Why does all this remind me of the story of Gideon Jackson, in Howard Fast's novel "Freedom Road?" Jackson is a smart, articulate, charismatic former slave during Reconstruction and a recently elected politician, the first of his kind. Rather than taking him on openly, his opponents make a point of "co-operating" with him, the better to take him down.
Menin is a snake and an AIPAC flunkie. She's never been one to go for "open and fair" when backstabbing and backroom dealing will do. Only a few weeks ago she was openly campaigning as an AAS (anti-anti-Semite, read, Islamophobe). I know. I'm one of "her" constituents. Not that I've even had much of a chance to vote against her, open elections are not her forte.
Those who end up voting for Menin will rue the day. OTOH, I'm not as confident as you, Michael, that she's got it all sewn up. Sometimes a human spider gets tangled in its own web.
Very unfortunate. I have to say I'm disappointed how Zohran is choosing not to support left candidates in favor of being conciliatory with the establishment in so many contexts, from the Speaker's race to the Osse endorsement. Working with establishment politicians of course has its place when there are so many of them, but it shouldn't come at the expense of supporting further progressive gains.
In the not so distant past county leaders could deliver votes, Frank Seddio had the unique ability to coalesce members. Today county leaders are faced with herding cats.
Speakers have enormous power over members, and speakers are not shy to crack the whip.
Mamdani and Menin need each other, and, they both need Hochul, the guv race looks tough and Mamdani needs the guv, a statewide childcare initiative, pressure on the MTA, as well as CUNY funding… the ultra progressives on the Council may not be happy, do they challenge Menin, and/or Mandani, unlikely.
If the democrats prevail in November 26, 28 beckons, the Senate race …
If the democrats fail the lovefest will shatter.
Will Mamdani’s opposition come from the Right or the Left, or Will polyamory prevail?
12/14/2025: Councilmember Vickie Paladino calls for the " “expulsion of Muslims from western nations, or at the very least severe sanction of them within western borders.”
12/15: Outgoing Council Speaker Adrienne Adams calls for disciplinary action against Paladino:
"This hateful anti-Muslim rhetoric that threatens the safety of us all. It should have no place in our city and nation, and instead has become common behavior from this particular Council Member. It is the responsibility of the Council’s Committee on Standards and Ethics to bring disciplinary action against Council Members.
12/15: Incoming Council Speaker [?) Julie Menin: "I asked Council Member Paladino to take down the post, and she did." So there.
Why does all this remind me of the story of Gideon Jackson, in Howard Fast's novel "Freedom Road?" Jackson is a smart, articulate, charismatic former slave during Reconstruction and a recently elected politician, the first of his kind. Rather than taking him on openly, his opponents make a point of "co-operating" with him, the better to take him down.
Menin is a snake and an AIPAC flunkie. She's never been one to go for "open and fair" when backstabbing and backroom dealing will do. Only a few weeks ago she was openly campaigning as an AAS (anti-anti-Semite, read, Islamophobe). I know. I'm one of "her" constituents. Not that I've even had much of a chance to vote against her, open elections are not her forte.
Those who end up voting for Menin will rue the day. OTOH, I'm not as confident as you, Michael, that she's got it all sewn up. Sometimes a human spider gets tangled in its own web.
She's evil. You can see it in her bogged face and in her eyes.
Very unfortunate. I have to say I'm disappointed how Zohran is choosing not to support left candidates in favor of being conciliatory with the establishment in so many contexts, from the Speaker's race to the Osse endorsement. Working with establishment politicians of course has its place when there are so many of them, but it shouldn't come at the expense of supporting further progressive gains.
In the not so distant past county leaders could deliver votes, Frank Seddio had the unique ability to coalesce members. Today county leaders are faced with herding cats.
Speakers have enormous power over members, and speakers are not shy to crack the whip.
Mamdani and Menin need each other, and, they both need Hochul, the guv race looks tough and Mamdani needs the guv, a statewide childcare initiative, pressure on the MTA, as well as CUNY funding… the ultra progressives on the Council may not be happy, do they challenge Menin, and/or Mandani, unlikely.
If the democrats prevail in November 26, 28 beckons, the Senate race …
If the democrats fail the lovefest will shatter.
Will Mamdani’s opposition come from the Right or the Left, or Will polyamory prevail?
Zohran Mamdani is the talk of NYC right now, but almost nobody knows what actually shaped his worldview.
Everyone's debating his policies—almost nobody is examining the deep-state style ideological ecosystem that formed him.
I've mapped that machinery out in a new post for readers who want to see what's hiding in plain sight and be EARLY, not late, to this conversation.
Don't be the last person to understand what's really happening. 👇
https://substack.com/@geopoliticsinplainsight/p-183385879
Follow-up:
12/14/2025: Councilmember Vickie Paladino calls for the " “expulsion of Muslims from western nations, or at the very least severe sanction of them within western borders.”
12/15: Outgoing Council Speaker Adrienne Adams calls for disciplinary action against Paladino:
"This hateful anti-Muslim rhetoric that threatens the safety of us all. It should have no place in our city and nation, and instead has become common behavior from this particular Council Member. It is the responsibility of the Council’s Committee on Standards and Ethics to bring disciplinary action against Council Members.
12/15: Incoming Council Speaker [?) Julie Menin: "I asked Council Member Paladino to take down the post, and she did." So there.
Julie Menin: the Susan Collins of City Council.