The Squad’s queen bee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is feeling the burn of betrayal from the far left. The Democratic Socialists of America have pulled their support from the progressive darling, citing her willingness to engage with pro-Israel supporters as grounds for the harsh decision. AOC’s hosting of a panel that featured advocates for toning down antisemitic rhetoric was apparently a step too far for the DSA, who have previously endorsed her.
According to the DSA’s National Political Committee, Ocasio-Cortez failed to meet their stringent criteria for support, which included denouncing all support for Israel, opposing the criminalization of anti-Zionism, and backing the BDS movement. The group claims AOC did not live up to these expectations, leading to their withdrawal of endorsement. In their eyes, AOC must prove a stronger commitment to Palestinian liberation and denounce what they see as Israeli genocide in Gaza.
AOC Takes Brutal Blow As Her Own Party Rescinds Endorsement
The Democratic Socialists of America on Wednesday rescinded their endorsement of progressive icon Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-NY) for antisemitic rhetoric.https://t.co/twcJM0Oty4
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Despite her efforts to balance calls for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict with warnings against antisemitism, AOC’s approach seems to have backfired within certain leftist circles. Her acknowledgment of left-wing antisemitism, along with criticism of the right for weaponizing accusations of antisemitism, has not been well-received by all. The DSA and its members appear to demand unwavering allegiance to their anti-Israel stance, leaving little room for nuanced discussions like the one AOC engaged in.
AOC has chosen to remain silent on the revoked endorsement, leaving her supporters and critics to speculate on her next move. Meanwhile, voices like Jewish Council for Public Affairs CEO Amy Spitalnick have defended the need for complex conversations on antisemitism, pushing back against the DSA’s black-and-white approach. With other Squad members facing challenges from more moderate opponents, it seems the far left is tightening its grip on ideological purity, even at the expense of one of its former favorites.