Against a backdrop of Trump's seizure of executive power, Mamdani turns to failed socialist Presidential candidate Eugene V. Debs for inspiration

NEW YORK, November 5 (C'est Vrai) — The transformation of Zohran Mamdani from a Bollywood nepo baby to a figurehead of the Democratic Socialists of America to mayoral candidate courting New York's titans of industry to an admirer of Eugene V. Debs is complete. But who is the real Zohran ? In the same winning speech last night in which Mamdani invoked the storied, five-time failed Presidential candidate, he also challenged Trump. Can Debs carry Mamdani further than Debs got, himself ?

Further Reading :

• A guide to the leaders, revolutionaries, and politicians Mamdani referenced in his victory speech [Business Insider]
  Nov. 5, 2025 — Mamdani opened his speech by quoting Eugene Debs, a prominent socialist and trade unionist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani sticks to his socialist guns in fire-breathing victory speech [The New York Post]
  Nov. 5, 2025 — Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani delivered a fire-breathing victory speech late Tuesday, sticking to his socialist guns and boldly promising to deliver on his sweeping agenda.
• Mamdani Seeks to Charm New York’s Most Powerful Capitalists [The New York Times]
  Oct. 13, 2025 — Key power brokers attacked Zohran Mamdani and raised millions for his leading opponent in the Democratic primary. Now many are talking to him behind the scenes.

Key Words :

• Eugene V. Debs
• James Whelan
• Zohran K. Mamdani