‘It’s pissing people off’: Centrist Democrats are livid with AIPAC after primary fiasco
AIPAC’s $2 Million Gamble in New Jersey Sparks Democratic Fury
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has stirred controversy by channeling $2 million into a special House election primary in New Jersey, aiming to unseat former Rep. Tom Malinowski, a mainstream Democrat. This move has not only upset mainstream Democrats but also some supporters of the pro-Israel lobby. Steve Schale, a Democratic strategist and former Obama campaign adviser, expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s pissing people off,” and described the situation as “maddening.”
Strategic Missteps and Political Repercussions
AIPAC’s significant expenditure through its super PAC, Unite Democracy Project (UDP), targeted Malinowski, a pro-Israel moderate unwilling to support unconditional aid to Israel. As a result, progressive organizer Analilia Mejia, backed by Bernie Sanders and critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, gained ground. Malinowski now trails Mejia by approximately 500 votes, with some ballots yet to be counted in the affluent suburban district.
According to Matt Bennett, co-founder of Third Way, AIPAC’s intervention is seen as a major strategic blunder. Describing it as “one of the greatest own-goals in American political history,” Bennett warned that it has harmed moderates as they approach a competitive primary season.
Internal Dissatisfaction and Future Implications
Even AIPAC’s steadfast allies are questioning the decision. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), a long-time supporter, noted that the group’s actions “raised eyebrows this morning.” The risk, as Schneider highlighted, is that the seat might not remain with the New Democrat Coalition, potentially handing it to a far-left candidate.
Former Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) remarked he wasn’t aware of AIPAC’s strategy and certainly would not have advised it, acknowledging that such election misfires are not unprecedented.
Malinowski interprets AIPAC’s aggressive strategy as a warning to other moderate Democrats, suggesting that the organization now demands “100 percent fealty.”
Progressive Response and Broader Context
Progressives, meanwhile, are celebrating. Usamah Andrabi, communications director for Justice Democrats, claimed AIPAC’s spending is becoming a “kiss of death” due to successful exposure campaigns by progressives. Mejia expressed satisfaction that voters rejected AIPAC’s tactics.
UDP’s approach is familiar: attacking candidates on issues unrelated to Israel. It criticized Malinowski for a 2019 vote supporting ICE funding, a contentious topic following President Trump’s immigration crackdowns.
Looking Ahead
AIPAC’s involvement appears to be expanding, with signs of activity in Illinois primaries. Two super PACs, Elect Chicago Women Now and Affordable Chicago Now, are already backing three Democrats with significant ad buys.
The political landscape remains tense, particularly with five open seats in Illinois. A Democratic strategist expressed concern about AIPAC’s potential influence in buying seats.
While some centrist Democrats worry about Mejia’s potential victory, pollster Patrick Murray dismisses the possibility of a Republican win, noting the district’s strong anti-Trump sentiment.
As the primary season, laden with dark money, approaches, Malinowski warns of the challenges it poses to the Democratic Party, citing his election as a “beta test.”
In conclusion, AIPAC’s bold move in New Jersey has not only sparked outrage but also serves as a cautionary tale for moderate Democrats. The unfolding political drama is shaping up to be a significant test of influence and strategy in the upcoming election cycles.
Source: www.politico.com