Fiona Greaney ’29
Opinions Editor
A sensual slap on the hand paired with uninterrupted gaze into each other’s eyes — not the interaction you would expect from two married men, let alone two married men who are also two of the most discussed politicians in America. Political commentary is usually not my cup of tea, because I don’t like my tea cold or lacking spice. But this particular moment caught my attention, along with the reactions that ensued.
New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, visited President Trump in the White House to discuss the most pertinent issues for New Yorkers: housing, policing, job security, and immigration. The two politicians have had their fair share of namecalling directed at each other, but this seems to be altogether forgotten. In fact, Trump offered Mamdani a warmer welcome than he has received from many in his own party.
Other than being Native New Yorkers, Trump and Mamdani have a lot in common. Both men shaped their campaigns around perceived authenticity and genuine charisma. They shun their own political parties and the establishment, making themselves alluring to voters who have been disappointed by leaders who don’t just fail to do but fail to even say. But more than anything else, the entertainment value of these politicians draws voters in more than I think we realize.
Take Mamdani — this summer, flashy posters fusing bold colors and JFK imagery lined my commute to work each morning. He took to social media, creating short clips that slipped into the feeds of many young voters. In a similar vein, the president uses social media to say what he thinks when he thinks it. During press interviews, Trump is boisterously unprofessional, recently calling a reporter “piggy.” Both of them use boldness to recruit voters.
While these strategies are jarring in many circumstances, they offer a fresh breath of air for fed-up voters. So many politicians, on both sides of the aisle, have overstayed their welcome and gone stale. Like when chunky sneakers and knit sweaters came back into style, populism is on the rise.
Old-time politicians, whether Democrats or Republicans, are old news, as evident in the polls. Populist figures will continue to be on the rise as more and more Americans come to the conclusion that the stability promised by the establishment is a farce. If we can’t have stability, we might as well have drama; spectacle; romance.
Trump and Mamdani’s date at the White House last week was the climax of their year-long namecalling. “Fascist” and “communist” were labels that were again brought up after the meeting, and both laughed it off and acknowledged the statements, showing a sign of at least respect and at most admiration for each other.
Mamdani and Trump supporters alike are outraged by the political bromance. People on both sides feel as if these politicians are discarding their views, standards, and morals. But I don’t think this is the case. I think there is a genuine admiration between the two politicians based on their mutual use of charisma and authenticity to entice voters. I ship it.
Featured image courtesy of abc7ny.com
Copy Edited by Lily Wasmund
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