Topics: Zohran Mamdani, Politics
New York City's new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has teamed up with educator and YouTube sensation Ms Rachel to give New Yorkers an exciting update on his political agenda, though fans are predicting some major backlash.
Self-proclaimed Democratic-Socialist mayor Mamdani was sworn in on New Year's Day this year, making history for New York as the Big Apple's first Muslim and Asian-American mayor.
The newly elected mayor has recently joined forces with Ms Rachel, real name is Rachel Anne Accurso, a beloved children's educator who started a singing series aimed at children, originally called 'Songs for Littles'.
The educator, who counts nearly 5 million followers on Instagram, was also on Mamdani's electoral committee. Announced last December, the committee included stars of the likes of Severance's John Turturro, Wednesday's Luiz Guzman and Sex and the City star and activist Cynthia Nixon.
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In a video published yesterday by Ms Rachel and Mamdani on Instagram, the unlikely duo came together to give an update about the mayor's free child care campaign, as he and New York governor Kathy Hochul recently unveiled plans to fund the first two years of the city’s free child care program for 2-year-olds, per AP.
Additionally, Mamdani promised to make NYC's buses 'faster and free' in another cornerstone of his campaign.
Both childcare and free buses were referenced in his skit with Ms Rachel, as the pair updated their followers on the campaign's progresses.
As Ms Rachel introduced the mayor to her audience in a dedicated version of popular kids' song 'The Wheels on the Bus', Mamdani joined in and sang together... until Ms Rachel mentioned the buses for kids needed to be paid for.
"The buses are going to be free though," Mamdani told Ms Rachel in the clip.
As the dynamic duo worked to find another suitable lyric, Ms Rachel suggested the 'babies on the bus' could cry 'wah, wah, wah', but Mamdani wasn't having it.
"Aren't the babies happy about the childcare?" he asked Ms Rachel, who promptly replied: "They're so happy. Actually, the parents are really happy."
Clearly in search of some new inspiration that could fit Mamdani's programme for parents and kids, Ms Rachel and the mayor were happy to announce free universal childcare is a step closer.
"The good news? We’re winning universal childcare faster than anyone expected. The bad news? @msrachelforlittles and I have to find some new song inspiration…" Mamdani joked in the caption.
While the song may need a little tweaking to work, fans were absolutely loving the collaboration.
"Loving this addition to the Ms Rachel Cinematic Universe," one person wrote on Instagram while someone else noted: "Two of my favorite people joining forces to ensure working people live better lives. What’s not to absolutely love."
It's no surprise that Mamdani has ruffled some feathers in Republican spaces, but now fans - the official name is Zohrangels - are predicting the catchy song would drive conservatives 'completely mad'.
"To think this will actually drive fully grown adults completely mad is so funny," on person wrote, as someone else doubled down on it with: "I know this just drives them maga folks insane lol."
"Gonna see the MAGA CULT SCREAMING," was another comment.
Ms Rachel wasn't spared from the backlash though, as she was criticised for introducing a politician to her audience of children.
"Okay, forget for a moment about Mamdani," one person wrote on X. "What kind of a children star introduces politicians to her target audience?"
They added: "I don’t care if she supports him! This is still brainwashing involving toddlers in this kind of stuff!"
"Keep your propaganda away from our kids," someone else wrote, as another comment read: "I used to think [Ms Rachel] was great but if she's allowing someone like Mamdani to reach kids through her platform, it's time to find another show."
The Ms Rachel collab would be but the latest instance of conservatives grasping at straws to criticise Mamdani.
