As New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani responds sharply to Trump’s threats against him, David Bier explains what it would look like if Trump acts on those threats—and why we’re all at risk.
As a centrist Democrat and staunch opponent of Trump’s authoritarianism, I agree entirely that denaturalization threats are chilling and must be taken seriously. But let’s be clear: Zohran Mamdani is not the ideal face of democratic resistance. His radicalism—on policing, immigration, and economic policy—is far out of step with most Americans, including many legal immigrants who don’t see ICE as “terrorists."
Mamdani’s response to Trump may read as “brave,” but it’s also self-serving and ideologically rigid. His entire political posture reinforces the GOP narrative that the Democratic Party is captive to the far left. That’s a gift to Trump.
If we’re serious about defending the rule of law, civil liberties, and constitutional democracy, we need to focus on principles, not personalities. The threat Trump poses is real. But rallying behind someone like Mamdani risks further alienating the moderate and working-class voters who are essential to defeating Trumpism.
As a centrist Democrat and staunch opponent of Trump’s authoritarianism, I agree entirely that denaturalization threats are chilling and must be taken seriously. But let’s be clear: Zohran Mamdani is not the ideal face of democratic resistance. His radicalism—on policing, immigration, and economic policy—is far out of step with most Americans, including many legal immigrants who don’t see ICE as “terrorists."
Mamdani’s response to Trump may read as “brave,” but it’s also self-serving and ideologically rigid. His entire political posture reinforces the GOP narrative that the Democratic Party is captive to the far left. That’s a gift to Trump.
If we’re serious about defending the rule of law, civil liberties, and constitutional democracy, we need to focus on principles, not personalities. The threat Trump poses is real. But rallying behind someone like Mamdani risks further alienating the moderate and working-class voters who are essential to defeating Trumpism.
Defend rights—but choose better champions.
As if the pathetic obsequious democratic response has gotten them anywhere? The democrats need a serious kick in the ass to invogorate their base
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