Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayoral hopeful known for his far-left platform, drew unlikely praise from one of Fox News’ most respected analysts this week. Appearing on Special Report with Bret Baier, chief political analyst Brit Hume described Mamdani as a “big talent” — even as he made clear that the candidate’s ideas remain rooted in failed progressive orthodoxy.
Hume’s remarks came hours after Mamdani’s exclusive interview with Martha MacCallum, where the Democratic Socialist candidate outlined his agenda for the city.
For Hume, what stood out was not the policy substance but the messenger himself. “I think the thing we have to recognize about this guy is he may be evasive, he may be a socialist — President [Donald] Trump thinks he’s a communist — but he is a big talent,” Hume said.
The longtime political observer, known for his measured tone and skepticism of Washington spin, praised Mamdani’s communication skills, describing him as polished, articulate, and “very disarming.” Hume added, “He’s got this ready smile, and he seems so easygoing and friendly and affable. I think it’s hard for the labels put on him as an extremist to stick.”
In a political era where sharp rhetoric and ideological rigidity often define public debate, Hume’s analysis highlighted the contrast between Mamdani’s radical proposals and his seemingly approachable demeanor.
The New York assemblyman, who has built his career on pushing policies like defunding police departments and expanding welfare programs, now finds himself positioned as a serious contender for City Hall.
Yet Hume’s admiration for Mamdani’s presentation did not extend to his platform. “When you start to examine his positions, there’s a lot of the same old, same old that we’ve heard many times from the left,” he cautioned. “You know, tax the rich, and free buses, and free this and free that. It hasn’t worked out very well in the past. It probably wouldn’t again.”
That critique cut to the heart of conservative concerns about Mamdani’s brand of urban progressivism — a political vision heavy on slogans about redistribution but light on evidence of success.
New York, Hume implied, has seen this movie before. From promises of “free” services to the steady expansion of city bureaucracy, the pattern has led to higher taxes, weakened public order, and a steady exodus of middle-class families.
Still, the veteran analyst suggested that charisma and media savvy may carry Mamdani further than expected. “At the moment, he looks like he’s on a glide path to be the mayor,” Hume said, a prediction that underscores how the candidate’s style may be resonating even as his policies alarm fiscal conservatives.
Hume’s commentary served as both compliment and caution. He recognized Mamdani as a formidable political communicator, but also as a potential symbol of New York’s deepening embrace of the progressive agenda — one that, despite its charm, could test the city’s already strained finances and social cohesion. In Hume’s words, Mamdani may be “a big talent,” but his far-left ideas are anything but new.
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