Members of AOC’s “Squad,” which of course includes Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Cori Bush, and Ayanna Pressley have faced intense criticism even among members of their own party after their repeated calls for a “ceasefire” in the Israel-Hamas war and for taking a despicable blame-the-victim approach towards Israel.
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Their statements and their morally bankrupt tapdancing when it comes to calls to unequivocally condemn Hamas for their murder sprees – which have included beheading infants – have rightfully earned them the nickname “Hamas Caucus.” It’s especially fitting considering their political party, the Democratic Socialists of America, held a pro-Palestinian rally just days after Hamas’ surprise terrorist attacks started.
But though the infighting between Democratic members of Congress over this issue has gotten pretty heated, outside of Washington, D.C. there are primary challengers (and potential ones) for some Squad members who say this issue has incensed them and motivated them like no other to once and for all remove the Hamas Caucus from office:
Bhavini Patel, a borough councilwoman in the Pittsburgh area who recently launched a House campaign with backing from Jewish and pro-Israel activists, is drawing sharp contrasts on Middle East policy as she seeks to knock off Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA), a freshman Squad member and Democratic socialist.
In Minneapolis, Don Samuels, a former city councilman, is preparing to announce a rematch against Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), an outspoken progressive whose fierce criticism of Israel he plans to highlight in the lead-up to next year’s primary.
And as he weighs a challenge to Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), whose increasingly hostile positions on Israel have faced backlash in his heavily Jewish district in the northern suburbs of New York City, George Latimer, the Westchester County executive, has indicated that he could mount what would likely be a robust challenge as soon as next month.
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In all three possible primary match-ups, Omar, Lee, and Bowman could have tough fights on their hands as members of the Jewish community, and those who support them are unlikely to forget where they stood when Israeli civilians were under attack:
A Jewish activist in Pittsburgh said that Lee has not been present at any community gatherings since the attack, including a rally organized by the local Jewish federation that was attended by several elected officials. https://t.co/6Wf0QrXqzE pic.twitter.com/7JoDR0O1xI
— Matthew Kassel (@matthewkassel) October 16, 2023
The conflict between Israel and Hamas could have a “huge impact” in the race, the operative told me. “There’s sort of a good guy and bad guy. That brings attention to the issue. Ilhan, generally speaking, is probably not on the right side of that.” https://t.co/6Wf0QrXqzE
— Matthew Kassel (@matthewkassel) October 16, 2023
Omar, as it turns out, will have at least two primary opponents with which to contend:
Meanwhile, Sarah Gad, a left-wing challenger to Omar, is already drawing contrasts on Israel. ”The horrific attacks suffered by the people of Israel in recent days make it clear that Israel needs to be able to defend itself,” she told me last week. https://t.co/6Wf0QrXqzE pic.twitter.com/aoOJSOJK58
— Matthew Kassel (@matthewkassel) October 16, 2023
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I have long wondered when the electoral day of reckoning for Democrats on the Israel issue and their coddling of antisemitic members would come, and as far as I’m concerned it happening during their respective primaries or on Election Day 2024 will not be soon enough.
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