More than 100 House Democrats voted to block $3.3bn in weaponry and other aid to Israel, signaling a major shift in the party's stance. A recent New York Times poll found that 74% of Democratic voters opposed providing additional economic and military support to Israel, including large majorities in all age groups.
Leadership Out of Step
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate counterpart Chuck Schumer continue to follow an old playbook of unwavering service to Israel, despite the changing attitudes. Norman Solomon, director of RootsAction, argues that this moral bankruptcy amounts to political malpractice, as voters tend to bypass a party with leadership they see as lacking a moral compass.
Before 103 House Democrats ignored his guidance, Jeffries sent a 'dear colleague' letter filled with pro-Israel rhetoric. He claimed the amendment to cut off aid 'would restrict our country's ability to confront Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations in the region who are sworn enemies of both the United States and Israel.'
Pelosi's Vote Signals Change
Nancy Pelosi's vote for the weapons cutoff was a weathervane for how drastically Democratic winds have swung. In 2018, she said at an Israeli-American Council conference: 'If this Capitol crumbled to the ground, the one thing that would remain is our commitment to our aid ... with Israel. That's fundamental to who we are.'
Fears of being slandered as antisemitic have routinely made automatic support for Israel seem safest. Now, while Aipac and other pro-Israel groups remain menacing, the dramatic shift in public attitudes has reduced their intimidating power.
Financial and Moral Crisis
Worries about alienating big donors have been palpable at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), where financial woes are a huge concern. The business model of courting megadonors has grim logic when party leadership is uninspiring to grassroots Democrats.
No one can make a credible case that Jeffries, Schumer, or DNC chair Ken Martin have been inspirational. A major factor is their failure to engage with the genuine moral anguish felt by many Americans about US complicity in genocide.
Last month, a UN commission concluded that genocide is continuing, with Israeli forces intentionally targeting children in Gaza. 'A significant body of research by legal and rights experts has concluded that Israel is intent on destroying Palestinians,' the Guardian reported.
Midterm and Primary Implications
The incapacity of Jeffries, Schumer, and Martin to address such realities has mired the party deeper in a leadership crisis that could hamper turnout needed to win the midterm elections this fall. The crisis will likely come into full view by the time the presidential primary campaign begins early next year.
When the DNC convenes in mid-August for its last meeting before the midterms, the gathering is apt to be a scene of subdued discord. The DNC's culture is akin to a corporation, underscored by news that officials are asked to sign nondisclosure agreements.
Defenders of the party leadership's pro-Israel stance do not acknowledge the moral imperative of ending US support for what can fairly be called a genocidal state. Polling is clear that such denial won't fly with the Democratic base.
Revulsion at Donald Trump might bring Democrats success in the midterms, but Israel apologism continuing from leaders is a wet blanket on a party that should be vibrant. The lane is now clearer than ever for a candidate to run with a full-throated anti-establishment campaign, including an end to US support for genocide.
