That’s why I called it kayfabe. As long as he doesn’t give an order they won’t execute, people can pretend the mayor has power over the cops. Once it’s out in the open, nobody can pretend. Replacing leadership with communists would be the same exact problem: NYPD is huge and the rank and file would revolt in every imaginable way. The system is resistant to fundamental change.
I think if it came down to the NYPD versus Mamdani, Mamdani would be able to leverage his support among New Yorkers to win. But again, he’s not that guy.
I don’t think he’s “that guy” either, but I also don’t think there really is a “that guy”. If the cops all go on strike or something, the governor (or president) would deploy the national guard (and not to break the strike!).
That’s why I called it kayfabe. As long as he doesn’t give an order they won’t execute, people can pretend the mayor has power over the cops. Once it’s out in the open, nobody can pretend. Replacing leadership with communists would be the same exact problem: NYPD is huge and the rank and file would revolt in every imaginable way. The system is resistant to fundamental change.
I think if it came down to the NYPD versus Mamdani, Mamdani would be able to leverage his support among New Yorkers to win. But again, he’s not that guy.
I don’t think he’s “that guy” either, but I also don’t think there really is a “that guy”. If the cops all go on strike or something, the governor (or president) would deploy the national guard (and not to break the strike!).