As the performance reviews came in from the Democratic establishment's flagship paper, The New York Times, the right-wing Rupert Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal, or the more straight-laced Politico magazine, there was a consensus that New York City assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is a winning communicator.
There was no other mayoral candidate more effective at conveying his message at Thursday's general debate. But whether that means Mamdani is all but assured victory in three weeks' time may be another matter.
The 33-year-old surprise frontrunner - in a race now being watched around the world - largely held his own at an event where all eyes were on his potential stumbles, particularly on the two subjects that have catapulted his brand: America's class divide, and Palestine.
A Fox News poll released on Friday - but conducted before the debate - showed Mamdani breaking the 50 percent threshold to widen his lead over his two main rivals: independent candidate and former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Among likely voters, as of last week, 52 percent said they would vote for Mamdani compared to 28 percent who would vote for Cuomo. Sliwa trails behind with just 14 percent support.
