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The Democratic Socialists of America Withdraw Endorsement of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: A Rift Over Gaza
Edited by: TJVNews.com
In a significant and highly publicized move, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have rescinded their endorsement of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) of New York. According to a report that appeared on Thursday in the New York Times, the decision, announced this week, stemmed from accusations that the progressive congresswoman has not been sufficiently supportive of the Palestinian cause and efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The DSA’s national political committee issued a detailed statement on Wednesday, expressing their discontent with AOC’s recent actions, particularly her involvement in an event with Jewish leaders aimed at combating anti-Semitism, as was reported in the NYT report. The group labeled her participation in this event as a “deep betrayal,” signaling a clear divide between AOC and one of her most prominent political backers.
This decision marks a significant rupture between the DSA and AOC, who has been one of the most influential figures aligned with socialist principles and anti-Israel sentiment in Congress. However, the NYT reported that the fracture was not entirely unforeseen given the increasingly complex and contentious landscape surrounding Israel’s conflict with Hamas, which has revealed divergent approaches within the left regarding the pursuit of political influence and policy objectives.
Despite the recent fallout, AOC has been known as one of the most vocal critics of Israel in Congress. She has spearheaded efforts to halt American military aid to Israel and has accused the country of committing genocide in Gaza, as per the information provided in the NYT report. These positions have drawn intense criticism and accusations of anti-Semitism from pro-Israel advocates.
Nevertheless, AOC has also become critical of what she perceives as an impractical demand for political purity among some leftist factions. The NYT report indicated that privately, she has expressed concerns that such an approach is counterproductive and undermines the broader goals related to both international and domestic policies. This pragmatic stance has led her to advocate for broadening the left’s appeal and political power to achieve tangible results.
AOC’s balancing act has been increasingly apparent as she navigates her role as a prominent progressive voice and a supporter of President Biden—a figure criticized by many socialists for his foreign policy. Her measured responses to the war in Gaza have been particularly telling. As was reported by the NYT, she has avoided adopting certain positions that could alienate Jewish Americans, reflecting her broader strategy to maintain a viable political coalition.
The tensions between AOC and the left’s more fervent critics of Israel came to a head last month. At a rally in the Bronx with Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Jamaal Bowman, AOC faced chants of “You’re a fraud, A.O.C.” from pro-Hamas demonstrators, angry over her endorsement of President Biden, the NYT report said. This incident highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among some of her base with her political strategies and alliances.
As of now, AOC’s campaign has not responded to requests from the New York Times for comment on the DSA’s decision. The withdrawal of support from the DSA represents a pivotal moment in her political career, challenging her to navigate the chasm between maintaining progressive ideals and adopting a pragmatic approach to governance.
The DSA, despite its membership never exceeding tens of thousands, became a powerful political force post-2016, driving progressive agendas and supporting candidates who challenged the status quo. The NYT report indicated that in 2018, the group played a pivotal role in AOC’s surprise victory over a 10-term incumbent, marking a significant moment in the resurgence of the American left.
Despite the national leadership’s decision, AOC retains robust support from the DSA’s New York City chapter. This local backing is crucial as she seeks re-election in a heavily Democratic district where she is expected to secure a fourth term this fall. Eric Thor, a leader of the New York City chapter, emphasized their ongoing collaboration with AOC on key legislative initiatives. “We will continue to work alongside her office on passing legislation like Not On Our Dime, organizing for a Green New Deal, and standing up against the far right,” Thor told the NYT.
The split with the DSA’s National Political Committee (NPC), however, calls attention to the deeper ideological divides. The NPC, which functions similarly to a board of directors, issued a statement acknowledging AOC’s “many courageous positions on Palestine,” the NYT report said. However, the NYT reported that they also highlighted that their endorsement renewal in June was contingent upon her demonstrating a stronger commitment to Palestinian liberation and an immediate end to what they termed the “heinous genocide in Gaza.”
Specifically, the NPC wanted AOC to publicly oppose funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system and to support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, according to the information in the NYT report. These demands reflect a broader and more radical stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than AOC has publicly embraced.
AOC has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel in Congress, advocating for halting American military aid and accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, as was detailed in the NYT report. These positions have drawn intense criticism from pro-Israel advocates and accusations of anti-Semitism. However, AOC has also faced backlash from within the left for what some perceive as a failure to fully align with more radical anti-Israel positions.
Privately, AOC has expressed concerns about the left’s push for political purity, arguing that such an approach is self-defeating and hinders the broader policy objectives. Broader Implications and Future Prospects
