How to Destroy a Country: The New Democratic Playbook

The Rise of Zoran Mamani and the Radical Left

Shapiro begins by highlighting the surprising and alarming rise of Zoran Mamani, a 33-year-old Democratic socialist poised to become the mayor of New York City. Mamani, described as a trust fund kid with minimal work experience and a background that includes rapping and community organizing, embodies the new face of the Democratic Party’s left wing. Shapiro argues that Mamani’s appeal is not despite his radical views and personal shortcomings but because of them. His campaign taps into what Shapiro calls the “scavenger cause” — a nihilistic, revolutionary impulse on the left that seeks to tear down existing institutions and systems rather than reform them incrementally.

This movement, Shapiro contends, is a direct outgrowth of Bernie Sanders’ influence, who has long pushed a socialist agenda within the party. Mamani channels Sanders’ economic and foreign policy positions, including anti-Israel rhetoric and a disdain for traditional American values. Shapiro points out that Mamani’s ethnic background and outsider status add to his appeal among certain liberal elites, particularly wealthy, college-educated white voters who are drawn to his identity politics and radical promises, such as rent freezes and government-run grocery stores. However, Mamani’s support among non-white and lower-income voters is comparatively weak, underscoring a disconnect between the party’s leadership and its traditional base.

Shapiro also critiques Mamani’s public statements, including his controversial tweet mourning casualties on both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict immediately after the October 7th Hamas attacks, which Shapiro interprets as a sign of Mamani’s anti-Israel bias. He further notes that Mamani’s mother has described him as “not American,” emphasizing his transnational identity and suggesting that his vision for New York is shaped more by global leftist ideology than by traditional American patriotism.

The Democratic Party’s Internal Struggle

The episode delves into the broader implications of Mamani’s rise for the Democratic Party. Shapiro argues that the party is shrinking overall, but the radical left wing is growing in influence, effectively acting as a “tumor” that is destroying the party from within. He warns that the Democratic establishment is increasingly capitulating to these radicals, as evidenced by endorsements from prominent figures like Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who praise Mamani’s focus on affordability and fairness despite the potential economic damage of his policies.

Shapiro contrasts this with the historical approach of the Democratic Party, which traditionally sought to capture and improve the system through evolutionary change rather than revolution. He asserts that the current left-wing faction openly embraces revolutionary rhetoric and tactics, including support for riots and violence, which alienates the broader American public. This radicalism, Shapiro suggests, is a recipe for political disaster and societal breakdown.

President Trump’s Foreign Policy Wins

Shifting focus, Shapiro praises President Trump’s recent foreign policy achievements, particularly the successful U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He disputes media reports suggesting the strikes were ineffective, citing statements from Israeli intelligence and former DNI Tulsi Gabbard that confirm significant damage to Iran’s nuclear program. Trump’s confident assertions that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been “obliterated” are presented as credible and supported by on-the-ground assessments.

Shapiro also highlights Trump’s diplomatic success at the NATO summit, where member countries agreed to increase their defense spending to a floor of 5% of GDP, a substantial rise from the previous 2% target. This move, Shapiro notes, represents a major win for the United States and Western security, countering earlier narratives that Trump was hostile to NATO. The episode underscores Trump’s use of leverage and tough rhetoric to secure commitments from European allies, with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praising Trump’s leadership.

Additionally, Shapiro touches on Trump’s ongoing support for Ukraine, including the potential provision of Patriot missile systems, and contrasts this with the fractured relationship between Trump and Vladimir Putin. He criticizes left-wing commentators who downplay the threat posed by Iran and other adversaries, accusing them of adopting a “horseshoe theory” that aligns far-left and far-right anti-American sentiments.

Legal and Political Updates

The podcast also covers recent developments in high-profile legal cases and political controversies. Shapiro reports that federal prosecutors have dropped several charges against rapper and mogul Diddy in his racketeering trial, including attempted kidnapping and arson, to simplify the case and focus on stronger allegations. Despite these reductions, Shapiro warns that Diddy still faces serious charges that could result in life imprisonment.

In the political arena, Shapiro notes the arrest and court appearance of New Jersey Democrat Representative Lamonica McIver, who pleaded not guilty after attempting to break into an ICE facility and assaulting federal agents. This incident is part of a broader pattern of confrontations between left-wing activists and law enforcement.

The Future of the Democratic Party and American Politics

Throughout the episode, Shapiro paints a grim picture of the Democratic Party’s trajectory. He predicts that the radical left, embodied by figures like Mamani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, will continue to gain influence, pushing the party further away from its centrist roots. This shift, he argues, will lead to electoral losses and internal chaos, as the establishment fails to rein in the revolutionaries. Shapiro warns that the 2028 primaries will be a critical battleground, with Sanders’ faction likely to back candidates who embrace this radical agenda.

He also emphasizes the danger of underestimating the radicals, noting that while they may be “losers” in terms of legislative achievements, they are nonetheless dangerous because of their willingness to embrace nihilism and upheaval. The episode closes with a call for vigilance and a recognition that the Democratic Party’s current path threatens not only its own future but the stability of the country as a whole.