Deja vu, all over again?

To the editor:

Zohran Mamdani, Bernie Sanders and Upton Sinclair have certain things in common. All three have described themselves democratic socialists, whom the Democratic Party establishment has historically not welcomed. One reason is that democratic socialism challenges the party’s orthodoxy and its claim to be the people’s party. These three ran in Democratic primaries and won.

Mamdani, who focused on affordability and taxing the wealthy and corporations, decisively won the June Democratic Party mayoral primary. He’s an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights and a strong critic of Israel. By contrast, the party establishment, especially in New York, believes myths about Israel that don’t reflect a highly disturbing reality. 

Months later, Mamdani is still waiting on endorsements from Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representative Hakeem Jeffries.

Sanders’ presidential campaign in 2020 was derailed by Barack Obama and other Democrats.  After Sanders won early primaries, and then lost the South Carolina primary, Obama purportedly made a number of calls to the other candidates. 

His advice was to drop out and endorse Joe Biden. They complied, helping Biden win the party’s nomination. In 2016, when Sanders first ran, the DNC did its best to undermine his campaign and help Hillary Clinton.

Sinclair, the prolific writer, author of “The Jungle” and activist who exposed the dark underside of capitalism, ran in 1934 for governor of California. He won the Democratic primary and was a strong favorite to win the general election.  

His platform included distribution of land, public works, factory cooperatives and taxing the wealthy. FDR rejected an alliance with Sinclair, who then lost the general election after powerful Republicans and Democrats carried out a dirty-tricks, red-baiting campaign. It was highlighted by phony attack newsreels created by Irving Thalberg, MGM’s head of production.

Howard Elterman