It’s clear why Zohran Mamdani has a double-digit lead in the New York mayoral race | Margaret Sullivan

There's a clarity about Mamdani's message that stands in sharp contrast to most Democratic politicians

For someone who exudes positive energy and seldom stops smiling, Zohran Mamdani certainly does provoke a lot of negative reactions.

He's not who you think he is," one TV ad glowered over gloomy images of the 34-year-old state assemblymember who is the clear frontrunner for New York City mayor. The ad doesn't make clear precisely what the supposed disconnect is, but the tagline clearly is meant to give voters pause.

Margaret Sullivan is a Guardian US columnist covering US media, politics and culture.