Lucy Biggers, a former supporter of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), has issued a stark warning to young voters in New York following socialist Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary. In a recent video she shared on X, Biggers reflects on her past admiration for political figures like Mamdani, admitting that, at age 25, she would have been captivated by such candidates. Now at 35, she critiques the allure of socialist promises, including free college and housing, arguing that these initiatives ultimately do not deliver prosperity for cities, as they drive wealthier residents away and impose higher taxes on those remaining.
In her commentary, Biggers emphasizes that good intentions behind policies often pave the way to unintended consequences. She believes that socialist policies lead to economic decline, leaving cities with fewer financial resources to sustain essential services. As a media professional who played a crucial role in elevating AOC’s profile during her 2018 campaign, Biggers recalls producing a viral video that contributed to AOC’s unexpected primary victory over long-standing Congressman Joe Crowley. That moment marked a significant shift in political engagement, showcasing how social media can influence electoral outcomes.
Seven years later, Biggers reflects on her changing perspective, influenced by experiences such as the pandemic and the effects of government spending. She explains that maturity brings a more nuanced view of politics, moving beyond the binary notion of right and wrong. This evolution in thinking leads her to criticize the glorification of socialist ideals among the younger generation, who may lack awareness of the historical failures associated with such systems in countries like Cuba and Venezuela. Biggers perceives a concerning trend of young people being indoctrinated into viewing the United States as inherently flawed, which she finds embarrassing and naive.
While acknowledging the genuine passion of young voters like those supporting Mamdani, Biggers warns that their enthusiasm may be misplaced. Her assessment of Mamdani’s campaign is that it resonates with a desire for change but is ultimately selling an unrealistic vision for the future. She articulates that the hope for a socio-political utopia is misleading and not grounded in practical realities. Young people, motivated by a sense of urgency for systemic change, may be overlooking the lessons of history and the complexities of governance that accompany such aspirations.
Despite the misgivings, Biggers’s observations do not go unnoticed by established political figures. Both AOC and Mamdani’s offices have chosen not to comment, possibly indicating awareness of the scrutiny and stakes involved in their progressive agendas. This silence might also reflect the tension between the aspirations of a new generation and the cautionary perspectives of those who have experienced the political landscape evolve over the years.
Ultimately, Biggers advocates for a more pragmatic approach to politics, urging young voters to critically assess the viability of socialist promises. She stresses the importance of recognizing the past while navigating the future, highlighting that the allure of idealism must be tempered with practical considerations. As the discourse on socialism and progressive policies continues to evolve, Biggers’s insights offer a reminder of the need for balance in political beliefs, emphasizing the value of learning from both successes and failures in the pursuit of a better society.
