Light bulbsNov 29

Interesting video that argues that Zohran Mamdani uses a new style of politics:

He proposes specific solutions to problems and explains them well. Those solutions may or may not work but they are realistic in that they already have worked elsewhere or were tried out in pilot projects.

He does not invoke big abstract threats and groups of “enemies” but looks for concrete ways to make life better for everyone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_89qkThZDY

Zohran Mamdani and Post-Populism

YouTube
Show threadTitus 🇵🇸
@light_bulbs I don’t quite understand what’s “post populist” about Mamdani, how this video draws that conclusion (is it saying that Harris and Sanders, which they say use similar rhetoric, are populist?). While the term is vague (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populism), I see him as populist (and I like reclaiming that word)
Populism - Wikipedia

Nov 29 at 4:37pmIvory for iOS
Show threadLight bulbsNov 29

@wooorm

> Populism emphasizes “the idea of the ‘common people’, often in opposition to a perceived elite”

The video argues that Mamdani doesn’t do the latter part but focuses on solutions (for everyone).

His slogans:

• Freeze the rent
• Make buses fast and free
• Fighting for free healthcare

Bernie & AOC (who are arguably more populist):

• Fighting Oligarchy

Show threadLight bulbsNov 29
@wooorm But I’d also call it more a different style of populism. I do like that he’s concrete where Harris was often too abstract for my taste.
Show threadTitus 🇵🇸Nov 29
@light_bulbs I think Sanders is harder to classify; but I definitely wouldn’t call Harris populist. And I think Obama/AOC ran on populism but quickly turned to establishment
Show threadTitus 🇵🇸Nov 29
@light_bulbs I mean a large part was also fighting against Cuomo’s corruption, the elite, and the Democratic Party elite, that didn’t endorse him?
And “focus on solutions for everyone” sounds pretty common people/popular/populist to me