In the ever-evolving landscape of American politics, the far-left faction of the Democratic Party, commonly known as “The Squad,” has encountered a significant hurdle. The group’s influence, championed by figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, has been a focal point of both admiration and criticism. Yet, their radical policies—including anti-Israel statements—are making them less popular.
The squad has sided with Palestinian groups that want Israel gone. Several of its members have even appeared sympathetic towards Hamas, a known terror group.
Missouri’s Democratic primary became the battleground for this ideological struggle. Representative Cori Bush, a prominent member of The Squad known for her progressive stances, faced a formidable challenge from a more moderate opponent. The primary race would be a litmus test for the Democrats’ far-left agenda. And voters made their voices heard.
From The Post Millennial:
Progressive “Squad” member Cori Bush has lost the Democratic primary for US House in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District. Decision Desk HQ projected that Democratic challenger St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell won at 10:07 Eastern time with over 54 percent of the vote. Far-left progressive who was elected after race riots in St. Louis, has lost her primary…A huge amount of money poured into the race to unseat the defund the police activist. Many pro-Israel groups spent money in the race to stop Bush from getting a third term in Congress following her comments that many saw as siding with Hamas terrorists against the Jewish state.
Decision Desk HQ projects Wesley Bell wins the Democratic primary for US House in Missouri's 1st Congressional District. #DecisionMade: 10:07pm ET
Follow live results here: https://t.co/R4bJ6cPREe pic.twitter.com/Ikmo4vY6BU
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) August 7, 2024
Bush Out of Congress
Bush lost the primary, signaling a potential ebb in the momentum that the far-left faction has enjoyed in recent years. This defeat raises questions about the future influence of far-left Democrats. Can Democrats safely push progressive policies without fearing electoral losses?
This loss could be indicative of a larger trend within the Democratic Party. Voters may be growing weary of the extreme policies advocated by Bush and her ilk, such as defunding the police and sweeping social reforms. Bush’s defeat suggests that even in districts that previously supported progressive candidates, there is a growing appetite for more centrist and pragmatic approaches.
Implications for The Squad
We’ve already seen other members of the squad back away from controversial issues. While Bush and Ilhan double and triple-downed on the anti-Israel rhetoric, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez pulled back. She distanced herself from antisemitic groups, making it clear she did not support them. AOC didn’t have much of a choice. New York City has a huge Jewish population. She would not survive politically if she kept spreading anti-Jewish views.
Bush learned that the hard way. Big-money pro-Israel groups spent millions to prop up her opponent and ensure a swift defeat. But if you think Bush is about to soften on Israel, think again. Even though she lost because she sided with terrorists, Bush said in her concession speech, “We will keep supporting a free Palestine.” Not that she’ll keep fighting for Americans suffering under the Biden/Harris recession. Not that she’ll keep fighting to end the border crisis. But she’ll keep fighting for a foreign group that exists outside the U.S.
Maybe Bush should go to Palestine and take her chances with that electorate?
Key Takeaways:
- Far-left Democrat Rep. Cory Bush lost her primary to a moderate challenger.
- This comes after Bush spread anti-semitic views are refused to condemn Hamas.
- Anti-Israel Democrats could face strong pushback in the upcoming election.
Source: The Post Millennial
