Cam's Share: Zohran Mamdani says he's ready for Donald Trump
- Nov 17, 2025
- 2 min read
I don’t usually share anything political (it’s such a tough space to navigate) but when Cam sent me this episode, I thought, well, that’s my excuse. And what I love is that she and I took completely different things from it, which says a lot about the richness of both the podcast and our collective thinking.
These were her words: "Bloody love him. Main thought with him is that he’s actually doing what basic government should be: education, health, housing. These used to be basic but now they’re up for grabs between parties."
I agree with her. But what struck me most was something slightly different: his effort to genuinely understand people who don’t share his political views. He talks about going into neighbourhoods that voted for Trump, asking why, and just listening. No defensiveness. No judgement. Just curiosity.
I also respect how openly he’s evolved in his thinking, that’s not common in politics, and it takes courage to admit you’ve changed. And he seems genuinely committed to working with people across the aisle. I admire that kind of middle-ground leadership… the kind that feels both aspirational and grounded in reality, even if I’m not fully convinced when he’s pressed on where the money will come from.
But still, it’s the first time in a while I’ve heard social views that feel balanced. If there were a Republican candidate doing something similar, imagine what could be possible. It would open up real conversations again.
Two lines that stayed with me: "You lead all of them together. And you do so by understanding what it will take to deliver both of those things in tandem." and "Sometimes people treat aspiration as if it is a crime."
And when asked whether the city needs more Robert Moses or more Jane Jacobs, more building or more preservation, he said: "The city needs someone who can find inspiration in both." I got goosebumps.
A reminder that real progress often sits in the space between ideas… if we’re willing to listen.
Was surprisingly impressed by Mamdani - extraordinary communicator - am now interested to see how he navigates the difficulties of fulfilling his aspirations for NYC.