Undoubtedly, many Democrats are panicking at the thought of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani being the face of the party at a time when it's pretty obvious America doesn't want that brand of politics.

However, the same Democrats who might have been wary of Mamdani's brand can take a little bit of a breather now that former President Barack Obama seems to be on board, giving him a sort of presidential seal of approval, the New York Post reported.

It was revealed this week that Obama and Mamdani spoke via phone back in June. The New York Times first broke the story and it was later confirmed by the Post.

Details of the phone call between the two men remain vague, but many believe the news of both of them talking appears to be an effort to mainstream Mamdani for hesitant New York voters and Dems.

What's happening?

Rev. Al Sharpton commented on the news of Obama and Mamdani speaking via phone. He believes it was a signal from Obama's "world" that Mamdani has his blessing and that it's ok for New Yorkers to embrace him.

"It gives the sense that President Obama’s world is comfortable with his candidacy. It normalizes him," Sharpton said.

Sharpton added, "It helps with the perception of some people that Mamdani is too radical. It sends a message that he is not unacceptable."

Mamdani mostly avoided talking about his call with Obama this week during an event. The Post noted:

Mamdani, speaking in The Bronx during his “Five Boroughs Against Trump” tour Thursday, only gave broad strokes details about his call with Obama and sidestepped questions on an endorsement.

“I leave the decision of endorsements to the president,” he said.

The radical progressive Democratic socialist candidate gave vague details about his call with the former president.

"We spoke about the importance in a moment such as this, where politics is often characterized by a language of darkness, the necessity of hope, and how we speak and how we orient ourselves to the world." Mamdani said. ]

Hoping for an endorsement

While Sharpton and others believe the call was a signal from Obama's camp that Mamdani is alright, the New York Democrat's campaign is hoping and praying for something more official.

Sources within the Mamdani campaign say they hope Obama eventually endorses the candidate.

Without a doubt, an Obama endorsement would be huge for the candidate, especially in the wake of the 2024 election.

Only time will tell if Obama can stomach a deeper level of radical progressive politics and put his name behind it.