Reacting to Mamdani & is Dalton, Ga., a barometer for sane immigration policy?

From elation to concern to outright hyperbolic right wing smear, reaction to Zohran Mamdani's win in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary is all over the spectrum.

Naturally, progressives are elated and believe the result portends a progressive-led blue wave for 2026 and beyond; establishment Democrats seem a little angst-riddled, fearful an ascendent democratic socialist (eek! That word!!!) could be a point of attack from the right, and of course, the right and their President, who are all too keenly aware their base is unaware the differences between "Marxist communism" and "democratic socialism."

So what is there to make of it, and does any of it translate to an effect on 2026 midterms, for Georgia Democrats or even here in Atlanta's mayoral race? Yet to be seen, but it doesn't stop me from discussing.

One Georgia lawmaker, friend of the show, Rep. Ruwa Romman, actually campaigned for Mamdani.

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As Mario Guevara's arrest and detention draws first amendment advocates' ire, the charges that even led to his arrest have been dropped, but ICE has indicated no reversal of course on their part in seeking to deport the reporter.

Meanwhile, overcrowding at the south Georgia immigration detention facility Geuvara remains in is overcrowded, leading to inmates sleeping on the floor and resorting to 3 A.M. showers to find the time to even have one, along with rationing of food.

I find it all worth mentioning because hearts and minds are softening and changing, even in ruby red MAGA hotspots like Whitfield County and its largest city, Dalton, Georgia. Patricia Murphy at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution spent a lot of time there gauging Dalton's citizens on where their minds are now that ICE is raiding workplaces and wreaking havoc on economies like that in Dalton. Even a staunch Republican state lawmaker is showing signs of having empathy for the immigrant population his community - and thus his own businesses' bottom lines - plight.