Quotes Library

February 8, 2026

Being right, in and of itself, is meaningless…we have to win. And we have to deliver.

Zohran Mamdani (1991 – ) American politician, and newly-elected mayor of New York City, New York Times Magazine, October 19, 2025, p. 22

Are you one of those who thinks your take on the political situation is so correct that simply showing up for some debate or other will get you elected? Don’t you understand that this is where most people’s dreams (or even expectations!) of a successful political future for themselves dies—in just “knowing” they are right?.

Mamdani is spot on!

Just as in the game of tic-tac-toe, political success comes in three moves that must line up. First, you put together a platform that is right for the times, that speaks convincingly to current issues—the ones that are top of mind to the electorate; second, you organize, work hard, and win an election based on that platform; and third you deliver.

And the greatest of these is the delivery. Because the failure to deliver increases the odds on you being a one-term-wonder—-tossed out of office at the very first opportunity. And so be it!


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Why shouldn’t things be largely absurd, futile, and transitory? They are so, and we are so, and they and we go well together.
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