Consistency on principle is of paramount importance, even and especially for a burgeoning social democratic movement. It is the only way it stays alive in the medium to long term, even if it causes difficulty in the short term.

Mamdani should say what he thinks or say nothing at all. He shouldn’t say incorrect things or things counter to his principles.

A party that shows consistency in its principles demonstrates that it has a clear vision, that they are reliable, and that they are not opportunist. All important traits to possess in a future unstable, revolutionary situation.

Both Lenin (fight with the economist etc) and Marx/Engels (Gotha critique) had to figure this out too. Don’t compromise your actual principle and theory. Compromise on policy if needed, for practical reasons. But don’t concede the theoretical correctness while doing it!