As Zohran Mamdani took office as New York's mayor, he threw a block party that was anything but typical. Instead of the usual intimate gathering, tens of thousands gathered to watch him be sworn in on massive screens, surrounded by a sea of enthusiastic supporters. The weather may have been unseasonably cold and windy, but it felt eerily fitting – a reminder that this moment was not just about Mamdani's inauguration, but also about the collective energy of the people.
Mamdani's journey to the top has been marked by his commitment to inclusive politics. From early days on social media, where he connected with voters in swing districts, to canvassing and door-knocking efforts that inspired a devoted army of volunteers, to organizing city-wide scavenger hunts and football tournaments, Mamdani has consistently sought to break down barriers and engage the masses.
His approach is not just about winning elections, but about transforming the role politics plays in people's lives. By enacting universalist welfare reforms like free childcare, free buses for all, and a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments, he aims to foster solidarity and collective action. And it's this that sets him apart from other politicians who often assume that people want less politics.
Mamdani's rejection of the old neoliberal consensus is evident in his unwavering commitment to government playing a proactive role in people's lives. He's not afraid to say that politics should be something we do, rather than something done to us. And it's this message that resonated with thousands of New Yorkers who gathered at the block party.
The inauguration event was both a triumphant culmination and a symbolic continuation of Mamdani's campaign. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders provided supporting casts, as they had throughout the mayoral election. The chant of "tax the rich" echoed through the streets, and every attendee received a pamphlet with a message from the mayor that paid homage to their efforts.
Mamdani's vision is one of collective life, not quiet contemplation. He believes in politics that are loud, different, and mobilizing – sparked by the dream of building something new together. As he told the crowd, it would be an era of "big government" that fostered solidarity and social change. And as the block party broadcast his speech, it seemed to echo through Manhattan's imposing skyscrapers.
In contrast, politicians like Keir Starmer who assume people want less politics often perpetuate the negative image of politics – one that longs to rule a void. By assuming people are exhausted by politics and desire quiet, they risk unleashing noisy actors who fill the silence with controversy and division.
Mamdani's approach is a refreshing alternative. He's shown us that many people want more from politics – a sense of purpose, belonging, and collective action. And it's this desire that Mamdani is committed to nourishing, one loud declaration at a time.
Mamdani's journey to the top has been marked by his commitment to inclusive politics. From early days on social media, where he connected with voters in swing districts, to canvassing and door-knocking efforts that inspired a devoted army of volunteers, to organizing city-wide scavenger hunts and football tournaments, Mamdani has consistently sought to break down barriers and engage the masses.
His approach is not just about winning elections, but about transforming the role politics plays in people's lives. By enacting universalist welfare reforms like free childcare, free buses for all, and a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments, he aims to foster solidarity and collective action. And it's this that sets him apart from other politicians who often assume that people want less politics.
Mamdani's rejection of the old neoliberal consensus is evident in his unwavering commitment to government playing a proactive role in people's lives. He's not afraid to say that politics should be something we do, rather than something done to us. And it's this message that resonated with thousands of New Yorkers who gathered at the block party.
The inauguration event was both a triumphant culmination and a symbolic continuation of Mamdani's campaign. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders provided supporting casts, as they had throughout the mayoral election. The chant of "tax the rich" echoed through the streets, and every attendee received a pamphlet with a message from the mayor that paid homage to their efforts.
Mamdani's vision is one of collective life, not quiet contemplation. He believes in politics that are loud, different, and mobilizing – sparked by the dream of building something new together. As he told the crowd, it would be an era of "big government" that fostered solidarity and social change. And as the block party broadcast his speech, it seemed to echo through Manhattan's imposing skyscrapers.
In contrast, politicians like Keir Starmer who assume people want less politics often perpetuate the negative image of politics – one that longs to rule a void. By assuming people are exhausted by politics and desire quiet, they risk unleashing noisy actors who fill the silence with controversy and division.
Mamdani's approach is a refreshing alternative. He's shown us that many people want more from politics – a sense of purpose, belonging, and collective action. And it's this desire that Mamdani is committed to nourishing, one loud declaration at a time.