Zohran Mamdani [11]'s Oval Office lovefest [12] with Donald Trump was a dangerous legitimization of fascism [13], and has won New York no respite—as the city was targeted for ICE raids [14] mere days later. These were happily met with a strong street response [15] by progressive New Yorkers, and Zohran has reiterated his stance of non-cooperation [16] with the federal police state [17]. Meanwhile, the massacre of Jews [18] one week ago in Sydney increases the pressure [19] on Mamdani to walk the fine line [20] between remaining true [21] to his anti-Zionist principles [22] on one hand, and acquescing in anti-Semitism [23] on the other. And his support for bulldozing [24] the Elizabeth Street Garden [11] (even after a deal to save it [25] has been accepted by the incumbent administration [32]), while failing to protest displacement of tenants [26] from public housing projects [27], points to an accommodation with the pro-"development" consensus of the city's permanent government [28]. On the final countdown [29] to Mamdani's inauguration, the contradictions he faces are sharpening. In Episode 309 of the CounterVortex podcast [30], Bill Weinberg breaks it down.
Listen on SoundCloud or via Patreon [33].
Production by Chris Rywalt
We ask listeners to support us at one of our three tiers via Patreon: Become a Basic Supporter for just $1 per weekly podcast ($5 per month), or a Special Supporter for $2 per podcast ($10 per month), or a Major Rant Enabler for $5 per podcast ($25 per month). We now have 61 paid subscribers. If you appreciate our work, please become Number 63!
