The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has announced the withdrawal of its endorsement of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) due to her participation in a panel on combatting antisemitism. The DSA had issued a conditional endorsement of Ocasio-Cortez on June 23, pending her fulfillment of certain conditions, including publicly opposing funding to Israel and supporting BDS.
However, after Ocasio-Cortez participated in a panel with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the DSA decided to withdraw its endorsement, citing concerns over her votes and statements on Israel and Palestine. In a statement, the DSA said, “Many members have supported national endorsement while at the same time demanding that AOC demonstrate a higher level of commitment to Palestinian liberation…that aligns with DSA’s positions and expectations of socialists in office.”
The DSA acknowledged Ocasio-Cortez’s “courageous” positions on Palestine but expressed concerns over her votes, including one in favor of H.Res.888, which they claim conflates opposition to Israel’s “right to exist” with antisemitism. Additionally, her co-signing of a press release supporting the strengthening of the Iron Dome and other defense systems, as well as her participation in the panel where she “conflated anti-Zionism with antisemitism and condemned boycotting Zionist institutions,” were seen as a “deep betrayal” to the movement for Palestine.
The DSA emphasized that a national endorsement comes with a serious commitment to the movement for Palestine and the collective socialist project, and they must endorse candidates who “enthusiastically seek a relationship with DSA.” The organization is committed to ensuring that all elected officials are “unabashed in their support for Palestinian freedom” and demanded more from leaders in the movement.
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One Response
This actually helps AOC tremendously. Possibly she even asked them for it. This way if (when) she decides to run for higher office she can always use this as proof of how “moderate” she is.
For now she does not need the endorsement of the DSA. She is guaranteed to win anyway. The DSA is a very aggressive group when it comes to their political demands. They have no other candidate they are putting up other than her. Why bother with them?