New York

In an increasingly online world, where both propaganda and truth can travel around the world in milliseconds, local news and activities are a lot less dominant than they might have been 30 years ago. However, this is a very clear case where the local politics of NYC is having a big impact on the national scene.

We all saw Jeffries drag his feet, kicking and screaming to avoid supporting Mamdani. Jeffries figured his meal ticket was with the Dem establishment represented by Cuomo. And unfortunately, across the entire country, we have this tension between the Dem status quo establishment and the mostly younger generations that thing the establishment system has been far too compliant in turning everything over to a few billionaires.

But here's the thing: Jeffries' district is not so different from the NYC Mayoral map. Jeffries' district is mostly Brooklyn, and that is not monolithic. But it looks like Mamdani will post a solid win over Cuomo in Jeffries' district. That, and no other reason in the world, is why Jeffries FINALLY gave Mamdani the mildest of endorsements. If Jeffries is smarter than I think he is, he will recognize that there is a big change sweeping the country. Americans in general, and especially Democrats, are damn pissed off with what has happened to this country. And while this cannot be laid entirely on any one person, it is entirely appropriate for Dems to look at the leadership we have had and say "We have had enough of that. We demand a more aggressive, more forward-thinking, more vigorous, younger leadership in the Party."

That clearly is one of the messages that Party old-timers and establishment types must realize from 8 million people taking to the streets. Yes, we know Trump and the Republicans are at the center of this disaster. With the exception of a few like SInema and Manchin, Dems have not actively contributed to this tragedy, but they have not fought hard enough, and they have not worked in a unified enough way, preferring to think of their jobs as free agency with only occasional loose ties to a party structure.

Personally, I think it is too late for Jeffries, but maybe he will be able to pull in enough IOUs to keep his role in the party.