Former President Barack Obama said Thursday that Democrats should embrace socialists as an important part of their political coalition.Speaking on the “Pod Save America” podcast, Obama urged party leaders not to impose “litmus tests” on members with differing views and described newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, as “part of a vision for the future.”
“Tuesday was nice, but we’ve got a lot of work to do. And your task is going to be not to impose litmus tests,” Obama said. “We had [Democratic Virginia Gov.-elect] Abigail Spanberger win and we had Zohran Mandani win and they are all part of a vision for the future. Our job is to say that we want everybody engaged.”
He added: “And we want to have a conversation about how to make sure that every person in this country is treated with dignity and respect, and there are ladders of opportunity, and that there’s the possibility of community, and that we’re getting along not in some cliché, phonied way, but in a genuine, deep way where we recognize, yeah, we have differences, and yes, there are fights that are going to have to be fought, but that deep down there is something core in us that we have in common that is extraordinary.”
Mamdani won the mayoral race on a platform that included raising taxes on corporations and wealthy residents, implementing a citywide rent freeze, providing free bus service and childcare, and establishing city-owned grocery stores.
A recent Gallup poll released Sept. 8 found that only 42% of Democrats viewed capitalism positively, while 66% expressed a favorable opinion of socialism. The following day, NewsNation political contributor Chris Cillizza cautioned on his YouTube channel that the Democratic Party’s growing embrace of socialism could jeopardize its chances in the 2028 election.
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“I guess it’s not terribly surprising, but I do think if I am a Democrat who wants to win the 2028 election … That would worry me candidly because socialism broadly will not sell,” Cillizza said. “You can call it democratic socialism. You can call it whatever you want. But the idea of socialism will not sell in the country.”
However, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin said during an appearance on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom on Aug. 6 that he believes embracing socialists is essential to the Democratic Party’s long-term electoral success.
“We have lots of people in that tent from all of the different ideological wings, from conservative Democrats to centrists, to progressives, to these new leftists,” Martin said, per the Daily Caller. “And the reality is is I’ve always said that you win through addition, not subtraction. You don’t win by pushing people out of your coalition, you win by bringing people into your coalition.”
Meanwhile, the hypocrisy of socialism is already rearing its head in New York City, as Mayor-elect Mamdani abandoned the Big Apple for a luxury suite and gathering in Puerto Rico for the annual Somos conference.
Every year, politicians officially meet on the island to talk about topics that matter to Puerto Rico and its citizens.
The conference is a chance for politicians to get away from their usual surroundings and unwind while they network and make plans for the coming year.
On Thursday, the people in charge waited to see Mamdani, who was the star of the hour. The conference is also the official start of the race for City Council speaker and statewide races, like Hochul’s bid for reelection.
Mamdani thought about his win after arriving on a commercial airline on Thursday afternoon.
“I’m so happy to be here in Puerto Rico. And you know that question was asked of me of where I would go outside of the country, and I’m happy to be here at Somos,” Mamdani said, adding that he wants to raise taxes on ‘wealthy’ New Yorkers and corporations to fund his giveaway schemes.
The search for 10-year-old Dulce Victoria ended in profound heartbreak after two long and agonizing days. The young girl, who had tragically gone missing after falling into the Lerma River, was found lifeless on Saturday morning. The news shattered the fragile hopes for a miracle and cast a heavy, sorrowful shadow over the close-knit community of Salamanca, leaving families and neighbors in shock and grief. The loss of such a young life reverberated far beyond the riverbanks, touching all who had prayed and hoped for her safe return.
The tragic confirmation came through an official statement issued by the Salamanca Municipal Government: “With profound respect, we regret to inform the public that the body of a 10-year-old girl who fell into the Lerma River in the community of Pitayo last Thursday has been recovered.” The message not only shared the heartbreaking news but also extended the administration’s deepest condolences to Dulce’s grieving family. The statement highlighted the municipality’s dedication to handling such devastating events with the utmost dignity, care, and transparency, acknowledging the collective heartbreak of the entire community.
Dulce’s sudden disappearance had prompted an immediate and large-scale emergency response, mobilizing multiple agencies from across the region. Search and rescue teams from neighboring municipalities—including Irapuato, Pueblo Nuevo, and Huanímaro—joined forces with divers, the Salamanca Fire Department, the Red Cross, and Civil Protection units. Tireless hours were spent combing the riverbanks, scouring the water, and coordinating search efforts under the guidance of experienced leaders, such as Liborio Vázquez and the devoted members of the Salamanca Rescue Brigade. While the eventual discovery of Dulce’s body brought an indescribable sense of loss, it also provided a small measure of closure to the anguished search and gave the grieving community a focal point for mourning.
The incident had begun in the late afternoon, at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 12. Emergency responders were alerted by a frantic call reporting that two children had been swept away by the sudden and powerful current of the Lerma River. Early accounts indicated that Dulce and another child had been playing dangerously close to the water’s edge when they unexpectedly lost their footing and were pulled into the strong flow. The boy, displaying remarkable presence of mind despite the frightening circumstances, managed to grab onto a nearby tree branch and was rescued shortly afterward. His detailed eyewitness account proved invaluable, guiding rescuers as they focused their search efforts along the river’s twists and turns.
Despite the swift arrival of emergency services, the river’s force proved too great for Dulce, and she was carried away. In the hours and days that followed, the community rallied together in anxious anticipation, keeping vigil along the riverbanks and praying for her safe return. Social media campaigns, neighborhood search parties, and tireless volunteer efforts painted a picture of a community united in hope and desperation. Yet, even as volunteers combed the area and divers scoured the water, the reality of the river’s strength and unpredictability became painfully clear.
Finally, after 48 hours of relentless searching, Dulce’s body was located, ending a tense and agonizing chapter for everyone involved. While the outcome could not bring her back, it allowed her family, friends, and the larger Salamanca community to begin the grieving process with certainty rather than uncertainty. The tragedy underscored the dangers that children face near natural bodies of water, highlighting the importance of vigilance, safety measures, and community awareness. As the news settled over Salamanca, hearts collectively mourned the loss of a bright young life that had been full of promise, innocence, and potential, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who knew and loved Dulce Victoria.