Obama may be out of office, but he still has major influence in politics. That influence isn’t going away anytime soon.
And Barack Obama made one phone call that is causing Republican heads to explode.
Obama’s Call Signals Support for Mamdani’s Mayoral Bid
A recently revealed phone call between former President Barack Obama and Zohran Mamdani, a top contender in New York City’s mayoral race, is stirring excitement among Democrats. First reported by Mara Gay of The New York Times and verified by the New York Post, the June conversation could mark a turning point for Mamdani’s campaign. Though details remain sparse, the timing of the disclosure suggests a strategic effort to position the progressive Queens assemblyman as a credible choice for voters wary of his radical ideas.
“It gives the sense that President Obama’s world is comfortable with his candidacy. It normalizes him,” said Al Sharpton, a key figure with strong ties to Obama’s administration, in remarks on Thursday. “It helps with the perception of some people that Mamdani is too radical. It sends a message that he is not unacceptable.”
For Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, the call could help bridge the gap with mainstream Democrats. His campaign has yet to secure endorsements from heavyweights like Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Still, a source within Mamdani’s team remains hopeful that Obama’s interest could lead to a game-changing endorsement.
“Zohran Mamdani is the future of the Democratic Party,” the source declared. “Zohran inspired people to get involved in the political party. President Obama recognized this.”
Mamdani’s ties to Obama’s circle run through Patrick Gaspard, a former White House political director and ambassador to South Africa, who advises the candidate informally.
Gaspard has gone with Mamdani to several meetings with Sharpton, including National Action Network events, a discussion with NAN pastors, and a gathering at the Regency hotel. These connections signal Mamdani’s growing influence among Democratic power brokers.
Skeptics, however, caution against reading too much into the call. Some insiders suggest it may have been a standard courtesy to the Democratic nominee, not a guarantee of support.
A source noted that four years ago, Obama, Schumer, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi all contacted then-Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams after he won his mayoral primary.
“That’s just maintenance for those guys,” the source explained. “They want to stay relevant with the party and leadership.”
Per the source, the lack of endorsements from figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton, combined with Obama’s silence on formal support, fuels doubts about his commitment to Mamdani.
Sharpton himself is unsure whether Obama will endorse anyone in the race. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams downplayed the significance of the call, focusing instead on local concerns.
“It’s about New York City residents,” he said, steering the conversation back to the Big Apple.
As Mamdani’s campaign gains traction, Obama’s outreach could prove to be a critical boost, reframing him as a candidate with appeal beyond the radical socialists who support him.
For now, the call stands as a subtle but powerful gesture, hinting that Mamdani’s vision could be catching the eye of the Democratic elite.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
