Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy expressed bewilderment at the rise of socialism in the United States, particularly questioning why individuals who have left countries described as "disasters" would advocate for socialist policies domestically. Portnoy shared these views during an appearance on "The Adam Carolla Show," where he addressed recent Democratic socialist electoral successes in New York.
"How we’ve gotten to socialism is somehow seen as this thing that’s going to fix the United States," Portnoy stated. "The people are saying it has all migrated from countries that are disasters to come to the United States to get away from their country to come fix the United States, the country that everyone wants to migrate to. It’s a very confusing time."
Portnoy's remarks came as Adam Carolla inquired about the possibility of Portnoy running for New York mayor. Portnoy cited figures like Zohran Mamdani and other candidates endorsed by the mayor in recent Democratic congressional primaries as factors influencing his consideration of a mayoral bid.
During a previous event promoting his book, "Cancel Me If You Can," Portnoy told Fox News Digital that Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist, needed to be challenged. Portnoy argued that Mamdani's political ascent posed a threat to the entrepreneurial spirit underpinning the American Dream.
"Maybe I’m the guy to do it," Portnoy told Fox News Digital. "Depends on how much more he keeps pissing me off." He described public office as something he sometimes views as a civic duty, depending on the day. "Sometimes I do feel like it’s my civic duty. If I’m not going to do it, who’s going to try to do it? I don’t know. I could win. So, it’s a real feeling I have."
He expressed that these electoral outcomes have amplified his concerns regarding political trends in New York and across the nation, calling it a "very crazy, dangerous, shocking thing."
Portnoy suggested that organized activists have an advantage in primaries with low voter turnout, as many other potential voters are preoccupied with work, family, and daily responsibilities. "The voter turnout in the New York primaries was minuscule and they’re organized and they’re stirring up their base," Portnoy said. "But most people are just getting on the subway, going to work, worrying about a date on Friday."
Carolla responded by characterizing such activists as "professional agitators" and members of a "grievance class" motivated by perpetual complaints rather than concrete policy achievements.
In New York's June 23 Democratic House primaries, Mamdani endorsed three candidates who were victorious: Claire Valdez, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and Brad Lander. Valdez and Chevalier identify as Democratic socialists. Lander, who ran to the left of incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman, defeated him.
Mamdani, speaking to ABC News on June 28, framed these results as evidence that Democratic socialist candidates could achieve electoral success nationwide, stating, "I think a Democratic Socialist can get elected anywhere across this country for any position."