Mamdani's rise was aided by Cuomo's baggage. The 67-year-old Democrat was trying to mount a political comeback from a sexual harassment scandal that forced him to resign the governorship in 2021. Mamdani has had to sidestep a field of landmines of his own making, centered on his policies and political rhetoric. He called the New York Police Department 'racist, anti-queer and a major threat to public safety' in a 2020 social media post. As a mayoral candidate, he softened his stance and said that the police served a vital role. Still, he pushed for the creation of a new public safety department that would rely more on mental health care services and outreach workers. On Israel's war in Gaza, he used the term 'genocide' to describe Israel's actions in the conflict. In the primary's closing stretch, Mamdani also defended the phrase ' globalize the intifada,' which he described as 'a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights.' He also faced criticism over his identity as a democratic socialist, a label he refused to back away from. Mamdani's agenda includes free city bus service, free child care, government-run grocery stores, a rent freeze for people living in rent-regulated apartments and new affordable housing — all paid for by raising taxes on the rich. Matt Bennett, co-founder of the centrist Democratic group Third Way, warned that Mamdani's policies are a political problem for the Democratic Party. 'The fact that Mamdani is young, charismatic, a great communicator — all of those things are to be emulated,' Bennett said. 'His ideas are bad. ... And his affiliation with the (Democratic Socialists of America) is very dangerous. It's already being weaponized by the Republicans.' Mamdani's age and ethnic background also earned praise from allies across the country. He would be the youngest New York City mayor in more than a century and its first Muslim and Indian American mayor if elected. After keeping quiet on Mamdani throughout his primary campaign, three of New York's top Democrats, Gov. Kathy Hochul, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, praised the progressive upstart but stopped short of endorsing him after his victory seemed assured. The Democratic leaders, largely considered moderates, applauded his focus on affordability and said they had spoken with him, although none explicitly said they would support him in the November general election. Mamdani's Democratic critics feared that he would make their task this fall and in next year's midterm elections, which will decide the balance of power in Congress, even more difficult. The group, Republicans Against Trumpism, a key Democratic ally in the 2024 election, predicted that Republicans would make Mamdani 'the face of the Democratic Party, hurting moderates in swing districts and Democrats' chances of taking back the House.' In a Wednesday radio interview with WNYC, Mamdani acknowledged that his contest had become part of the national debate. 'It has been tempting I think for some to claim as if the party has gone too left,' he said. 'When in fact what has occurred for far too long is the abandonment of the same working-class voters who then abandoned this party." ___ Associated Press writers Matt Brown and Joey Cappelletti in Washington and Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report.
India.com
2 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Trump Labels Zohran Mamdani 100% Communist Lunatic Following NYC Mayoral Primary Win
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic socialist who won the New York City mayoral primary election. Mamdani secured 43.5% of the vote with 90% of ballots counted, defeating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Trump took to his Truth Social platform, labeling Mamdani a "100% Communist Lunatic" and mocking his appearance and intelligence. He also criticised other progressive leaders who support Mamdani, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Senator Chuck Schumer. "It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor," Trump wrote. "We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he's not very smart, he's got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin' Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!" Trump didn't stop there. In another post, he mocked the Democratic Party's performance and made fun of other progressive politicians. "I have an idea for the Democrats to bring them back into 'play.' After years of being left out in the cold, including suffering one of the Greatest Losses in History, the 2024 Presidential Election, the Democrats should nominate Low IQ Candidate, Jasmine Crockett, for President, and AOC+3 should be, respectively, Vice President, and three High Level Members of the Cabinet – Added together with our future Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and our Country is really SCREWED!" Trump said. Mamdani's campaign focused on progressive policies, including establishing city-run grocery stores, freezing rent increases in rent-stabilized housing, and providing free city buses. These initiatives would be funded by a $10 billion tax increase on businesses and wealthy residents. As a democratic socialist, Mamdani's platform resonated with many New Yorkers seeking bold change. Mamdani has been outspoken on foreign policy, taking a strong pro-Palestinian stance. He has vowed to have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he visits New York City, citing International Criminal Court arrest warrants. Mamdani has also supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement during pro-Palestinian protests. Trump's criticism of Mamdani has sparked debate, with some defending Mamdani's policies and others echoing Trump's concerns. Mamdani's supporters view him as a bold and much-needed progressive voice for New York. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has conceded the election, congratulating Mamdani on his victory. If Mamdani wins the final election, he will become New York City's first Muslim mayor. His victory signals a potential shift in the city's governance, with a focus on progressive policies and social justice. The outcome also highlights the growing popularity of progressive ideas in New York City.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Grating voice, terrible looks, backed by dummies: Donald Trump calls Zohran Mamdani '100% lunatic' after NYC primary win
Zohran Mamdani , a 33-year-old progressive and self-described democratic socialist, has become the unexpected centre of American political debate after defeating Andrew Cuomo in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. His upset win drew an immediate and hostile response from Donald Trump , who issued a barrage of insults on his Truth Social platform. 'It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor,' Trump wrote. He added, 'We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he's not very smart, he's got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin' Chuck Schumer, is grovelling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!' Targeted by Trump and the right Trump's remarks have amplified efforts by Republicans to cast Mamdani as a symbol of what they call the radical left. The former president sarcastically proposed that Democrats should nominate Rep. Jasmine Crockett as their 2028 presidential candidate, with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as her running mate, and Mamdani joining their Cabinet. 'After years of being left out in the cold, including suffering one of the Greatest Losses in History, the 2024 Presidential Election, the Democrats should nominate Low IQ Candidate, Jasmine Crockett, for President, and AOC+3 should be, respectively, Vice President, and three High Level Members of the Cabinet – Added together with our future Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and our Country is really SCREWED!' he wrote. Live Events This rhetoric is not new. Trump has long targeted progressive Democrats, especially those associated with 'The Squad.' Mamdani, who represents parts of Queens, now joins that list. A campaign that defied the odds Mamdani's path to the nomination was shaped by a platform that included free bus services, corporate tax hikes, and strict rent control. His digital campaign struck a chord with younger voters, and endorsements from Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders boosted his progressive credentials. In the Democratic debate, Mamdani directly addressed Donald Trump saying, 'I am Donald Trump's worst nightmare, as a progressive, Muslim immigrant who actually fights for the things I believe in.' He also criticised Trump's immigration policies as authoritarian and slammed billionaire donors who backed Cuomo, saying they were 'the same billionaires that put Donald Trump in DC.' The Cuomo factor and Democratic tensions Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 following multiple sexual harassment allegations—which he denied—had backing from establishment figures including former President Bill Clinton. Cuomo conceded the race but has not ruled out an independent bid. The outcome has deepened tensions between the party's old guard and its progressive base. Mamdani's victory is being read by many as a referendum on the future direction of the Democrats. Adams joins in, plans independent run Mayor Eric Adams , who plans to run as an independent, was also quick to attack Mamdani. In a Fox & Friends interview, he called the state legislator a 'snake oil salesman' who would say 'anything to get elected.' He also raised questions over Mamdani's position on Israel, 'What NYC deserves is a mayor who's proud to run on his record—not one who ran from his record, or one who has no record,' Adams posted on X. 'We deserve a mayor who will keep driving down crime, support our police, fight antisemitism, and stand up for working-class New Yorkers.' Adams has himself faced scrutiny after the Justice Department dropped a corruption case against him earlier this year, shortly after Trump took office. The move sparked speculation about a quid pro quo involving immigration enforcement, though both Adams and the DOJ have denied wrongdoing. Mamdani, the son of Indian-born filmmaker Mira Nair, has not only been criticised for his politics but also targeted for his religion. Some right-wing activists have circulated conspiracy theories linking him to 9/11 and questioning his loyalty, despite no basis for such claims. He has been outspoken against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, describing it as 'genocide,' while asserting he is not antisemitic. Mamdani has pledged to protect Jewish New Yorkers and expand resources to combat hate crimes against all minorities. The battle for New York's City Hall has morphed into a national spectacle. With Mamdani, Adams, and possibly Cuomo all heading to the general election, the race reflects broader divides in American politics—between left and centre, old and new, and rhetoric and policy. The result will not only shape New York City's leadership. It could also serve as a marker for the direction Democrats take into the next presidential cycle.
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
'100 per cent communist lunatic': Trump slams Indian- American Zohran Mamdani after NYC primary win
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday unleashed a series of fiery attacks on Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani following the his strong showing in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary. The 33-year- old Indian- American secured 43.5 per cent of the vote with 90 per cent of ballots counted, prompting former Governor Andrew Cuomo to concede the race. Trump, posting on his social media platform Truth Social, labeled Mamdani a '100% Communist Lunatic' and took aim at his appearance, intelligence, and political alliances. Trump also lashed out at other progressive figures who have backed Mamdani, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Senator Chuck Schumer. 'It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line,' Trump wrote. 'Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary and is on his way to becoming Mayor. We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous.'
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
6 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
'100% Communist Lunatic': Trump lashes out at Mamdani after New York primary win
Zohran Mamdani's victory in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary has sparked strong reactions, with Trump attacking him on social media and calling him a 'Communist Lunatic.' read more US President Donald Trump criticised Zohran Mamdani after the 33-year-old democratic socialist won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Mamdani 'a 100 per cent Communist Lunatic' and accused the Democratic Party of having 'crossed the line.' 'He looks terrible, his voice is annoying, he's not very smart, and he's backed by AOC and others who I call 'Dummies',' Trump wrote. He also mocked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, calling him 'Cryin' Chuck' for supporting Mamdani. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In another post, Trump suggested Democrats should nominate Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett for President and give Cabinet roles to 'AOC+3.' He added, 'With Mamdani as our future Communist Mayor, the country is really screwed.' Mamdani declared victory Tuesday night after Andrew Cuomo conceded. With 93 per cent of the votes counted, Mamdani led with 43.5 per cent, while Cuomo trailed at 36.4 per cent. Cuomo praised Mamdani's campaign, calling it 'smart, good, and impactful.' Mamdani's campaign focused on cost-of-living issues like freezing rent and expanding public services. His win has deepened divisions within the Democratic Party, with two union leaders stepping down from the party's leadership board. Although Cuomo may run as an independent in the general election, Mamdani is currently the favourite, given Mayor Eric Adams's low approval ratings and the city's strong Democratic lean. Since no candidate won more than 50 per cent of the vote, second-choice ballots will now be counted, a process expected to favour Mamdani. Mamdani has represented Astoria, Queens, in the New York State Assembly since 2021. His mayoral platform includes plans for city-run grocery stores, free buses, and rent freezes—all to be funded by a proposed $10 billion tax increase on wealthy residents and corporations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On foreign policy, Mamdani has taken a strong pro-Palestinian stance, drawing criticism from pro-Israel groups. He has said he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York, citing an ICC arrest warrant issued in late 2024. Mamdani has also supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement during recent protests. Supporters see Mamdani as a bold and progressive voice for change in New York City.
