Staff Reports
In the sensational world of politics, Doron Mangani has emerged as the latest candidate running for mayor with all the fervor one might expect from a reality TV debut. Mangani’s claim to fame in this electrifying stage play of New York City politics? He would be the first Muslim and Asian mayor of the city. Yet, the pathway he’s carving to the Mayor’s office seems to have more twists and turns than a soap opera script.
Mangani’s journey has been peppered with claims and controversies that could fill a voluminous autobiography. His college application – already a subject of media inquiry – has come under scrutiny for how he chose to identify his race. In an attempt to project inclusivity or perhaps take full advantage of the systems in place, Mangani reportedly identified himself as both Asian and Black or African-American. Now, one might wonder if there’s a market for a “Race Roulette: You Too Can Be Any Ethnicity” guidebook on the shelves soon. Understandably, many Black New Yorkers aren’t buying this drama, labeling him as a fraud.
His political ideology adds another layer to this complex character. Some observers believe Mangani wants to unfurl a red flag over the city, turning the Big Apple into a communist hub from a Karl Marx dream (or nightmare, depending on where one stands). With plans to control supermarkets and ration food, it seems Mangani has dreams of making running errands an exercise in State compliance. Imagining community dinners where citizens compare their allotted bread and canned fish — feels rather Orwellian, doesn’t it?
Even more troubling is Mangani’s apparent stance on law enforcement and safety in the city. His lack of commitment to working with federal immigration enforcement paints a dim picture for those who value security. The idea of obstructing immigration agents from doing their job? It’s almost like inviting chaos in for dinner—just make sure there’s enough room at the police precinct. New Yorkers may be left to question who exactly will uphold law and order in this brave new world.
Mangani’s flirtation with anti-Semitism presents another alarming chapter in his script. From refusing to commemorate Holocaust remembrance to not signing resolutions condemning hate crimes, it seems his playbook has little regard for Jewish New Yorkers — or anyone who believes in standing up against bigotry. At a time when anti-Semitic incidents are becoming alarmingly common, the lack of decisive moral action raises communal fears.
As the electorate looks ahead, some can only hope this saga wraps up before November with a swift turn of populist rejection. Because while Mangani may have the charisma to attract some young voters, the seasoned citizens of this city may yearn for a leader who actually brings solutions to the table, not just narratives fit for television drama.
