This contest is a bellwether for the soul of the Democrat Party because it forces a choice the party keeps trying to avoid. Is the path forward endless anti-Trump resistance, insider institutionalism, and donor-class technocracy? Or is it a sharper, more defined vision about economics, technology, Israel, immigration, and the direction of American power? Manhattan’s 12th is elite, affluent, and hyper-engaged—exactly the coalition that now defines modern Democrats. If even here voters are restless, divided, and searching for clarity, that signals something bigger than one congressional seat. It signals a party still deciding what it believes after Trump—and whether it believes in anything at all.
As a Tilden club member living in a M-L coop I sat through comments from a range of the candidates, it was on the day of Hochul’s State of the State, about 50 attendees, an older audience, each candidate had 10 minutes, Lasher was returning from Albany, Boras didn’t make it - I asked, “Would they support Jeffries for Speaker?”- they waffled… the Club endorsed Lasher.
I doubt any of my neighbors know there’s an election or can recognize the candidates- will the NYT endorse?
Back in the day, I was active in the TJ club, a captain on every block, old fashioned retail politics, most of my neighbors think Maloney is still their representative, confusing her with her daughter…
Who will I vote for? My neighbor asks me who she should vote for? I control two votes, you never can tell …
I've lived on the UES for 13 years and regularly interact with two of the largest cohorts: senior citizens and 30-something Jewish professionals. These are politically moderate (or apolitical) people not looking for extremely progressive or conservative leaders. They value safety, a high quality of life, and regular community investment.
My take is that Bores has a lot of things going for him that make him relatable and trustworthy. He isn't part of a political dynasty, not associated with any extremist groups, and comes across as a sane person. As simplistic as it may sound, the seniors will like that he's a native New Yorker and could be their son or grandson, while the young pros can easily relate to a 35-year-old guy with a comp sci degree, who spent time in both the private and public sector, and is a new dad. Above all, he doesn't need a gimmick or slogan.
The upwardly mobile UES/UWS community (antithesis of the Commie Corridor) want someone to represent them in congress who will be a strong advocate, protect the district, and have the intellect needed to make sure AI is regulated in a smart, reasonable way.
As an Independent candidate running for NY-12 (Wilneida), I ask my neighbors, family, and friends here to please dig deep and spend time learning about the other Democratic candidates not in the limelight. The media, donor networks, establishment figures, etc., have shaped our reality and distorted our imagination of what is possible outside the broken and polarizing political establishments. If you're not impressed by what you're seeing, please consider meeting with Nina or Laura--two women who I deeply respect and I would be honored to run against. Even take a few minutes to see my completely independent grassroots campaign if you'd like to see an Independent candidate (www.wilneidany12.com). But I ask that you not settle for something or someone because they tell you they're the "front runners", there are the front runners because the powers that be, whether insider donor networks or outside corporate Super PACs have made them. This is not the change the district needs after 30 years of Nadler and the kind of political leadership the country needs at this critical time. Ask, what do you want? What does NY-12 need? From conversations with many of you in District 12, I can assure you, there are more of us who are not convinced by the current choices that we are being given and presented with. Good luck and happy voting in the Democratic primaries my dear neighbors!
This contest is a bellwether for the soul of the Democrat Party because it forces a choice the party keeps trying to avoid. Is the path forward endless anti-Trump resistance, insider institutionalism, and donor-class technocracy? Or is it a sharper, more defined vision about economics, technology, Israel, immigration, and the direction of American power? Manhattan’s 12th is elite, affluent, and hyper-engaged—exactly the coalition that now defines modern Democrats. If even here voters are restless, divided, and searching for clarity, that signals something bigger than one congressional seat. It signals a party still deciding what it believes after Trump—and whether it believes in anything at all.
The writing craftsmanship. The flow. The personal touch. The story structure. Very persuasive presentation. You convinced me.
This is such excellent writing and reporting. Thank you, Michael!
You were a great moderator that night. I really enjoyed watching you. The article is terrific!
This was incredible. I could read it forever. Bravo, Michael!
Fabulous - especially the several paragraphs describing the place we call home. WOW.
Well done, Michael.
As a Tilden club member living in a M-L coop I sat through comments from a range of the candidates, it was on the day of Hochul’s State of the State, about 50 attendees, an older audience, each candidate had 10 minutes, Lasher was returning from Albany, Boras didn’t make it - I asked, “Would they support Jeffries for Speaker?”- they waffled… the Club endorsed Lasher.
I doubt any of my neighbors know there’s an election or can recognize the candidates- will the NYT endorse?
Back in the day, I was active in the TJ club, a captain on every block, old fashioned retail politics, most of my neighbors think Maloney is still their representative, confusing her with her daughter…
Who will I vote for? My neighbor asks me who she should vote for? I control two votes, you never can tell …
I've lived on the UES for 13 years and regularly interact with two of the largest cohorts: senior citizens and 30-something Jewish professionals. These are politically moderate (or apolitical) people not looking for extremely progressive or conservative leaders. They value safety, a high quality of life, and regular community investment.
My take is that Bores has a lot of things going for him that make him relatable and trustworthy. He isn't part of a political dynasty, not associated with any extremist groups, and comes across as a sane person. As simplistic as it may sound, the seniors will like that he's a native New Yorker and could be their son or grandson, while the young pros can easily relate to a 35-year-old guy with a comp sci degree, who spent time in both the private and public sector, and is a new dad. Above all, he doesn't need a gimmick or slogan.
The upwardly mobile UES/UWS community (antithesis of the Commie Corridor) want someone to represent them in congress who will be a strong advocate, protect the district, and have the intellect needed to make sure AI is regulated in a smart, reasonable way.
As an Independent candidate running for NY-12 (Wilneida), I ask my neighbors, family, and friends here to please dig deep and spend time learning about the other Democratic candidates not in the limelight. The media, donor networks, establishment figures, etc., have shaped our reality and distorted our imagination of what is possible outside the broken and polarizing political establishments. If you're not impressed by what you're seeing, please consider meeting with Nina or Laura--two women who I deeply respect and I would be honored to run against. Even take a few minutes to see my completely independent grassroots campaign if you'd like to see an Independent candidate (www.wilneidany12.com). But I ask that you not settle for something or someone because they tell you they're the "front runners", there are the front runners because the powers that be, whether insider donor networks or outside corporate Super PACs have made them. This is not the change the district needs after 30 years of Nadler and the kind of political leadership the country needs at this critical time. Ask, what do you want? What does NY-12 need? From conversations with many of you in District 12, I can assure you, there are more of us who are not convinced by the current choices that we are being given and presented with. Good luck and happy voting in the Democratic primaries my dear neighbors!