The Collision of Two New Yorks

Michael Lange: “Cuomo vs. Mamdani is a Tale of Two New Yorks. One is aging and on the decline, yet still tightly-tethered to the reins of power; the other is youthful and ascendant, but lacking insider clout. One relies on the atrophying, but still impactful, political machines of yore; the other prides itself on the grassroots — rallies, volunteers, energy – slowly recreating the civic life left behind by the machines. One prizes relationships and remains institution-driven (Clergy, Labor Unions, Editorial Boards, Real Estate); the other prescribes both left-leaning ideology and robust community organizing, with the foot soldiers to prove it. One embodies the establishment, the other rails against it.

“This Tuesday, these Two New York’s will collide at the ballot box. A changing of the political guard may be in order.”