Democratic Dilemma: Between Corruption and Communism

In a stunning upset encapsulating the Democratic Party’s internal tension, Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist and Queens assemblyman, defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary. The race, shaped by a corrupt ranked-choice voting scheme and a generational political divide, underscores the ongoing battle between establishment centrism and insurgent progressivism.

Backed by a massive war chest and decades of political clout, Cuomo entered the race as the establishment favorite. But his campaign, shadowed by past corruption, preventable senior citizen deaths, lying, scandals, and a “same old” policy vision, couldn’t withstand Mamdani’s grassroots progressive communist democrat machine. With 91% of ballots counted, Mamdani led with 43.5% of first-choice votes, compared to Cuomo’s 36.4%. Cuomo conceded before full tabulations were completed, acknowledging Mamdani’s insurmountable lead.

Mamdani’s campaign, built on rent freezes, city-run groceries, fare-free buses, and universal childcare, radically departed from status quo politics. He was endorsed by prominent progressive communist democrat figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and propelled by over 10,000 activist and union volunteers.

In recent years, the Democratic Party has reduced its electoral choices to a tug-of-war between corruption and communism.

On one hand, the party's top establishment poohbahs are often criticized for being too cozy with billionaires, corporate donors, unions, special interests, and entrenched corrupt power players. These ties, their opponents argue, lead to policy stagnation and a betrayal of working-class voters, echoing concerns of “corruption” or systemic compromise.

On the other hand, the party’s progressive wing pushes for bold reforms, Medicare for All, student debt cancellation, climate justice, and espouses “socialist” or “communist” ideals by supporters who see the existing system as broken and seek a fundamental dismantling and restructuring to address inequality and injustice.

Bottom Line

Democratic voters are caught between two unsatisfying options: maintain a flawed status quo or embrace radical change with uncertain consequences.

Can the Democratic Party reconcile its internal divisions and offer a coherent, inspiring vision beneficial for America and Americans?

Time and the next election will tell.

THIS ELECTION SHOULD SCARE YOU — AND NOT JUST IF YOU LIVE IN NEW YORK

We are so screwed.

-- Steve