Right-wing media outlets and personalities have latched onto a narrative blaming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for the New York Mets' protracted losing streak, which has reached eleven consecutive games. This phenomenon appears to coalesce around a perceived lack of substantive criticism against the mayor, diverting attention to the baseball team's struggles. The mayor's attendance at a game and a photo opportunity with team mascots have been seized upon as a 'curse' or negative omen.
A Metaphorical Blitz Against the Mayor
The attribution of the Mets' slump to Mayor Mamdani's actions gained traction across several platforms. Sean Hannity, on Fox News, featured images of Mamdani with the team mascots, remarking on the team's performance and using the mayor's full, somewhat derisive, moniker, "Zohran Marxist Commie Mamdani." This segment, met with laughter from a colleague, appears to have been a largely performative gesture, yet it amplifies the narrative.
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Other critics have employed more pointed analogies. Some have suggested Mamdani, who campaigned on increasing taxes for wealthier New Yorkers, is metaphorically "squeezing the mojo out of the Mets" similar to how they perceive he intends to "squeeze taxpayers." This framing attempts to connect the mayor's policy stances with the team's misfortunes.
Timing and Context
Reports indicate that Mamdani's interaction with the mascots occurred after the Mets' losing streak had already begun, not as its inception point. However, the timing has been disregarded in the fervor to attribute blame. The mayor, a known fan of the team, was photographed greeting "Mr. and Mrs. Met" at Citi Field. Since this interaction, the team has suffered an 0-11 record. This coincidence, however, is being leveraged to fuel the 'Mamdani curse' narrative.
Broader Political Attacks
This recent focus on the Mets' losing streak emerges within a broader context of political antagonism towards Mayor Mamdani. Figures associated with the MAGA movement have previously attacked Mamdani based on his identity, his political affiliation as a democratic socialist, and his policy proposals. These attacks have ranged from accusations of "cultural suicide" to labeling him an "extremist and Marxist."
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President Donald Trump, for instance, has engaged in repeated public criticism of Mamdani, particularly targeting his tax policies, such as the recently unveiled "pied-à-terre tax." Prior to his mayoral victory, Mamdani, a Muslim and naturalized citizen, faced significant backlash from MAGA leaders who questioned his background and political ideology. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other MAGA figures have characterized Mamdani as a "dangerous" figurehead of a leftward-shifting Democratic Party.
Mayor Mamdani's Record
Amidst these baseball-related and political broadsides, Mamdani's early tenure as mayor has seen several policy initiatives. Within his first 100 days, he has been credited with securing a $1.2 billion investment for universal child care, including new daycare seats in low-income areas, and facilitating $34 million in tenant repairs and settlements. Additionally, his administration has reported securing $9 million in restitution for workers and small businesses, addressing 100,000 potholes, and noting a 30% reduction in reported rat sightings.
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