Dave Portnoy considers New York City mayoral run to challenge Mamdani
"I am overly disgusted with what is going on with who's being elected from Mandami down to these primaries and the things they've said. They've let the fox into the henhouse. And I am, as I'm sure you are, but I'm an entrepreneur. I'm a capitalist. I'm not saying this country's perfect, but I do love this country. And they're openly like saying they hate the country."
About this episode
A panel discussion examines Dave Portnoy's potential New York City mayoral campaign and the broader issue of socialist and progressive candidates winning local Democratic primaries in deep blue districts. The hosts discuss Portnoy's frustration with elected officials like Mamdani whom he accuses of openly hating America and seeking to overthrow Western society. The conversation centers on whether mainstream candidates can effectively counter progressive activists who have developed sophisticated strategies for winning low-turnout primary elections. One panelist reveals that in New York's 13th district, a progressive candidate won with just 10 percent voter turnout, getting slightly over half of those votes. The group debates whether radical left candidates truly represent where America stands politically or if they are simply exploiting low engagement in local elections. Drew mentions he considered running for office during COVID in California, motivated by similar concerns. The panel emphasizes that progressives have deliberately targeted deep blue districts with minimal voter participation, knowing Republicans cannot win general elections in these areas. They discuss examples from Los Angeles and Colorado where similar patterns have emerged. The hosts conclude that regardless of how many prominent candidates like Portnoy or Spencer Pratt consider running, the only way to overcome the current system is massive voter turnout in local elections, as the progressive strategy of targeting low-participation races with activist energy is both legal and highly effective.
Key takeaways
- Dave Portnoy announces he is considering running for New York City mayor to challenge progressive politicians like Mamdani who he says openly hate America.
- Progressive candidates have developed a meticulous strategy targeting deep blue districts with under 10 percent voter turnout in primaries where Republicans cannot win general elections.
- In New York's 13th district, a progressive candidate won with only 10 percent total voter turnout, receiving just over half of those votes.
- Drew reveals he considered entering California politics during COVID, motivated by similar frustrations with radical policies and leadership.
- The panel argues that Los Angeles council members manage homeless shelters while simultaneously operating voter registration hubs at those facilities, creating conflicts of interest.
- Panelists emphasize that the progressive election strategy is completely legal and can only be countered by massive increases in local election voter turnout.
- The hosts debate whether radical progressive candidates represent mainstream American views or are simply exploiting low engagement in local Democratic primaries.