Zohran Mamdani, the Everywhere Mayor

The New Yorker

by Molly Fischer

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has become known for his strategic use of "pseudo-events," media-driven spectacles designed to enhance his visibility and public image. His appearances are meticulously planned, from officiating weddings at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau to hosting press conferences on buses in the Bronx. These staged events, as defined by historian Daniel J. Boorstin, are not spontaneous but carefully orchestrated for maximum media coverage. Mamdani's approach mirrors historical political tactics, with figures like Joseph McCarthy and Franklin D. Roosevelt also employing similar strategies to manipulate public perception. Boorstin noted that pseudo-events often serve political agendas, feeding the insatiable demand for content in a media-driven world. This phenomenon is particularly evident today with social media amplifying such efforts, as seen in Mamdani's appearances on LinkNYC kiosks and Taxi TV. The cultural significance lies in how these events shape public narrative and perception. By controlling the spectacle, politicians like Mamdani navigate modern media landscapes where traditional news may be overshadowed by crafted narratives. Understanding this dynamic helps readers appreciate the interplay between politics, media, and public relations in contemporary culture.

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Originally published on The New Yorker on 2/19/2026