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Media, money & the rise of Zohran Mamdani | The Listening Post

Al Jazeera English

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In this special episode of The Listening Post, we examine the rise of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. A democratic socialist and outspoken critic of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, Mamdani has faced a barrage of hostility from US mainstream media, the political donor class and the democratic establishment alike. The press has been particularly relentless, questioning not only Mamdani’s progressive policies but also his identity as a Muslim and an immigrant.

But Mamdani is a digital native with an international following and a double-digit lead in the polls. His victory would reverberate far beyond New York City, shaking up the Democratic Party nationwide.

This episode exposes how the media and the wealthy political class attempted to discredit Mamdani and how, against all odds, he turned their attacks into the foundation of a movement.

Contributors:
Kate de Gruyter - Senior director of communications, Third Way
Adam Johnson - Podcast co-host, Citations Needed
Briahna Joy Gray - Podcast host, Bad Faith
Jon Paul Lupo - Consultant, Vocable Communications

Writer / Presenter: Richard Gizbert
Producers: Elettra Scrivo, Ella Willis & Daniel Turi
Editor: Haim Litani
Graphics: Bouchra Johnson
Executive Producer: Meenakshi Ravi

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20 Comments

@tonyt9355 11 months ago

70 year old candidates are not suddenly going to change. They need to be replaced.

@felixvergara5627 11 months ago

His stance against GENOCIDE is what gave him the extra "edge"...

@JDogg2223-ru7eg 11 months ago

“Rising antisemitism across the US,” and it’s just people BEGGING its own government to stop funding genocide.

@IrisDude1 11 months ago

If we ran Mamdani's campaign across 50 states, we'd win in all 50

@mygetawayart 11 months ago

the closing argument is key: they don't fight Mamdani because of what he is, they're fighting him because of what he represents and who he inspires. There will be a thousand Zohran Mamdani's all across the country, of principled, morally righteous and incorruptible leaders who will fight for regular people rather than the billionaires. Bernie showed us the light to escape this corporate hellhole, AOC showed us the new generation, Zohran showed us the way to win, and we will win.

@RoRo-wd3bw 11 months ago

If they attac Mamdani, in reality they attack the people voted for him; but people are awake and is fighting to get their rights… this is the time and can’t be lost.

@emmychux8517 11 months ago

You know the media and their billionaire owners have gone nuts when they portray socialism as more dangerous than a few billionaires owning more wealth than the entire populations combined.

@foodandfriendship5162 11 months ago

Woow, as an independant voter and Zohran supporter i am so happy for this master piece of true journalism

@vi0dead 11 months ago

Love you Mamdani 🎉❤ I voted for you ...best of luck little brother 🙏 prayers for you...

@soflyedits322 11 months ago

Voted for Zohran yesterday ! Let’s bring this home, NYC! Mamdani for Mayor !

@SaudAlammar-j1f 11 months ago

The name Zohran means bright, radiant, and pure. It is an Arabic masculine name derived from the word "zahr" (flower). Those who bear this name are often described as radiant and optimistic, and it is frequently associated with light, beauty, and purity.

@AntonUSA 11 months ago

It’s not Zohran’s social media presence that makes his campaign powerful, it’s what he offers. He’s not selling vibes, he’s defending vision. America has social institutions—schools, hospitals, housing, transit. He’s fighting to make them work for everyone, not just the donor class. That’s what scares the establishment. Not his tweets. His truth.

@mysteriousjz 11 months ago

Call him a Socialist, a Communist, a Democrat—whatever label you want. What they don’t understand is that he represents the common people—those who are fed up with the establishment and the old political class clinging to power without truly representing anyone.

This is the kind of change America has been waiting for—far too long.

@HeiwaPaz2000 11 months ago

TAXING THE RICH IS THE WAY TO GO! They do not need to become richer and richer at the cost of the rest!!!

@beckybnyc322 11 months ago

Anyone who thinks he is winning bc of social media is deluded! It’s the message WE the ppl want representatives that actually focus on policies that benefit US & NOT the financial terrorists who fund their campaigns 👏🏼