Democratic Disparity Highlighted by Rep. Smith

This week, a difference within the Democratic Party became more apparent when Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) openly stated that New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani does not speak for the party.

As noted previously, Mamdani has expressed some controversial views on Israel and private property, positioning himself further to the left. Moderate Democrats have voiced concerns since his entry into the mayoral race. On Fox News Sunday, Smith sought to distance Mamdani from the party.

“Look, the mayor of New York does not represent a Democratic leader in any way,” Smith remarked regarding Mamdani. He then commented on Mamdani’s “big tent” philosophy.

“Mamdani isn’t speaking for our party. It’s more complex than that,” he said, also bringing up President Donald Trump and his policies.

Smith added, “He claims to have secured the border while spreading fear in the community regarding an Ice attack.”

Continuing his message, Smith reassured Democrats, urging them not to see Mamdani as a leader. “We Democrats have our own message, and we need to focus on pressing issues,” he asserted.

Jewish Democrats accused Mamdani of failing to condemn the phrase “globalization of intifadas” and for not acknowledging Israel as a Jewish state.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) stated, “This shows his total disregard for anti-Semitism. His refusal to denounce the term ‘globalization of intifadas’ is telling.” She expressed concern, saying, “It’s troubling and could be dangerous.”

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), who is also Jewish, said Mamdani was “ignoring or gaslighting the people” when he described “globalizing the intifada” as merely a “peaceful call.”

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) expressed his disagreement with Mamdani, saying, “If he can’t acknowledge that the idea of ‘globalizing the intifada’ is anti-Semitism, he’s clearly missing the bigger picture.”