The Unstoppable Rise of Zohran Mamdani: Defying the New York Post
For decades, the New York Post has been the ultimate kingmaker—or king-breaker—in New York City politics. From the Murdoch-owned tabloid’s headquarters, a relentless stream of criticism has historically been enough to derail even the most ambitious liberal mayors. However, six months into his term, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is proving to be a different kind of politician.
While the Post has deployed every weapon in its arsenal, Mamdani isn’t just surviving the onslaught; he is thriving. This shift marks a pivotal moment in how political power and media influence intersect in the digital age.
A “Spaghetti Against the Wall” Strategy
The New York Post has left no stone unturned in its quest to diminish Mamdani. The attacks have been eclectic and hyperbolic, ranging from ideological labels like “communist” and “antisemite” to bizarre critiques regarding his ability to perform a bench press.
According to Angelo Carusone, president of Media Matters for America, the tabloid is employing a “spaghetti against the wall strategy”—throwing every possible accusation at the mayor to see what sticks. From criticizing his stance on international affairs to mocking his wife’s vacations, the volume of content is staggering. In just three days recently, the Post published 29 separate pieces targeting Mamdani.
The Numbers: Popularity in the Face of Pressure
Despite the daily barrage, the data tells a story of resilience. A recent poll by Siena College revealed a surprising trend: Mamdani’s favorability actually increased amid the attacks. Currently, approximately 58% of New Yorkers approve of the mayor, while only 26% disapprove—ratings that outperform the Democratic party as a whole.
Why is this happening? The answer lies in the disconnect between the tabloid’s narrative and the lived experience of New Yorkers:
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- Failed Predictions: The Post warned of a “war zone,” bankruptcy, and a billionaire exodus. In reality, office leasing in NYC saw an increase in early 2026.
- Authenticity: Voters are increasingly viewing the tabloid’s hyperbolic tone with skepticism, often “rolling their eyes” at the predictable rhetoric.
- Focus: Unlike predecessors, Mamdani is not distracted by national presidential ambitions, allowing him to remain focused on city governance.
Out-Murdoch-ing Murdoch: A New Media Playbook
The secret to Mamdani’s success is his ability to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. In the past, mayors like Bill de Blasio struggled because they relied on the very systems that eventually turned against them. Mamdani, however, is his own storyteller.
By leveraging his own distribution channels and engaging directly with the public, he has effectively neutralized the New York Post‘s influence. As Ross Barkan, author of The Revolutionary: Zohran Mamdani and the Remaking of American Politics, notes, Mamdani possesses a unique ability to combat the Post’s machinery, making the powerful tabloid seem like a “ship at sea.”
Conclusion: A Shift in Political Communication
The battle between Zohran Mamdani and the New York Post is more than just a local political feud; it is a case study in the declining power of traditional tabloid journalism. When a politician can communicate directly with the electorate, the “fear-mongering” tactics of the past lose their potency.
For now, the New York Post continues to generate page views with its attacks, but the political needle isn’t moving. In the streets of NYC, the “vibes” remain positive, and the mayor continues to lead with a mandate that the Murdoch empire simply cannot break.
