In New York City, the stakes are high for Zohran Mamdani, the surprise candidate who has won over many with his progressive policies and grassroots support. With a commanding lead in the polls ahead of the November election, his team knows that door-knocking will be key to turning out voters.
For those like Nadia, a Crown Heights resident who's already committed to voting for Mamdani, it's about more than just the polls – it's about making sure friends and family get out and cast their ballots. "We need to make sure our voices are heard," she says.
However, not everyone is convinced. Onika Saul, a 45-year-old property manager, has reservations about Mamdani's promises, particularly when it comes to rent freezes on stabilised apartments like her own building, which account for about a quarter of the city's housing stock. "Anyone can say anything, but action always speaks louder than words," she cautions.
Mamdani's supporters point out that he has a proven track record as a state assemblyman, including his activism on behalf of taxi workers and Palestinian rights. Wood highlights Mamdani's small-donor campaign finance model, which sets him apart from more established candidates like Andrew Cuomo. "Zohran is certainly the only politician in the race who will call what's happening [in Gaza], what it is: a genocide," he notes.
Despite reservations, Saul agrees that her views have shifted towards Mamdani after talking to Wood and hearing his campaign promises. However, she acknowledges that ultimately, it's about seeing whether Mamdani can deliver on his ambitious plans – including rent freezes, free buses, and universal childcare – which would require buy-in from state lawmakers and the governor.
The final push for Mamdani is underway, with door-knocking and voter outreach efforts in full swing. As the election draws near, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will pay off and bring Mamdani to City Hall.
For those like Nadia, a Crown Heights resident who's already committed to voting for Mamdani, it's about more than just the polls – it's about making sure friends and family get out and cast their ballots. "We need to make sure our voices are heard," she says.
However, not everyone is convinced. Onika Saul, a 45-year-old property manager, has reservations about Mamdani's promises, particularly when it comes to rent freezes on stabilised apartments like her own building, which account for about a quarter of the city's housing stock. "Anyone can say anything, but action always speaks louder than words," she cautions.
Mamdani's supporters point out that he has a proven track record as a state assemblyman, including his activism on behalf of taxi workers and Palestinian rights. Wood highlights Mamdani's small-donor campaign finance model, which sets him apart from more established candidates like Andrew Cuomo. "Zohran is certainly the only politician in the race who will call what's happening [in Gaza], what it is: a genocide," he notes.
Despite reservations, Saul agrees that her views have shifted towards Mamdani after talking to Wood and hearing his campaign promises. However, she acknowledges that ultimately, it's about seeing whether Mamdani can deliver on his ambitious plans – including rent freezes, free buses, and universal childcare – which would require buy-in from state lawmakers and the governor.
The final push for Mamdani is underway, with door-knocking and voter outreach efforts in full swing. As the election draws near, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will pay off and bring Mamdani to City Hall.
I mean, who wouldn't want free buses and universal childcare? It sounds like a total pipe dream, though 
. I don't know if it's even realistic. And what about all the people who rely on rent in the first place? How's he gonna make that work? 
Onika's right, words are cheap... but at the same time, Zohran does have a solid track record and all... so maybe he'll surprise us with some actual results? 
. Can't we just have a clean conversation about politics without all the self-promotion? Like, seriously, who needs a link to their campaign website every five seconds? 
It's like they're trying to distract us from the actual issues. And don't even get me started on how many times I have to refresh this page because of a single video ad... 
. Can we at least have a thread that doesn't involve every single user trying to sell us something or promote their own blog? 
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. It will be crucial to determine whether these strengths can translate to delivering on his ambitious plans, which would require cooperation from state lawmakers and the governor 
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. A thorough assessment of his policy agenda will help voters like Onika Saul make informed decisions about her vote 
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I mean, his team's doing a great job with door-knocking and all that, but it's not just about turning out voters, it's about getting people on board with the whole package. 
Rent freezes, free buses, universal childcare... those are some lofty goals! 
Can Mamdani really make 'em happen? Only time'll tell, I guess. 
Also, how does he propose free buses and universal childcare would be paid for? Wouldn't that put a huge strain on the city's budget? 
. his promise of rent freezes on stabilized apartments is def a concern for many ppl who live in those buildings, and its not just about throwing words out there 
. im curious to see how he'll deliver on his plans without alienating ppl from all walks of life 
- hope everyone gets out and makes their voices heard 
He's not just some polished politician, he actually seems to genuinely care about the people of NYC 
And I love that about him. Nadia said something so true - "We need to make sure our voices are heard" 
️ It's easy to get caught up in the polls and all that, but it's what Mamdani is doing on the ground that really matters 
Like, his activism as a state assemblyman and his commitment to small-donor campaigns... it's like he's actually listening 
Still, his grassroots vibe and all that jazz... 
Nadia's right, we gotta make sure our voices are heard. And if anyone can bring about change, it's Zohran. Fingers crossed, this guy's gonna do the city proud 
. But at the same time, we gotta stay real – how will he actually make those rent freezes happen? 
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. But, on the other hand, you've got people like Onika who's all about seeing action over empty promises 
It seems like Mamdani's small-donor campaign finance model is a major plus in my book, but can he really make it work with the established politicians who are used to lining their pockets with cash 
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. If he can actually make it happen, that'd be a game-changer for so many people 
. But at the same time, I get Onika's skepticism - it's one thing to promise change, but how's he gonna make it stick? 
... it's refreshing to see someone who's not beholden to big donors or special interests 
... as much as we need someone with vision, we also need someone who knows what they're doing 
It's all about giving people a chance to succeed, you know? And who knows, maybe we'll get some surprises from state lawmakers and the governor 
. Fingers crossed for Mamdani and an amazing November election 
Anyway, I've been following Zohran Mamdani's campaign and I gotta say, his grassroots support is impressive. But, you know, I'm a bit skeptical too. Rent freezes sound like a great idea on paper, but what happens when the state lawmakers and governor come knocking? It's gonna be a challenge to make that happen, especially with all these complicated policy details 
still, at least Mamdani's got some cred from his time as a state assemblyman, that's def something to build on 
. One thing that's for sure, though, is that the people of NYC are really passionate about voting, and I love that