President Barack Obama recently engaged in a private conversation with Zohran Mamdani, a socialist mayoral frontrunner, offering guidance and encouragement. The discussion, which lasted approximately 30 minutes on Saturday, comes days before a pivotal election. Sources familiar with the call confirmed the interaction to The New York Times, noting President Obama's commendation of the 34-year-old's campaign and expressing a personal investment in Mamdani's political trajectory.
During the call, President Obama remarked, "Your campaign has been impressive to watch," and offered to serve as a "sounding board" after Mamdani assumes office, suggesting a potential ongoing advisory relationship. The conversation also covered strategies for staffing a new administration and navigating the complexities of fulfilling ambitious policy promises, particularly regarding affordability and housing in a major U.S. city.
Mamdani and President Obama further discussed the unique challenges a socialist mayor would face and made plans to meet in person in Washington, D.C., at a later time, reinforcing the sense that President Obama views Mamdani as a significant figure beyond the current election cycle.
Responding to the call, Mamdani expressed gratitude for the support, drawing parallels between his campaign and President Obama's transformative 2008 campaign message. A spokesperson for Mamdani told The Times, "Zohran Mamdani appreciated President Obama's words of support and their conversation on the importance of bringing a new kind of politics to our city."
Moreover, Mamdani has publicly stated that his recent speech addressing Islamophobia was inspired by President Obama's renowned 2008 speech on race, indicating his aspiration to emulate a similar narrative of progressive political change.
Despite Mamdani's appreciation, his relationship with President Obama has not always been amicable. Mamdani once criticized President Obama on social media, labeling him "pretty damn evil" in 2013 and expressing distrust following Edward Snowden's NSA revelations. However, these past remarks did not prevent President Obama from reaching out, as he also contacted Mamdani after his unexpected Democratic primary victory in June, demonstrating a keen interest in the young socialist's political ascent.
The significance of President Obama's engagement with Mamdani is underscored by the candidate's leading position in the polls as the election approaches. Some Democrats are reportedly uneasy about the prospect of a hard-left mayor presiding over a city facing challenges such as crime, affordability, and declining public services. Despite former Governor Andrew Cuomo narrowing the polling gap, Mamdani maintains the edge. His campaign has been characterized by strong anti-police rhetoric, calls for rent strikes, and proposals to tax the wealthy, positioning him as a distinctly progressive candidate in the mayoral race.
