A swing seat in California is seeing a flurry of attack ads from pro-Israel forces. Why?
By David Dayen, The American Prospect
The premise behind AIPAC and its pro-Israel allies getting involved in Democratic primaries over the past two election cycles was that a new generation of progressive politicians had become too vocal about the Israeli government’s subjugation of the Palestinians. Therefore, according to these groups, money needed to come off the sidelines to prevent more critics from joining this faction in Washington, and eventually to replace the dissidents with loyal Israel supporters.
So then why is AIPAC’s first investment in the 2024 primary cycle targeting a former Chuck Schumer aide who supports continued funding of Israel without conditions, and who explicitly stated in a questionnaire that he did not “anticipate being on the front lines of any foreign policy issues”?
The surprise pro-Israel intervention in California’s 47th Congressional District has broader implications for anyone working in Democratic primary politics. Not only does AIPAC have the desire and financial resources to punish even the tiniest dissent from uncritical support for Israel, it is also determined to influence selections in swing seats, in ways that benefit Republicans in the general election and appear to be funded by Republican donors. That’s a problem for groups whose endorsements happen to align with AIPAC’s, and in particular the pro-women, pro-choice group EMILYs List.
Recent Posts
Then and Now: Anti-War Activism In 1968 And 2024
May 7, 2024
Take Action Now The real foundation was that people escaped from cynicism into the elation, turmoil, rage, and passion of believing there is a…
“You Have Been Warned”: Republican Senators Threaten ICC Prosecutor Over Possible Israel Arrest Warrants
May 7, 2024
Take Action Now Read the full letter, obtained by Zeteo, which threatens sanctions in defense of Netanyahu. By Team Zeteo and Mehdi Hasan, Zeteo…
Ten Years After The Flint Water Crisis, Distrust And Anger Linger
May 6, 2024
Take Action Now A city is forever changed, and so is residents’ relationship with their water. The betrayal of trust by the institutions meant to…
New Era Of Inequality: Billionaires Pay Less In Taxes Than The Working Class
May 6, 2024
Take Action Now Economist Gabriel Zucman’s analysis reveals that for the first time, U.S. billionaires have a lower effective tax rate than…