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He voted for Trump and Mamdani. He explains why | CNN Politics

Progressive Voters Grapple with Democratic Party's Direction Amid Rising Tensions: A Deep Dive into New York Politics

In a compelling on-the-ground report from New York, CNN correspondent Elle Reeve delves into the evolving sentiments among progressive voters, spotlighting the influence of figures like New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. The segment, aired as part of CNN's political coverage, captures a snapshot of a Democratic Party at a crossroads, where grassroots activists and everyday voters are increasingly vocal about their disillusionment with the party's mainstream leadership. Through a series of candid interviews and street-level reporting, Reeve explores how issues like the Israel-Gaza conflict, economic inequality, and climate policy are reshaping voter allegiances in one of the nation's most liberal strongholds.

The report opens with Reeve walking the bustling streets of Queens, New York, a diverse borough that has become a hotbed for progressive politics. Here, Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), emerges as a central figure. Elected in 2020, Mamdani represents Astoria and parts of Long Island City, areas teeming with young professionals, immigrants, and working-class families. Reeve introduces him as a rising star who has championed causes like rent control, universal healthcare, and a ceasefire in Gaza—positions that have put him at odds with more centrist Democrats.

Mamdani, in a sit-down interview with Reeve, articulates the frustrations bubbling up among his constituents. "The Democratic Party has to decide if it's going to be the party of the people or the party of the status quo," he says, his voice steady but impassioned. He points to the 2024 presidential election as a turning point, where President Joe Biden's administration faced backlash from progressives over its handling of the Middle East conflict. Even after Biden's term, with a new administration potentially in place by 2025, Mamdani argues that the party's reluctance to fully embrace bold reforms has alienated a key demographic: young voters and people of color who turned out in record numbers for progressive candidates like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Reeve's reporting extends beyond Mamdani to the voters themselves, painting a vivid picture of a fractured electorate. In one poignant scene, she speaks with Aisha, a 28-year-old Palestinian-American teacher from Queens. Aisha, who voted for Biden in 2020 but sat out the 2024 primaries in protest, expresses her deep sense of betrayal. "I can't support a party that funds bombs dropping on my family back home," she tells Reeve, her eyes welling up. Aisha represents a growing cohort of voters who feel the Democratic establishment has prioritized foreign policy alliances over domestic justice. She mentions attending rallies organized by groups like Jewish Voice for Peace and the DSA, where calls for divestment from Israel and investment in American communities dominate the discourse.

The segment also highlights the economic anxieties fueling this progressive surge. Reeve interviews Jamal, a 35-year-old rideshare driver and father of two, who lives in Mamdani's district. Jamal, an immigrant from Bangladesh, praises Mamdani's efforts to pass legislation for gig worker protections and affordable housing. "Rent is killing us," he says, gesturing to the high-rise luxury apartments overshadowing his modest neighborhood. "Zohran fights for us when the big Democrats are busy with Wall Street." This sentiment echoes broader national trends, where inflation and housing costs have eroded trust in the Democratic Party's ability to deliver on promises like student debt relief and minimum wage hikes.

Reeve doesn't shy away from the internal party conflicts. She notes how Mamdani and his allies have clashed with figures like Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, both of whom have taken more moderate stances on issues like fossil fuel investments and military aid to Israel. In a montage of archival footage, Reeve shows protests outside Democratic fundraisers, where chants of "Genocide Joe" from 2024 give way to demands for a "new Democratic Party" in 2025. Mamdani himself has been a vocal critic, sponsoring bills to tax the ultra-wealthy and redirect funds toward green jobs and public transit—initiatives that have garnered support from environmental groups but faced resistance from party elders.

One of the report's most striking elements is its exploration of voter turnout and potential third-party temptations. Reeve speaks with a group of college students at a Queens community center, many of whom identify as socialists or independents. "I'm done with lesser-evil voting," says Mia, a 22-year-old environmental science major. She references the Green Party and Cornel West's independent run in 2024 as alternatives that could siphon votes from Democrats in future elections. Mamdani weighs in, cautioning against splintering the left but urging the party to adopt more radical platforms to retain these voters. "If we don't address the climate crisis head-on, or the wealth gap, we're going to lose an entire generation," he warns.

The report contextualizes these local dynamics within the national landscape. Reeve draws parallels to other progressive hotspots, like Michigan's "uncommitted" vote campaign during the 2024 primaries, where Arab-American communities protested Biden's Gaza policy. She interviews political analyst Dr. Lena Rahman, who explains that demographics are shifting: "Millennials and Gen Z are not the reliable Democratic base they once were. They're demanding action on intersectional issues—race, class, and global justice." Rahman points to polling data showing a dip in youth turnout, attributing it to perceived inaction on progressive priorities.

Reeve also touches on the role of social media in amplifying these voices. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become battlegrounds for progressive messaging, with Mamdani's viral videos on housing justice reaching millions. "It's not just about elections; it's about building power from the ground up," Mamdani tells Reeve, emphasizing community organizing over top-down politics.

As the segment progresses, Reeve ventures into a DSA meeting in Brooklyn, where members debate strategy for the 2026 midterms. The energy is palpable—young activists, many in their 20s, discuss running slates of candidates to challenge incumbents. One attendee, Carlos, a union organizer, shares his story of switching from the Democratic mainstream after the party's failure to pass a robust PRO Act for labor rights. "Zohran shows us it's possible to win from the left," he says.

The report isn't without balance. Reeve includes perspectives from moderate Democrats who argue that progressive demands risk alienating swing voters. She interviews Sarah, a 45-year-old small business owner from Long Island, who supports Democrats but worries about "extreme" positions. "We need unity to beat the Republicans," she says, referencing the 2024 election's narrow margins.

Mamdani counters this by highlighting successes: his district's push for community land trusts has prevented gentrification, and his advocacy for mental health funding has resonated post-pandemic. "Progress isn't extreme; it's necessary," he asserts.

Reeve wraps up by reflecting on the broader implications. In a voiceover, she notes that as the Democratic Party navigates a post-Biden era—potentially under Vice President Kamala Harris or another leader—the voices of figures like Mamdani and their supporters could define the party's future. "In places like Queens, the fight isn't just for votes; it's for the soul of the left," she concludes.

This report underscores a pivotal moment in American politics, where progressive voters are no longer content with incremental change. Through Mamdani's lens, Reeve illustrates how local battles over policy and identity are rippling outward, challenging the Democratic establishment to evolve or risk fragmentation. As 2025 unfolds, with midterm preparations underway, these tensions promise to shape the electoral map in profound ways, potentially redrawing lines of power in New York and beyond.

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[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/22/politics/video/elle-reeve-zohran-mamdani-voters-pkg ]