Below is my column on Fox.com on the debate that Democratic New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is a socialist, a Democratic Socialist, or a communist. What is clear is that Mamdani is a Marxist and that is a serious problem for New York.
Here is the column:
Zohran Mamdani was officially certified as the winner of the June 24 New York City Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday. He defeated former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on his way to a victory that is still sending shockwaves through the Democratic Party establishment and beyond.
The only question that remains: who is Zohran Mamdani? The debate is raging where he is antisemitic or just pro-Palestinian; anti-ICE or just pro-immigrant? However, one thing seems to be increasingly clear.
Mamdani is a serious Marxist and that should concern anyone in New York City.
Recently, PolitiFact declared that it was “false” that Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is a “communist.” This was in response to President Donald Trump‘s calling him a “100% Communist Lunatic” on Truth Social. However, while we can quibble over whether the term “communist” is supported by past statements, it appears that Mamdani is likely a Marxist.
PolitiFact characterized the use of the label by Trump and others as a “red scare tactic that has existed in U.S. politics for decades.” For those center-right in American politics, it may have seemed a tad ironic since conservatives and libertarians are routinely called “fascists” and the left has engaged in McCarthy-like tactics to blacklist and question the loyalty of those with opposing views. That is rarely the subject of “fact checks.”
We have repeatedly discussed the biased and sometimes false conclusions of PolitiFact (here, here, and here). On this occasion, PolitiFact may have once again been too quick on the trigger to denounce Trump and conservatives over characterizations of Mamdani’s political and economic views.
First, I have not joined those who have called Mamdani a “communist” as opposed to a “socialist” because these terms are interpreted in wildly different ways. For example, despite being a great critic of Mamdani and his views, I have not seen Mamdani advocating for single-party control over the political system or the complete centralization of the economy under government control.
However, it appears that Mamdani is a serious Marxist, based on recently revealed comments he has made. In one speech before the Young Democratic Socialists of America conference, Mamdani even states matter-of-factly how one of the goals is to “seize the means of production” in America.
“Right now, if we’re talking about the cancellation of student debt, if we’re talking about Medicare for all, you know, these are issues which have the groundswell of popular support across this country. But then there are also other issues that we firmly believe in, whether it’s BDS or whether it is the end goal of seizing the means of production, where we do not have the same level of support at this very moment.”
That does not sound like soft socialism, but fairly hardcore Marxism. It also contradicts PolitiFact’s statement that “Mamdani’s platform is not akin to communism, a system of government which calls for government takeover of private property and control of industry.”
To his credit, Mamdani is not denying that he opposes capitalism and wants to eliminate all billionaires. (He is not clear where millionaires might face their own cutoff for excessive wealth).
Mamdani is the perfect product of the extreme American left. He emerged from the Hollywood and academic environs where extreme views are the rage. He is the son of Professor Mahmood Mamdani, a far-left professor, and Mira Nair, a liberal Indian-American filmmaker. His father teaches subjects from “post-colonialism” to “race capitalism” at Columbia.
Mamdani is the prototype of what some of us have been writing about in the radicalization of higher education, particularly at elite colleges and universities. He graduated in 2014 from the elite Bowdoin College with a bachelor’s degree in African studies. These schools are now largely devoid of conservative faculty members. Scholars generally run from the left to the far left.
Polls show increasing support among young people for socialism and even communism. Notably, Mamdani received significant support in the primary from wealthy and young college-educated voters.
To put it simply, it is cool to be socialist among generations who did not experience the economic failures of socialist systems in the 20th Century in countries like Great Britain and France. They did not witness former communist countries turning to capitalism to rescue their failing economies.
Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary was fueled by promises of free buses, free healthcare, free daycare, as well as city-run grocery stores. He even promised “to make Halal eight bucks again.”
It is true that most countries, including the United States, have long embraced social welfare systems. It is also true that some programs once denounced as socialism are now considered mainstream. However, Mamdani’s categorical opposition to capitalism and his references to seizing control of the means of production suggest more extreme Marxist views.
Mamdani has tried to downplay fears over his views after his victory, stating:
“When we talk about my politics, you know, I call myself a Democratic socialist in many ways inspired by the words of Dr. [Martin Luther] King from decades ago, who said, ‘Call it democracy, call it Democratic-Socialism, there has to be a better distribution of wealth for all of God’s children in this country.'”
It is hard to “call it Democratic-Socialism” when you are talking about seizing control of the means of production and opposing capitalism. It suggests that his vision of a “greater distribution of wealth” is far more radical than anything Dr. King was referencing.
Mamdani would not be the first child from an affluent, privileged background to embrace Marxism. In my forthcoming book, Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution, I examine how revolutionaries, from the French Revolution to contemporary movements, have often come from the elite or privileged classes. I discuss the current radicalization in America in exploring the future of American democracy in the 21st Century.
There is a full-court press to dismiss questions about Mamdani’s philosophical views by many in the media and academia. After all, as Mamdani noted on “issues that we firmly believe in [like] the end goal of seizing the means of production… we do not have the same level of support at this very moment.” That support is growing by maintaining a cocoon of ambiguity.
There is a good-faith debate on whether the existing record supports a claim that Mamdani is a communist. However, there is ample reason to suggest that he is a Marxist. That should be a matter of significant concern, particularly as the possible head of government in the world’s greatest financial center.
Marx once said in frustration that “if anything is certain, it is that I myself am not a Marxist.” Perhaps, but Zohran Mamdani does appear to be a true, hardcore Marxist.
Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University and the best-selling author of “The Indispensable Right.”
This is who the New Democrat Party is, a Left Wing Radical Woke Party, Mamdani is one of their rising stars. The DEMS/MSM etc are protecting him. Telling he is not a Marxist, Communist etc. don’t believe what he has said in the past? Then we have the leadership, who are corrupt, coming out endorsing and parsing New Yorkers don’t cry and have buyers remorse, you have a terrible track record of picking terrible leadership.
I guess Mr. Mamdani never bothered to study Eastern Europe after they were able to cast off the Socialist/Communist Heaven that was imposed upon them by the Brilliant USSR. Seems they could not make their exit from the soviet system fast enough.
As far as suggested reading he should look at the mess Clement Atlee and the Labor Party (socialists) made of the UK where after losing the empire they then imposed near socialism by actually seizing industry and almost crashed the entire economy. It put the Labor Party in political Purgatory for years until Tony Blair resuscitated it. He called it New Labor while trying to distance himself from his socialist predecessors.
Of course there was some manipulation of the primary in New York, pushing it so far forward in the election calender to June and that apparently was done to guarantee a low vote total. Some interesting articles on that scheduling.
I no longer care what happens in New York. It has ceased to be the center of the universe in the US. Other vibrant places are assuming that role and Hollywood is making itself more irrelevant every day.
New York has about as good an outlook for the future as Thom Tillis, unless they suddenly return to sanity.
The center of gravity of America is moving decidedly south.
Ouch. This will leave a mark.
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“First, I have not joined those who have called Mamdani a “communist” as opposed to a “socialist” because these terms are interpreted in wildly different ways.”
Wow, leave it to Turley to join in calling Mamdani a Marxist because he quoted part of a larger statement and, as it’s always been the case, took it wildly out of context. Turley is playing the semantic game to ‘softly’ justify Trump’s false claims about Mamdani. He’s only doing this because Trump and MAGA is losing their minds over the “shock” that a Democratic Socialist could win an election in this country.
The hypocrisy about this column is he is taking Mamdani’s out-of-context statement and declaring he’s essentially a flat out Marxist to his gullible MAGA readers who can’t differentiate between socialist and communist. All the while Trump makes plenty of authoritarian comments and dictatorial actions and Turley is quiet as a mouse. Some have complained about “insulting” Turley because I criticize his obvious hypocrisy and disingenuous characterizations. As the saying goes, if the shoe fits.
Mamdani represents a threat to Trump and the Republican Party because he offers something different than what Trump and Republicans are currently offering and he’s appealing largely to the younger voters by huge margins. It also spells trouble for Republicans in the upcoming midterms. It’s already a bleak future for Republicans after the disaster in the Senate when they passed the BS “big beautiful bill”.
The hysteria about Mamdani’s election success is more about fear of Republicans losing the confidence of independent and younger voters, AND the Hispanic vote.
Go away and get your own blog, loser. Nobody here is going to read your tripe anyway, they just see your stupid name and move on.
Mamdani represents the best GIFT the GOP could ever hope to have! I for one hope he wins the general election. AOC and Crockett are awesome for the GOP, but they’re just crazy legislators with minimal power and influence. This guy in an EXECUTIVE role would truly be a boon for the GOP. Especially with Newsome term limited out, there needs to be another national cautionary tale of the lunacy that is the Democrat Party.
Remember Trump’s ad in the recent presidential election, “Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you?” I believe it was one of the most effective political ads in recent years and it was no more than reflecting the Democrats words back at them. Now think about all the great material the Republicans will get as Mamdani tries to bring Marxism to the Big Apple.
As a NY State resident, I’m hoping that mamdani’s win will scare the bejeezus out of the red parts of this state and elect Stefanik for governor. I’m all fir letting NYC self destruct.
Yet george. Polls show Prez Trump is growing and growing in numbers.
George, George, George………………………………………… What a stupid analysis- Anonymous is correct- just go away.
Yet again you show just how indoctrinated you are. Do progs get vaccinated against truth, and if so, at what age? Do your marxist parents start the ball rolling or should we just credit our media/education industry for your constant absurdities?
I’m anxious to hear Vlad Putin’s assessment of this guy.
First of all, when the New York Stock Exchange AND NASDAQ both move OUT of NYC, the message becomes clear.
Secondly, this guy had better start wearing KEVLAR. The target on his back is becoming Huge.
Thirdly, high-end Real Estate in NYC is going to begin to Tank. Moody’s, Standard & Poors, and Fitch credit rating services will be Downgrading the credit rating of this once AAA-rated city to ‘Junk’ status.
And lastly, when Broadway and the arts begin to feel the ‘pinch’ of this guy who has no use for great theater, watch how the Liberals react.
It is funny to watch the weaker of the Democrats pretend that “maybe Mamdani’s way is the key to winning elections”. It is similar to when after disliking Joe Biden for 30 years they pretended that he was an elder statesman when he was all that was left between Trump and the election. Like when they pretended that Harris was “joy” and “running an excellent campaign” when it was just her between Trump and the election of a Democrat. After Mamdani either loses or after he wins and ends up as popular as Brandon Johnson in Chicago, 7% popularity right now, they will say he is an anomaly and they will abandon him faster than you can say “hey look, Jake Tapper has a new book out”.
One other point. I sometimes think that they are using Mamdani’s favorite saying, “globalize the intifada” as a way for him to relent, say it is a bad saying and that it is wrong to be saying it so the left/Dems/media can then pretend like “oh look, see he really is a moderate, he just didn’t understand how bad that one line is”. He will publicly retract that awful saying, but not in his heart.
The best option for New Yorkers opposed to M is to unite behind Adams. Whether political leaders on all sides will do this remains to be seen. A split opposition could enable M to win.
O-well. I never liked NY anyway.
Enjoy the nightmare folks.
Dusty, I almost agree with you with my only difference is that in the 1980s I did enjoy going to NY, but that was…40 years ago. As of today I am with you 100%. This affects me about as much as having Chicago being wrecked by a socialist/teacher’s union puppet playing as mayor.
Hull.
I was born and raised in San Diego back in the early 1950’s. I left in 1995.
What a shame, it was a great city to live in back then. Not anymore.
Professor Turley.. OK, so basically what you have outlined is this: that he is not there yet, but he has opened the door to going there (communism), or at least towards there, clearly on several key attributes… Let’s not forget to mention his slick delivery.. he seductively knows what to say to each facet of audience, whilst at all times speaking through a perpetual ‘I’m such a nice caring full of energy ready to serve you guy’ big smile……..
I’m looking forward to the economic intifada, another grand socialist experiment! He says he has tweaked Socialism so that it will work. I trust him on that.
Mamdani is uniquely qualified to be mayor given the few years that he and his parents lived in the US, and given his knowledge of superior govts to the USA. His work experience as a housing counselor gives him the insight to the complex financial workings of welfare housing. HIs hip-hop experience let him connect with the population in NYC. His righteous religious background will keep NYC moving towards the moral compass. Karl would be so proud!
Mamdani’s quote, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” This guy is a philosopher for sure.
Why ‘anonymous’? You are right on target with his obvious lack of qualifications to head up the city that is the financial center of the world! And, I might add, it appalls me that New Yorkers seem to have forgotten who killed 3,000 of their loved ones in the name of Allah.🤬 How could they elect a Marxist Muslim?
From NGHIA NGUYEN: Thank you so much, Professor Turley. Please, allow me to introduce a great book about what we are seeing now in America, published in 1955 by Raymond Aron (1905-1987): https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Opium_of_the_Intellectuals/MyuDSbzX3lYC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PR3&printsec=frontcover&fbclid=IwY2xjawLR-pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHMW9wMnB5ZWZ4cGpNQm1QAR7sPgp_rc3gLYN82cl1IMqoaGFeR1wwPq6zWoE1ssJ2ACZKOderNl64oPsNJA_aem_SP52pJWX49wk1dnQ1I0xvw
I read where the turnout for the primary was extremely low, possibly due to very hot weather. There is a likely skewed result. This is a Soros backed candidate.
Regardless of circumstances, this nomination is a conundrum for Democrats who are hiding behind the mantra of being common sense. This is a foreigner who is only recently a U.S. citizen and does not embrace our culture or the principles of our nation. I wonder if they will give him a hug and a sloppy kiss and welcome him to the parry?
This is a wake-up call.
“A Commie by any other name, eh, Mandrake?”
I believe Mamdani defeated Andrew, rather than Mario Cuomo last week……..
It’s taken only a quarter century to go from Islamic terrorism that killed 2,977 New Yorkers on 9/11. This caused a response, overwhelmingly delivered by non-New Yorkers, to this act of war, in solidarity with our dead and injured countrymen. Should the citizens of New York decide that electing a clearly Marxist authoritarian Middle Easterner as their leader, that response in their defense will never happen again. Not even the financial bailout of the 1979s would be repeated. The only thing left would be to have “Snake” Plisken on speed dial.
If Mamdani wins, it will be like setting off a neutron bomb in the city. Who will fill all the vacancies when New Yorkers and businesses escape to safety? Islamists!
So 30+ years after the 1st WTC bombings by Islamists, they will take control like they have in the UK and spreading across Europe. WTF up!
Gaza 2.0
Thank you for reminding us of 911. Just a few years later Mamdani enters to plant the Islamic victory flag upon the dead city. Quite an image isn’t it. Someone climb to 🗽 crown and tie an Arafat scarf on her head.
NYC can easily turn into Bangladesh.
Lets make it so we don’t care…let Democrats destroy themselves, but FIRST TAKE AWAY THEIR Rescue Money
END all Federal Aid to non-profits, cities, states, colleges/students
Ban all public unions, they are a political army for Democrats
non-profit where anyone gets $100k…should be taxed!
Stop Rewarding Democrat Failure
Let Capitalism win!
Democrats are Fascists…worst than Germans 1930’s…at least the Germans loved their country!
Ny is determined to destroy itself. Very sad to see.
The problem for Communists is and has always been, they simply don’t understand how the process of production works. They think of a manufacturing plant as a political system, amenable to political solutions for fabrication problems. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. They simply cannot learn this.
Commie Mamdani