Democratic Party Faces Internal Rifts After Government Reopens

Democratic strategist Julian Epstein and former Senate candidate Tiffany Smiley recently discussed the growing divisions within the Democratic Party. This tension comes after six House Democrats voted alongside Republicans to reopen the government.

One significant point of contention is the Democrats’ increasing hesitance to accept funding from AIPAC, a major pro-Israel organization. Following this shift, an Arizona lawmaker expressed discontent, labeling the change as “campaign virtue-based anti-Semitism.”

The party is now distancing itself from AIPAC, opting instead to align with more progressive Jewish groups such as J Street. This departure marks a clear break from what was historically a bipartisan agreement on supporting Israel, particularly highlighted after the recent Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

While some Jewish organizations have critiqued Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions in the conflict, AIPAC has remained a steadfast supporter of his assertive stance. In response to AIPAC’s backing post-October 7, several progressive Democrats, like Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have urged their colleagues to disengage from AIPAC, leading to other Democrats returning donations from the group.

Democratic Rep. Alma Hernandez voiced frustration over these trends, stating, “I’m really tired of candidates announcing they won’t take AIPAC money, which, honestly, most voters probably don’t even understand.” She added that AIPAC doesn’t directly contribute to campaigns; rather, it’s the individual supporters who often do, many of whom share pro-Israel views.

In a wave of backlash from the progressive side of the party, Rep. Morgan McGarvey, who recently won election with AIPAC funding, announced she would stop accepting their donations. Similar moves are seen with other Democratic representatives, such as Deborah Ross and Seth Moulton, who have also publicly stated their refusal of AIPAC funds.

Hernandez warned her fellow Democrats that many have previously sought support from AIPAC, claiming to have proof of those requests. She concluded by urging them not to disguise anti-Semitism as a noble campaign stance, emphasizing the need for clarity in their convictions.