A striking comparison is reverberating through New York City’s mayoral race: a prominent congressman is positioning a candidate as a modern-day Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Representative Jamie Raskin, a key figure on the progressive left, publicly aligned Zohran Mamdani with the iconic president, igniting both enthusiasm and controversy.
Raskin released a video highlighting the parallels, framing Mamdani as a bold leader facing similar opposition to that encountered by FDR during the New Deal era. The video directly addresses criticisms labeling Mamdani a “socialist,” reframing the description as simply being a “Democratic socialist” – an “FDR Democrat,” in Raskin’s words.
The core of the comparison rests on ambition and a willingness to challenge established power structures. Raskin clarified he wasn’t claiming Mamdani had *achieved* FDR’s legacy, but rather possessed a comparable drive and vision, a “Rooseveltian ambition” at the outset of his career. Mamdani himself readily accepted the compliment.
The video powerfully evokes Roosevelt’s 1936 address at Madison Square Garden, a fiery denunciation of “the lords of capitalism.” It then cuts to Roosevelt’s defiant declaration – “I welcome their hatred” – a statement born from facing intense opposition from powerful interests. This juxtaposition aims to establish Mamdani as a similarly disruptive force.
Roosevelt, in that historic speech, identified the enemies of progress as “business and financial monopoly, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism.” He described a unified front of opposition unlike anything seen before, and embraced the animosity it generated. The video strategically uses this historical context to bolster Mamdani’s image.
Despite the enthusiastic endorsement, Mamdani’s path to power isn’t without obstacles. Born in Uganda, he is constitutionally ineligible to ever seek the presidency. However, his rise has captivated the progressive wing of the Democratic party, while simultaneously drawing fire from Republicans and more centrist Democrats.
The internal divisions within the Democratic party are starkly illustrated by the varied responses to Mamdani’s candidacy. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries offered his support after pressure from his left flank, signaling a willingness to embrace progressive candidates.
In contrast, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remained conspicuously silent about his vote, refusing to publicly endorse Mamdani. Representative Tom Suozzi went even further, openly criticizing Mamdani’s policies and endorsing his opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent.
This fractured support underscores the high stakes and ideological battleground that defines this mayoral race. Raskin’s bold comparison to FDR isn’t simply a compliment; it’s a declaration of intent, positioning Mamdani as a transformative figure ready to challenge the status quo.
