Epstein Critiques Progressive Candidates in Tennessee
On Sunday, Democratic consultant Julian Epstein pointed out Tennessee candidate Aftin Behn, referring to her as “Tennessee AOC,” and claimed that many of the progressive alternatives attempting to replace U.S. Representative Mark Greene are “not very serious candidates.”
“She’s definitely an extreme candidate. She’s expressed dislike for Nashville, which is her constituency. Moreover, she supports defunding the police and embraces several democratic socialist ideas that lean quite far left,” Epstein remarked during his appearance on Fox News Live.
Epstein believes this situation reveals two notable failures within the Democratic Party. He noted that, in the past, leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries were able to utilize the party’s machinery and donor networks to prevent far-left candidates from emerging by backing more centrist options that had a greater chance of winning. However, he argues that this structure has since deteriorated.
“Democratic leadership seems to lack the control it once had, which explains why we’re seeing these more extreme candidates popping up across the country,” he added.
He also commented on another issue: the Democrats’ failure to resonate with an increasingly disenchanted younger demographic. “This disconnection is why we’re seeing ideas that, though not well-founded, gain traction online, especially among dissatisfied young people,” Epstein explained.
Aftin Behn, a Democratic state representative and former healthcare organizer, is currently in a race against Republican Matt Van Epps for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, which includes part of Nashville. The seat became open following the resignation of former Republican Rep. Mark Greene, who left to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
Behn previously drew criticism from the Republican National Committee after resurfacing remarks from a 2020 podcast where he expressed disdain for Nashville, referring to its reputation as the “it” city.
Kate Briefs, Behn’s campaign manager, responded to the RNC’s comments, stating, “Republicans are in panic mode. To deflect attention, they’re trying to distract from the reality that Washington Republicans and Matt Van Epps are increasing costs and undermining healthcare coverage for Tennessee families. Meanwhile, Aftin Behn is working to make groceries affordable by eliminating the state’s grocery tax.”
