Mainstream media tried to scare Mamdami voters with socialism—it didn’t work!

by Taya Graham and Stephen Janis | Nov 5, 2025 | elections, Inequality Watch, New York, Politics and Movements: US, Socialism, video

The mainstream media said voters wouldn’t go for him and they said “socialism won’t sell.” But on the streets of New York, people were done listening to conventional wisdom. All throughout Manhattan and from East Harlem to Queens, voters told us the same thing: they’re tired of the old guard, the empty promises, and a system that serves the wealthy instead of the working class.

Credits:

Pre-Production: Taya Graham/Stephen Janis

Post-Production: Cameron Granadino

Transcript
The following is a rushed transcript and may contain errors. A proofread version will be made available as soon as possible.

Taya Graham:

After an election where the mainstream media seemed more concerned about the idea of socialism than the issues confronting New Yorkers Democratic socialist candidate, Zohran Mamdani had a decisive victory and will be the next mayor of New York. We spent the day traveling throughout Manhattan during this record turnout talking to voters who said, this election is about one thing change. Stephen, this has been such an exciting race. What are some of your takeaways from today? Well, I think

Stephen Janis:

What it is is a big miss for the mainstream media. And the reason I say is because they were making this sort of a nationalized race that only it was about socialism and somehow Mondavi was going to be some big eyesore for the Democratic party. But what we saw here was an enthusiasm for change that was much more important than any sort of isms that could be applied to it.

Speaker 3:

Feeling excited about New York City having some new ideas standing up to Donald Trump.

Taya Graham:

Now, is there a particular candidate you feel represents

Speaker 3:

New ideas?

Original