Rep. Jamaal Bowman, an outspoken Israel critic, has made calls to end the war in Gaza a central theme of his House primary near New York City. His opponent, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, is backed by pro-Israel groups and has largely sided with the country through the conflict.
But the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza, and events like the killing of World Central Kitchen relief workers, are changing the dynamics of the race — testing the limits of Democratic support from even a stalwart backer of the Israeli government.
Latimer called the bombing deaths of seven aid workers a “horrific incident” in an interview with POLITICO, stopping just short of outright criticism of Israel.
“It’s a horrible thing that happened, and it shouldn’t have happened,” he said last week. “But whether or not there was a purposeful element to it has to be seen.”
It was the latest incident in the war to draw international condemnation and came after the recent disapproval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Latimer’s broad support for Israel has shown no signs of shifting since he launched his campaign in New York’s 16th Congressional District, which is made up of a mix of affluent white-collar enclaves and working-class urban neighborhoods in Westchester and the Bronx.
But like many prominent Democrats, Latimer is adjusting his rhetoric as the war continues, calling into question the durability of holding a pro-Israel stance in the…
Read more@OrangeHalPeace and Freedom2mos2MO
George Latimer, who’s challenging Jamaal Bowman, on tomorrow’s NY primary:
“Some, including allies of my opponent had suggested that Democrats should withhold support for President Biden because they do not like his commitment to the State of Israel. Please don't do this.”
@NomineeGeldingDemocrat2mos2MO
Bowman voted against the Infrastructure Bill , then lied to his constituents, claiming he actually voted for it, Support Latimer, who has made a career delivering actual results for his constituents!
@ISIDEWITH2mos2MO
How should personal values influence a politician's stance on international conflicts?
@ISIDEWITH2mos2MO
Is it possible to support a country's right to defend itself while condemning its actions during a conflict?
@9LF7X6MTranshumanist 2mos2MO
Nazi Germany kind of defended themselves during WW2, thats a bullcrap question, too much is too much
@ISIDEWITH2mos2MO
Should the opinions and actions of international organizations and leaders change our individual support for foreign policies?
@9LF95WN2mos2MO
It may make everything better and more understanding.
@OptimisticHareDemocrat2mos2MO
I will be donating to Wesley Bell and George Latimer to get rid of Squad members. I hope that they don't get this interference from PACs funded by MAGA billionaires like Yass that the Democratic base despises.
@BisonEllieGreen2mos2MO
George Latimer is a criminally corrupt, white supremacist CuomoRat. He completely **** ed over Westchester when he was County Executive, but refusing to combat the deepening housing crisis and decades of racist segregationism in the county.
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