As a leftist who cares deeply about being tactical in everything we say and do—I think Zohran is absolutely right to stay out of this—let me make this case for Osse.
The left in a position of borderline unprecedented momentum and strength. We have at our disposal an enormously unpopular Republican administration and an enormously unpopular Democratic establishment. Those two things are so incredibly difficult to get at the same time, and it’s imperative that we use this situation to acquire as much power in the coming years as humanly possible.
I don’t think it’s true that the anti-establishment backlash within the Democratic Party is confined to educated, informed voters. A multitude of polls, elections, and vibes suggest that the sense that Dem leaders are weak and incapable of meeting the moment is a consensus held by a supermajority of the rank and file.
Osse won’t win by running a normal race centered around the district, but if he nationalizes the contest and makes it a referendum on the establishment in general, he has a nonzero chance. “Do you think Democratic leaders are doing a good job standing up to Trump,” should be plastered on every bit of Osse’s messaging.
Yes. This is my district, and I'll be knocking doors mostly out of anti-establishment anger than any positive interest in Osse... maybe that'll evolve more over time.
"(ironically, the young corporate lawyer campaigning on "change" and "reform" was the top choice of the urban professional class he now openly derides)" - always shocked that this doesn't get more coverage - that an emergent professional class largely powered Jeffries' initial political journey- a class without much affinity for the civil rights-oriented old guard. Very similar to the origins of Obama and Booker.
As a leftist who wants Jeffries out, I think Mamdani has the right idea in that even if it's the morally correct thing, it may be politically counterproductive, especially if a hypothetical Jeffries ousting results in a further right/more competent House Minority Leader/Speaker.
It's not like I'm rooting for Jeffries, but the big heads of the progressive movement *probably* have the right idea washing their hands of this.
Lol. If those clowns are a machine they are a 55 Packard with weeds growing through the windshield. I enjoy their barely-literate email updates, which they usually need to send two or three times with corrections.
That said, there are nowhere near enough young white forever-maskers in Bed Stuy to get this done.
Mamdani’s movement proved power belongs to the people, not to those who endorse candidates. If mobilization efforts are seriously made, there is no reason why we cannot unseat Jeffries as he has failed to rise to this national crisis. Jeffries is a corporate Democrat, not a working class fighter.
As a leftist who cares deeply about being tactical in everything we say and do—I think Zohran is absolutely right to stay out of this—let me make this case for Osse.
The left in a position of borderline unprecedented momentum and strength. We have at our disposal an enormously unpopular Republican administration and an enormously unpopular Democratic establishment. Those two things are so incredibly difficult to get at the same time, and it’s imperative that we use this situation to acquire as much power in the coming years as humanly possible.
I don’t think it’s true that the anti-establishment backlash within the Democratic Party is confined to educated, informed voters. A multitude of polls, elections, and vibes suggest that the sense that Dem leaders are weak and incapable of meeting the moment is a consensus held by a supermajority of the rank and file.
Osse won’t win by running a normal race centered around the district, but if he nationalizes the contest and makes it a referendum on the establishment in general, he has a nonzero chance. “Do you think Democratic leaders are doing a good job standing up to Trump,” should be plastered on every bit of Osse’s messaging.
Yes. This is my district, and I'll be knocking doors mostly out of anti-establishment anger than any positive interest in Osse... maybe that'll evolve more over time.
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"(ironically, the young corporate lawyer campaigning on "change" and "reform" was the top choice of the urban professional class he now openly derides)" - always shocked that this doesn't get more coverage - that an emergent professional class largely powered Jeffries' initial political journey- a class without much affinity for the civil rights-oriented old guard. Very similar to the origins of Obama and Booker.
Nice recap and framing! Lots of good insights! Thanks for giving this early handicapping of an intra-party matchup.
Beautifully crafted.
As a leftist who wants Jeffries out, I think Mamdani has the right idea in that even if it's the morally correct thing, it may be politically counterproductive, especially if a hypothetical Jeffries ousting results in a further right/more competent House Minority Leader/Speaker.
It's not like I'm rooting for Jeffries, but the big heads of the progressive movement *probably* have the right idea washing their hands of this.
I think Chi Osse should run, but I really hope NYC DSA doesn’t endorse him, for a myriad of reasons. Great piece!
I think he really needs the WFP support as well
"Central Brooklyn’s atrophying Democratic machine"
Lol. If those clowns are a machine they are a 55 Packard with weeds growing through the windshield. I enjoy their barely-literate email updates, which they usually need to send two or three times with corrections.
That said, there are nowhere near enough young white forever-maskers in Bed Stuy to get this done.
Mamdani’s movement proved power belongs to the people, not to those who endorse candidates. If mobilization efforts are seriously made, there is no reason why we cannot unseat Jeffries as he has failed to rise to this national crisis. Jeffries is a corporate Democrat, not a working class fighter.
This is going to be the flashpoint race in 2028 if he moves forward. Godspeed to Chi Osse.
Do you see any scenarios where Chi Ossé outperforms Zohran's numbers with, or otherwise activates, black voters under 45 in any parts of the district?