Conservative historian Victor Davis Hanson appeared on Fox News’ “Hannity” this week to discuss the political positions of Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist and current frontrunner in New York City’s mayoral race.
During the segment, Hanson addressed comments Mamdani has made regarding socialist policies. He specifically pointed to Mamdani’s recent use of the phrase “seizing the means of production,” a concept closely associated with Marxist ideology. Hanson noted that these remarks were not made during Mamdani’s youth but reflect his current beliefs.
“Well, they’re incompatible with the history of the United States, the 249 years, and you have to refute them at the polls. Everybody has to get out in November and do something historic and win for the end party, the Republicans. A huge midterm victory, and that will refute it,” Hanson said. “That’s how McGovernism was refuted. That’s how Carterism was, but this is much more extreme.”
The conversation also referenced criticisms Mamdani has faced from both Republicans and some Democrats following statements perceived as anti-police and his refusal to denounce certain controversial phrases.
Fox host Sean Hannity asked whether reconciliation between left-leaning politicians like Mamdani and their conservative counterparts was possible given such ideological differences. Hanson’s response suggested he saw little compatibility between those views and traditional American values.
A clip of David Asman discussing parallels between historical figures who denied communist labels after taking power circulated on social media following Hanson’s appearance.
Mamdani continues to state that he does not identify as a communist.
