Jamaal Bowman lost to a moderate Dem—and a lot of AIPAC money

 

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June 26, 2024 For some, Jamaal Bowman's defeat in Tuesday's primary in New York, the most expensive in the history of the US House of Representatives, is a sign that progressive politics are dead. As many have noted, some with glee, Bowman is the first member of the "Squad"—God, I bristle at this label—to be defeated in a primary. Now all eyes are on Missouri Rep. Cori Bush over similar dynamics which include Bush's condemnation of Israel over its brutal military campaign in Gaza. I can't help but find these broad analyses pretty darn depressing. Bowman was certainly a flawed candidate—I still struggle to stifle a laugh when recalling his absurd decision to pull the fire alarm during a House vote—but any election in which outside spending plays such an enormous role is troubling. (AIPAC poured nearly $15 million into defeating Bowman over his pro-Palestinian stance.) Speaking of Bowman's opponent, George Latimer, let's consider the controversies that started to dog his campaign in the weeks leading up to Tuesday's election. As my colleague Sophie Hurwitz noted: Latimer was haunted by his own ongoing stream of controversies in the weeks leading up to the primary. Latimer, who is white, stated that Bowman’s “constituents are in Dearborn,” rather than New York, referencing a majority Muslim city. Latimer also asserted that Bowman, who is Black, had an “ethnic benefit” over him when recruiting minority voters. Anyway, I'll leave with this: The backlash to the backlash continues apace. —Inae Oh

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Jamaal Bowman Loses Primary to George Latimer—and a Lot of AIPAC Money The representative from New York did not back away from pro-Palestine rhetoric. BY SOPHIE HURWITZ

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