Breaking History – "Beautiful Losers: Mamdani & The End of Socialism’s Losing Streak"
Podcast: Breaking History
Host: Eli Lake, The Free Press
Date: October 29, 2025
Episode Summary by an Expert Podcast Summarizer
Main Theme of the Episode
This episode of Breaking History investigates the striking rise of Zoran Mamdani, poised to become New York City's first openly socialist mayor in over a century, and what his emergence signals for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as well as the Democratic Party itself. Through a sweeping historical lens, host Eli Lake examines how American socialism evolved: from its "beautiful loser" past to its fraught present, the legacy of its intellectual founders (especially Michael Harrington), and the tensions that erupt when radical factions gain momentum within ostensibly democratic movements.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Zoran Mamdani: The Next Mayor and a DSA Triumph
- Mamdani's Historic Rise:
- Eli Lake introduces Mamdani’s near-certain victory as a watershed for American socialism, surpassing previous achievements by figures like Bernie Sanders or AOC (03:16).
- Mamdani defeated establishment Democratic figures, including City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Andrew Cuomo, making him the youngest and most left-wing leader New York has seen in modern times (04:10).
- Public Perception and Campaign Style:
- Signature Policies:
2. Controversies and Polarizing Positions
- On Israel and Hamas:
- Mamdani refuses to explicitly condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada,” or directly denounce Hamas, preferring to couch his positions in terms of "justice" and international law (08:12).
- His ambiguous statements on Israel and Palestine, coupled with past associations (including a Soundcloud rap praising the Holy Land Five) haunt his campaign and feed criticism (10:09).
- DSA’s Anti-Israel Turn:
3. The Evolution of the Democratic Socialists of America
- Founding and Intent:
- Michael Harrington originally envisioned the DSA as the "left of the possible," influencing mainstream politics by tugging Democrats leftward (17:09).
- Takeover by Radicals:
- Intellectual Backdrop:
4. Michael Harrington: From Intellectual Luminary to Marginal Figure
- Key Achievements:
- Clash with the New Left:
- Harrington’s antipathy to Soviet-style communism led to the expulsion of Tom Hayden and birth of the New Left, signaling a generation gap with revolutionary students (33:28).
- Despite his opposition to revolutionary leftists, Harrington eventually allowed former Communists and radical factions into the DSA, diluting his own anti-totalitarian stance (40:39, 41:55).
- Irony and Legacy:
5. DSA–Democratic Party Tensions and Infighting
- Current Fractures:
- Mamdani faces internal DSA opposition for moderating positions on staffing (e.g., not enforcing an anti-Zionist litmus test) (49:42).
- The party is quick to censure leaders (such as AOC) for ideological impurity (50:47).
- Joshua Muravchik points out that DSA’s leadership is now in the hands of uncompromising far-leftists—many with no democratic inclinations (51:12).
- Grassroots Cynicism:
- Producer Adam Feldman recounts attending a DSA caucus in Bushwick, where disappointment in Mamdani’s pragmatic pivots is palpable, yet members remain pragmatic, anticipating at least some moderation for electoral gain (52:09).
- What’s Next?
- Eli Lake questions whether the Democratic Party will follow the same path as DSA: inviting radicals and eventually becoming dominated by them (53:44).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Mamdani on Socialism:
“No, I'm a Democratic socialist. That means I believe in dignity for all people.” – Zoran Mamdani (03:16) -
On ‘Globalize the Intifada’:
“It’s not language that I use, it’s language I understand there are concerns about. And what I will do is showcase my vision for the city through my words.” – Zoran Mamdani (07:42) -
Eli Lake’s skepticism:
“A globalized intifada would unleash terror against Jews all over the world. So why not just give a straight answer instead of dissembling…?” – Eli Lake (08:12) -
Key moment at the 2017 DSA Convention:
“All those in favor of the resolution raise your voting cards… The motion carries.” – DSA Chair (13:31)
Followed by the chant: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free…” (13:38) -
Harrington on policy and principle:
“Although I appreciate the beginning effort and I'm for it, I want to be out calling for more and not saying that what we've done is enough… there is nothing socialist or revolutionary about the present poverty program.” – Michael Harrington (28:11) -
Historian on DSA’s radicalization:
“These Marxist Leninist groups, these Maoist groups, they're a voting bloc in the national organization… Who are these purists who believe they’re going to start a vanguard party and have a revolution?” – Jake Altman (17:33) -
On DSA infighting over Mamdani’s moderation: “I want Zoran to publicly apologize to the Palestinian community regarding his recent statements and put a policy in place to check that no one on his staff holds positive views of Zionism. If not, I will write a proposal to my chapter to censure him...” – DSA Member, quoted by Olivia Rheingold (49:42)
-
Muravchik on DSA leadership’s anti-democratic turn:
“The group that has taken over the executive bodies elected at this recent convention is now the far left, which really has no even a residual connection to democracy.” – Joshua Muravchik (51:12)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- DSA’s sudden leap toward power and Mamdani as a breakthrough candidate:
02:32–05:23 - Olivia Rheingold on Mamdani’s Obama-like campaign appeal:
05:41–06:07 - Controversies: ‘Globalize the Intifada’ and Israel-Hamas:
07:39–09:28 - DSA’s radical positions and anti-Israeli turn:
11:02–14:24 - Critique of DSA by ex-members (resignation letter):
16:24–17:09 - Jake Altman on radical factions seizing control in DSA:
17:33–18:00 - Short history of socialism in America:
19:42–23:41 - Harrington’s book ‘The Other America’ and its influence:
25:33–27:23 - Collision with the New Left and the Port Huron Statement:
29:06–35:44 - DSA’s internal contradictions and growing pains:
49:42–53:44 - Looking ahead: What Mamdani and DSA success might mean for the Democratic Party:
53:44–End
Overall Tone and Closing Thoughts
Eli Lake’s narration interleaves sharp skepticism, historical color, and a sense of warning—tinged with irony and mournfulness for visions lost. Through interviews, archival audio, and vivid analysis, the episode warns that the lessons of the past, as embodied in the tragic arc of Harrington and his “beautiful loser” generation, risk being forgotten amidst the euphoria of socialist resurgence. The core question isn’t whether DSA has finally “won” power, but whether it can wield it without falling prey to its own illiberal or radical strains—and whether the broader Democratic Party can avoid following this now-familiar path.
For further context, refer to the show's cited historians and DSA resignations, and remember:
“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana
[Note: Ads, musical asides, and non-content were omitted per instructions.]