As the dust settles after the New York City Democratic primary, a new question arises: Can Democrats take a win? Or will they ignore the voters in their quest to stamp out progressivism? This is the debate that Taya Graham and Stephen Janis engage in, following the victory of Zohran Mamdani in the mayoral race last week.

Mamdani, a progressive candidate, emerged victorious in a tightly contested race against incumbent Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio. This victory sparked a heated discussion among political analysts and pundits about the direction of the Democratic Party and its willingness to embrace progressive ideas.

On one side of the debate is Taya Graham, who argues that Democrats have a history of ignoring the will of the people and prioritizing their own interests over the needs of the community. She points to examples such as the Democratic establishment’s support of Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders in the 2016 presidential primary, despite Sanders’ strong grassroots support.

On the other side is Stephen Janis, who believes that Democrats are evolving and becoming more receptive to progressive ideas. He cites Mamdani’s victory as evidence of the party’s growing acceptance of progressive candidates and their policies.

While this debate continues, one thing is clear: Mamdani’s win is a significant milestone for the progressive movement. Not only did he defeat a well-established incumbent, but he also did so by running on a platform that challenged the status quo and put the needs of the community first.

Mamdani’s victory represents a shifting tide in the Democratic Party, where more and more voters are rejecting establishment candidates and demanding change. This sentiment was echoed by Mamdani himself, who said in his victory speech, “This is not a campaign; this is a movement.”

Indeed, the success of Mamdani’s campaign can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of grassroots organizers and volunteers who rallied around his progressive platform. This shows that the power of the people is stronger than the influence of big money and establishment politics.

But as we celebrate this historic win, we must also recognize the challenges that lie ahead. Mamdani’s victory is just the first step in a long journey towards true progress and change. The Democratic Party must continue to listen to the voices of its constituents and embrace progressive policies that address the pressing issues facing our communities.

Unfortunately, there are still some within the party who are resistant to change and hold onto outdated ways of thinking. These individuals may try to undermine progressive candidates like Mamdani, but the people have spoken and their voices must be heard.

The Democratic Party must also learn from past mistakes and not repeat them in the future. The 2016 presidential election showed that ignoring the will of the people can have dire consequences. If the party truly wants to move forward and win over the hearts and minds of voters, it must embrace progressivism and the values it represents.

In the end, the question of whether Democrats can take a win is not a matter of debate, but a call to action. This victory in the New York City Democratic primary serves as a reminder that progressivism is not just a buzzword, but a movement fueled by the people and their collective desire for change.

So, can Democrats take a win? The answer is a resounding yes. But it will require a united effort from all members of the party to embrace progressive ideas and work towards a better future for all. Let us not ignore the voters and their calls for progress, but instead, let us work together to make their voices heard and create a more just and equitable society.