New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he believes a democratic socialist could one day be elected president of the United States.
“I think a democratic socialist can get elected anywhere across this country for any position,” Mr. Mamdani said during an interview on ABC News’ “This Week” that aired Sunday morning.
Mr. Mamdani’s remarks come days after three socialists endorsed by him won Democratic primaries for the U.S. House in New York City. The candidates — Darialza Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander and Claire Valdez — won overwhelmingly, with two defeating Democratic incumbents. All three touted their socialist views on the campaign trial.
The New York City mayor, who refers to himself as a democratic socialist, said the election results show that the Democratic Party should focus on helping the working class instead of opposing President Trump.
“I think the direction that the party should go in is how to best to fight for working people,” he said. “I think we need to have a platform and a vision that doesn’t sound as if it was cooked by consultants, but instead one that you would say in response to someone who’s asking, ‘Why can’t I afford my rent, why can’t I afford my groceries, why can’t I afford my childcare?”
Mr. Mamdani said he does not want to change the Constitution so that non-native-born Americans can run for president. Although his profile and political power have increased after his three endorsed candidates won their primaries this week, Mr. Mamdani was born in Uganda, making him ineligible for president.
“I think the Constitution looks good the way it is,” he said.
In a speech on Friday, Mr. Trump warned the nation against embracing communism, saying it takes away from others who’ve earned it.
“They’re communists, they’re not social democrats,” Mr. Trump said. “They want to destroy the traditional way of American life.”
“Over thousands of years, that ideology has not worked once,” he added.
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