Once again, the Democrats are shooting themselves in the foot, unnecessarily — just as they did in the Democratic primary before the 2016 election, when mainstream Democrats refused to get behind the candidacy of Sen. Bernie Sanders. He was immensely popular and a magnet for people who had never been interested in politics before. His genuine, authentic expression of compassion and understanding made people stop and listen.

But the monied Democrats wouldn’t support him. They actually worked to prevent him from securing the nomination. Despite his vast and loving, dedicated supporters, who actually wept with disappointment and disbelief at the Democratic National Convention, the leaders of the party didn’t care. They insisted on anointing Hillary Clinton as their nominee, as, in their eyes, it was “her turn.”

I wrote a letter to the New York Times at the time, warning that the Democrats better come to their senses and nominate Bernie before we end up with a President Trump. That still seemed an unthinkable and impossible horror at the time. Yet it came to pass.

Now, the big names in the party — Schumer, Jeffries and Hochul, for example — are again refusing to support a very likely winner, this time for New York City mayor: Zohran Mamdani. Like Bernie, he has galvanized millions of young people, who see in him someone who will really fight for them, and for the planet that we all depend on. His open and genuine approach is very appealing to many, right across the diverse spectrum of NYC residents.

He includes everyone, just as Bernie did. (If you’re looking for an uplifting, heartwarming experience, watch Bernie’s wonderful campaign video from 2016 to the music of Simon & Garfunkel’s “All Come to Look for America.” It still gives me chills to watch, as this is the culture I want to live in. And we almost got it. It is the polar opposite of divisive.)

Mamdani welcomes everyone into his big tent, as long as they adhere to the proposition that government should work for us — the people — not just for the rich. Government should not be bought by the highest bidder, as it can be now. Such pandering is done by both major parties, though more on the right than on the left. (Anyone who truly believes in democracy knows that the Citizens United decision must eventually be overturned.)

Every person must have an equal say in elections — one person, one vote. That is how democracy works. Giving billionaires a prominent place on the platform behind Trump on inauguration day was an ominous sign. It smacks of the autocracy that he seeks to implement, more clearly every day.

No wonder Trump and his enablers are already demonizing Mamdani. But seemingly the mainstream Democrats also won’t tolerate someone who is so honestly not for sale. Perhaps because they believe that they themselves can only win elections with the help of big donors.

They are wrong. Mamdani represents exactly what the Democratic Party needs to break through what so far seems like a milquetoast response from most Democrats to the total corruption of the Trump administration, and its attempt to destroy our democracy. This administration is looking to put itself above the law, installing Trump loyalists everywhere possible.

They seek to eliminate universal voting rights, control news and information sources, support only global fellow criminals and kidnap and deport people of color to other countries with no due process. They have defied court orders, weaponized the DOJ, quashed all attempts at oversight, whistleblowing or raising ethical concerns, and treat anyone who is not a straight, white Christian male as inferior and loathsome.

Perhaps the Democratic leaders would actually prefer to have the Democratic Party represented by the corrupt Eric Adams or the corrupt Andrew Cuomo instead of the capable, organized, caring star of hope for the working class that Mamdani represents. That is exasperating and self-defeating. It will only lead to more losses. Why snatch defeat from the jaws of victory again?

I hope the Democrats listen to the people this time, and support this breath of fresh air — this young winner who truly believes in equality, freedom and justice for all. We need something and someone to believe in in this terrifying slide toward fascism that Trump is leading. Mamdani is a good start.