Obama Offers Advice to This Controversial Political Candidate That Everyone Should Be Paying Attention to

When N.Y. mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani stepped onto the political scene, many deemed his democratic socialist strategy dangerous for the future of New York City and the Democratic party. Nevertheless, there seems to be one politician in his corner in more ways than you may think.

Mamdani won the mayoral primary in June, dominating former N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other Democratic candidates. The 33-year-old Muslim politician represents a new wave of leadership in the Democratic party, so after his victory, former President Barack Obama gave him a call.

Obama first congratulated Mamdani before offering him some “advice about governing and discussed the importance of giving people hope in a dark time,” according to The New York Times. The former president has not formally endorsed Mamdani, and he’s largely stayed out of politics since the 2024 election. But, Obama could see something in Mamdani that might just remind him of his younger self– here’s why.

Similarities Between Mamdani and Obama

Like Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, Mamdani’s vision for New York City largely centers around giving hope to regular New York residents and making life more affordable. Experts continue to debate if Mamdani’s plan for free buses and government-run grocery stores will actually be feasible in the city, but what’s not up for debate is just how inspired New Yorkers– especially young ones– feel because of him.

This is similar to Obama’s “Yes, We Can” presidential slogan. The 44th president revived the American dream for many folks across the nation. As the first successful Black presidential candidate, Obama became the face of “hope” and possibility in the country. Now, Mamdani has the chance to do the same thing come the November election.

Democratic strategist Max Burns told the Washington Examiner Obama’s support for Mamdani could reveal something changing within the Democratic party. “If he’s comfortable letting his name be linked to Mamdani so directly, it’s a good indication that we should expect some more established names to come out for Mamdani in the coming weeks,” Burns said.

As the Democratic party continues to recover from President Donald Trump’s second win, other insiders like Ben Rhodes, who worked under Obama, said Democrats should take a page out of Mamdani’s book. “It is past time for Democrats to do what Mr. Mamdani did in his campaign: get out in communities,” he said, according to Fox News. “Don’t live in fear of bad-faith attacks.”

Other insiders, like Mamdani’s own communications director, former Obama White House aide Jeffrey Lerner, are making stark comparisons between the two Democrats. “Much like my former boss, Zohran embodies thoughtful leadership, moral courage, and a unique ability to inspire hope in those who’ve been left behind by politics as usual,” Lerner told the New York Times.

With just a few months until New York City elects a new mayor, Mamdani is certainly leading in several polls. He is set to face off with former Gov. Cuomo and current N.Y. mayor Eric Adams.