How a little-known, 33-year-old Muslim democratic socialist of Indian origin beat a well-funded mainstream party stalwart - and what it means for democracy
Thank you, Rekha. I have long believed that grassroots operations are the best way for our country to beat the insane amounts of money that are dictating policy and ruining the lives of people who have no voice. Mr. Mamdani reminded people that their power was in their vote. I was impressed by his campaigning style which was to put the emphasis on what he was going to do for people and not on what an ass the president is. He did not ignore the president's hateful governing, but that wasn't the emphasis. Democrats could learn from that. By the way, speaking for the rights of the Palestinian people while condemning the indiscriminate bombing of the innocent people by Israel is not anti-semitic. It is being a decent, caring human being.
Thank you Rekha, we could learn a lot even though we are not NYC. Tuning into core issues and tapping into enthusiasm. We have some great young leaders and talent. Let’s give them more power!
Can you imagine a Mamdani candidate and grassroots campaign in Iowa? Not the Democratic Socialist part. The charism, youth and mobilization of volunteers part.
During these times when nothing appears to be working, everything seems like one ghastly event after another, and it’s tough to even look at what the latest nightmarish episode has happened today; a welcomed post arrives from Rekha, and believe that whatever the story, it will be written like she’s speaking directly to me, and somehow things may change for the better. But, only if we all keep working on it together, of course.
Thanks so much for saying that. I often experience that feeling of doom these days so when someone like Zohran Mamdani comes along and shows what can be accomplished, it's an incredible lift. We have to remember that history is cyclical and we can't afford to lose hope!
Thanks for this piece, Rekha. I imagine Mamdani’s awesome primary win and political momentum resonate especially strongly with you given your personal history. I am also feeling it as native Iowan who’s been living in NYC for almost 10 years. My wife and I have a young son and daughter, and although I miss Iowa dearly and think about coming back to raise our kiddos, it is difficult to shake worries about how hard right Iowa has swung. From personal rights, healthcare, schools, and the environment, concerns abound. But maybe there’s hope yet for Dems, and Iowa, to find better footing and a path forward.
It does, Andy. I have to believe there's hope for Iowa Dems. They just need a new grassroots approach and ability to extend their organizing to new communities. I hope NY is treating you well but I hope you and your family will find reason to return to Iowa when it returns to having the kind of balance it had when we moved here.
Dave, I think it's possible if they're authentically concerned with the welfare of ordinary Iowans and are able to demonstrate that in words and policies, AND pull together a campaign that organizes and signs up new voters who haven't seen much reason to vote n the past.
While food prices have not come down from their Biden highest, there is no inflation now, the tariffs have brought in billions of dollars and not budged inflation, the stock market continues to rise, peace - brokered by Trump - is breaking out all over the world. But, it’s the hate-filled MAGA ranks that are this beautiful America’s biggest problem? You tout a socialist to become America’s premier city’s mayor. Look around the world at large cities/countries run by socialists. What could go wrong?
The two party system has, in fact, become the one party system with both sides doing exactly the same thing with similar results. Here in Iowa we have real problems with water quality, neither party addresses it. Both sides expect the sources of money for campaigns will automatically flow from all those getting rich from supplying the chemicals and fertilizers that are turning our surface and ground water supply into open sewers! Democratic and Republican Secretaries of Agriculture deal with safe subjects and avoid what needs to be done simply because it will completely change the dynamic of farming. Making this change would be costly for those who think a "cheap food" can only be done the way it currently is! I wrote letters to Vilsack about this situation and got a response that sounded like he truly believes everything Ames tells him without question! Never mind the amounts of money outfits like Pioneer, the Hog and Cattle Producers, the chemical companies and others pour into that university to simply control the research and obviously the out comes of what gets published! His reasoning was simply we need to do this in order to feed the world! As it stands currently, the Republicans don't want to feed anyone, or so it seems! They would sooner see black and brown people die, so it would be easier to exploit their minerals, their oil, and what ever they have that is valuable to the USA! Quite naturally that has nothing to do with those they willingly starve to death to get that opportunity. New messages from very new and independent thinkers is needed, and once people realize they have been bamboozled by the politicians who flood the "zone" with messages that tell you they are on your side with money they got from these sources who don't care what they say so long as they control the messenger! The Republicans have gotten to that position first with Trump, a man who can't open his mouth without lying! There is a reason he has those felony convictions, and because he is so corrupt, it simply will destroy the entire under mining of the system both parties have used for far to long. I welcome that change!
I look forward to your columns, Rekha. I found this one very encouraging, until I tried to imagine what I could say to a young couple to convince them to stay in our once educationally proud state; I tried to imagine innovative answers to those with minimum wage jobs, other than continually promoting our outstanding community college; nor could I imagine what to say to women stripped of their fertility rights.
I believe in "people power" but right now it is hard to imagine how we restart a welcoming Iowa.
Thank you, Rekha. I have long believed that grassroots operations are the best way for our country to beat the insane amounts of money that are dictating policy and ruining the lives of people who have no voice. Mr. Mamdani reminded people that their power was in their vote. I was impressed by his campaigning style which was to put the emphasis on what he was going to do for people and not on what an ass the president is. He did not ignore the president's hateful governing, but that wasn't the emphasis. Democrats could learn from that. By the way, speaking for the rights of the Palestinian people while condemning the indiscriminate bombing of the innocent people by Israel is not anti-semitic. It is being a decent, caring human being.
Thanks, Kathi. 100% agreed.
I look forward to your writing every day and your ability to name and explain the issues, call to action, and point direction.
What a nice compliment, Pat. I'm so glad my columns resonate with you!
Thank you tremendously Rekha, originally I thought you would be one of the few people I would miss from Iowa. Great tech.
Democrats have been guided to a new direction on politics and policy - hope they embrace it.
You are a beacon Rekha, stay bright!
Thank you so much, Gus. Where did you move to?
NC - another work in progress
Your closing comments are an excellent summary of fascism’s power to divert attention away from what really matters.
Thanks, Chris.
Awomen Rekha!
Thank you Rekha, we could learn a lot even though we are not NYC. Tuning into core issues and tapping into enthusiasm. We have some great young leaders and talent. Let’s give them more power!
Can you imagine a Mamdani candidate and grassroots campaign in Iowa? Not the Democratic Socialist part. The charism, youth and mobilization of volunteers part.
During these times when nothing appears to be working, everything seems like one ghastly event after another, and it’s tough to even look at what the latest nightmarish episode has happened today; a welcomed post arrives from Rekha, and believe that whatever the story, it will be written like she’s speaking directly to me, and somehow things may change for the better. But, only if we all keep working on it together, of course.
Thanks so much for saying that. I often experience that feeling of doom these days so when someone like Zohran Mamdani comes along and shows what can be accomplished, it's an incredible lift. We have to remember that history is cyclical and we can't afford to lose hope!
So very true. It’s the bread that feeds the possible.
Thanks for this piece, Rekha. I imagine Mamdani’s awesome primary win and political momentum resonate especially strongly with you given your personal history. I am also feeling it as native Iowan who’s been living in NYC for almost 10 years. My wife and I have a young son and daughter, and although I miss Iowa dearly and think about coming back to raise our kiddos, it is difficult to shake worries about how hard right Iowa has swung. From personal rights, healthcare, schools, and the environment, concerns abound. But maybe there’s hope yet for Dems, and Iowa, to find better footing and a path forward.
It does, Andy. I have to believe there's hope for Iowa Dems. They just need a new grassroots approach and ability to extend their organizing to new communities. I hope NY is treating you well but I hope you and your family will find reason to return to Iowa when it returns to having the kind of balance it had when we moved here.
I guess the question is can any Democrat win statewide in ruby red Iowa? It’s far different here than a primary in NYC.
Dave, I think it's possible if they're authentically concerned with the welfare of ordinary Iowans and are able to demonstrate that in words and policies, AND pull together a campaign that organizes and signs up new voters who haven't seen much reason to vote n the past.
While food prices have not come down from their Biden highest, there is no inflation now, the tariffs have brought in billions of dollars and not budged inflation, the stock market continues to rise, peace - brokered by Trump - is breaking out all over the world. But, it’s the hate-filled MAGA ranks that are this beautiful America’s biggest problem? You tout a socialist to become America’s premier city’s mayor. Look around the world at large cities/countries run by socialists. What could go wrong?
The two party system has, in fact, become the one party system with both sides doing exactly the same thing with similar results. Here in Iowa we have real problems with water quality, neither party addresses it. Both sides expect the sources of money for campaigns will automatically flow from all those getting rich from supplying the chemicals and fertilizers that are turning our surface and ground water supply into open sewers! Democratic and Republican Secretaries of Agriculture deal with safe subjects and avoid what needs to be done simply because it will completely change the dynamic of farming. Making this change would be costly for those who think a "cheap food" can only be done the way it currently is! I wrote letters to Vilsack about this situation and got a response that sounded like he truly believes everything Ames tells him without question! Never mind the amounts of money outfits like Pioneer, the Hog and Cattle Producers, the chemical companies and others pour into that university to simply control the research and obviously the out comes of what gets published! His reasoning was simply we need to do this in order to feed the world! As it stands currently, the Republicans don't want to feed anyone, or so it seems! They would sooner see black and brown people die, so it would be easier to exploit their minerals, their oil, and what ever they have that is valuable to the USA! Quite naturally that has nothing to do with those they willingly starve to death to get that opportunity. New messages from very new and independent thinkers is needed, and once people realize they have been bamboozled by the politicians who flood the "zone" with messages that tell you they are on your side with money they got from these sources who don't care what they say so long as they control the messenger! The Republicans have gotten to that position first with Trump, a man who can't open his mouth without lying! There is a reason he has those felony convictions, and because he is so corrupt, it simply will destroy the entire under mining of the system both parties have used for far to long. I welcome that change!
I look forward to your columns, Rekha. I found this one very encouraging, until I tried to imagine what I could say to a young couple to convince them to stay in our once educationally proud state; I tried to imagine innovative answers to those with minimum wage jobs, other than continually promoting our outstanding community college; nor could I imagine what to say to women stripped of their fertility rights.
I believe in "people power" but right now it is hard to imagine how we restart a welcoming Iowa.