Ex-AOC backer slams Mamdani's unrealistic policy ideas

Once a fervent cheerleader for progressive ideals, Lucy Biggers has turned a critical eye on NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, calling his socialist proposals a bridge too far.

Biggers, a former supporter of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and now a social media editor at The Free Press, penned a sharp op-ed critiquing Mamdani’s promises of free bus rides, free childcare, and government-run grocery stores, while questioning the feasibility of such sweeping government intervention.

Back in her days as a senior producer at NowThis, a left-leaning media outfit, Biggers interviewed Ocasio-Cortez for an hour, producing a video that reached millions with AOC’s undeniable charisma. She recalls the energy and authenticity that captivated so many. But now, that starry-eyed admiration seems to have dimmed.

From idealism to practical concerns

“AOC’s charisma and big smile jump off the screen,” Biggers wrote, reminiscing about the polished yet relatable politician. Yet, charm alone doesn’t pay the bills or run a city, and Biggers sees the same seductive appeal in Mamdani, minus the practicality.

Mamdani, a self-described socialist running for NYC mayor, has built a massive following among young New Yorkers, rallying over 50,000 volunteers to canvass for his cause. His bold pledges to tax the wealthy and deliver a slew of “free” services echo the same populist fervor Biggers once fell for. The problem is, someone’s got to foot the bill.

“His promise of free bus rides [and] free childcare” reminds Biggers of Ocasio-Cortez’s early appeal, she notes in her piece. But let’s be real—nothing is free, and the notion of government-run grocery stores sounds like a recipe for lines longer than a Soviet bread queue.

Mamdani’s appeal meets harsh reality

At 35, now a mother of two and a homeowner, Biggers admits her views have shifted from wide-eyed activism to grounded skepticism. Life has a way of teaching hard lessons. Her days as a climate activist are behind her, replaced by a more measured take on what government can—and should—do.

“I have grown up, and my ideas have moderated,” she reflects. That moderation leads her to question whether handing over more tax dollars for expansive programs is wise. After all, a trip to the DMV hardly inspires confidence in bureaucratic efficiency.

Biggers isn’t blind to Mamdani’s appeal, describing him as “charismatic, handsome, and social-media savvy.” But charisma doesn’t balance budgets, and while his army of young supporters might vibe with the idealism, they might not grasp the downstream costs of such grand plans.

Criticism without hyperbole

She’s quick to push back on over-the-top attacks, like claims that Mamdani is some kind of extreme ideologue, as suggested by former President Trump. Biggers finds such rhetoric excessive and unhelpful. Still, she can’t ignore the red flags in his policy playbook.

“Just spend time at the DMV” and imagine a government grocery store, she quips in her op-ed. It’s a fair jab—centralized control often breeds inefficiency, and taxpayers usually end up holding the bag. Turns out, good intentions don’t always equal good outcomes.

Biggers believes Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez mean well, with hearts in the right place for struggling folks. But good intentions aren’t enough when the policies they push could balloon government power, hike taxes, and jack up the cost of living for everyone.

Lessons for young idealists

“They have been mistakenly taught that our capitalist society is the source of all of their problems,” Biggers writes of Mamdani’s base. That’s a tough pill to swallow when reality shows that “free” programs come with hidden price tags—higher costs and less freedom to boot.

For all the hype around Mamdani’s vision, Biggers sees a disconnect between youthful idealism and the gritty realities of governance. It’s easy to promise the moon when you’re not the one figuring out how to launch the rocket. Perhaps a dose of pragmatism could temper the fervor.

Ultimately, Biggers’ critique serves as a cautionary tale for those swept up in Mamdani’s promises. Visionary ideas are one thing, but governing a city like New York demands more than lofty rhetoric—it requires a firm grip on reality.