I joined Jim Acosta earlier today on his Live Substack show for a wide-ranging conversation where we discussed the rise of Mamdani, the ossification and decline of establishment institutions, the politics of cruelty that define MAGA, and how conspiracy theories have radicalized Trump voters and are now threatening to expose cracks within the movement.
I was interviewed after Never Trump conservative commentator Charlie Sykes spent several minutes incorrectly suggesting Zohran Mamdani is a far-left anomaly who can only work within the confines of absurd, corrupt NYC politics. He holds on to the dangerous myth that centrism will somehow attract voters to defeat Trump and galvanize Democrats, even though it has continued to fail for nearly 10 years. The reality for moderates, centrists, RINOS, and establishment Democrats is that Mamdani, AOC, and even Trump represent the majority’s disgust with establishment politics that have propped up harmful institutions that benefited the few while harming the many.
Trump sold a bullshit narrative of being an outsider who would drain the swamp, bulldoze outdated institutions, and represent America’s “cultural anxiety” and white rage. It’s all projection all the time. Meanwhile, Mamdani and AOC represent an authentic grassroots, anti-billionaire campaign with popular positions that center on making America affordable again for the majority who are consistently being screwed by the oligarchy. All of the shameful, hilarious, and racist attacks on Mamdani are backfiring and further cementing his lead in NYC’s mayoral race.
In this wide-ranging conversation, I make my case for why Mamdani’s message is central to understanding his wide, diverse appeal and represents the majority’s righteous rage against the oligarchy. We also discuss the latest crackup within MAGA over the Epstein files and how conspiracy theories have radicalized the conservative movement. Finally, we end on some exquisite Star Wars geekery.
Hope you enjoy.
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