Haviv Rettig Gur
Pro tip: Bowman didn’t fall because of “Left politics.” He fell because he openly hated and constantly insulted (“Jews love segregating”) lots and lots of his constituents. I really can’t emphasize enough - I say this as a professional political analyst with 17 years of experience - how much “Left politics” might do better if they stop running antisemites in heavily Jewish districts. I know it’s a sophisticated and complex take. Think it over. But I really think you should consider this advice.
Bhaskar Sunkara
I admire Bowman for responding to the AIPAC onslaught head on and for much of his record when in office. He won’t disappear from the American political map. There’s no doubt that a negative result in NY-16 means something about his missteps and perhaps the broader Squad’s appeal. But Westchester was never going to be a useful litmus test for pro-Palestine politics within the Democratic Party. AIPAC can’t win everywhere. Even good electeds fall after redistricting, the Democratic Party machine is still real, and we’re still struggling to find ambassadors for Left politics with the rhetoric and mass appeal of Bernie. But even if we chalk this one largely up to AIPAC and the establishment, it’s worth thinking about why we’re not advancing in even more representative working-class districts with fewer headwinds. What limits are the Squad’s appeal running into galvanizing working-class support? Is there something from the Bernie example we’re missing (program, rhetoric, message discipline, consistency)?