American writer Daniel Samet, a researcher at the American Enterprise Institute, observes a remarkable shift within the American Democratic Party towards Israel.
In an analytical article in the Washington Post entitled “Israel forced us to do this”: The Democratic Party takes a new direction, the writer asserted that the party’s campaign for the 2028 presidential race would be unprecedentedly hostile to the Jewish state.
According to him, although the primaries are still relatively far off, a number of potential candidates have begun to adopt a more strident and critical tone towards Israel, the traditional ally of the United States, especially in light of regional tensions related to their war on Iran.
The writer reviewed the positions of prominent figures within the party, such as Gavin Newsom, who sparked controversy by describing Israel as an “apartheid state” before partially backtracking, while continuing his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although it is difficult to distinguish between opposing Netanyahu and his policies, and opposing Israel itself.
The researcher also highlighted Democratic activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who went even further, accusing Israel of committing “genocide” in the Gaza Strip, and declaring her rejection of US military aid to Israel, even that related to self-defense.
He reinforced his argument with opinion poll figures showing a sharp decline in Democratic support for Israel, in contrast to growing sympathy for the Palestinians, especially among young people. According to an NBC News poll published last March, 67% of Democrats support Palestinian rights, compared to 17% in favor of Israel, and only 13% view Israel positively, compared to 34% in 2023.
Polls show a sharp decline in Democratic support for Israel, coupled with growing sympathy for the Palestinians, especially among young people. According to an NBC News poll last March, 67% of Democrats support Palestinian rights, compared to 17% who support Israel.
The writer pointed out that this transformation is not limited to political discourse, but extends to the grassroots, where pro-Palestinian demonstrations, “Free Palestine” slogans, and associated symbols, such as the keffiyeh, have become more prevalent in progressive circles.
The article also touched on the positions of other potential candidates, such as Ruben Gallego and Chris Murphy, who blamed Israel for the tension with Iran. Senator Chris Murphy—who is reportedly preparing for a presidential run—echoed this sentiment, saying of Operation Epic Wrath (the war with Iran): “Israel forced us into it,” in a speech reflecting a shift in the party’s priorities.
Even Jewish figures within the party—such as J.B. Pritzker and Rahm Emanuel—have begun to express more reserved positions toward Israel , including distancing themselves from pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC.
Jewish Democrats, engaged in discussions about potential candidates for the 2028 presidential primaries, are limiting their support for Israel. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a former donor to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), distanced himself from the organization last month. He told the Associated Press, “AIPAC is not an organization I want to be a part of today.” Pritzker also criticized Netanyahu and his government. Similarly, former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a potential 2028 candidate, distanced himself from AIPAC and strongly criticized Netanyahu last month.
The writer noted that this month, the Democratic National Committee will discuss a resolution specifically criticizing AIPAC, stating that its “undue influence” on “foreign governments” could “restrict the ability of elected officials to represent the views of their constituents.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is a relative exception, a Jewish Democrat considered a potential 2028 candidate. Shapiro undoubtedly still feels bitter after Kamala Harris's campaign rejected him as her running mate, citing his strong support for Israel, yet he has recently defended Israel on progressive podcasts. He appears isolated within the Democratic Party today.
The writer contrasted this reality with the past stances of Democratic leaders like former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, who were more supportive of Israel, reflecting the magnitude of the shift underway. He said, “Democrats weren’t like this before.” During his 2019 campaign for the party’s nomination, Joe Biden stated that it would be “a great disgrace” for the United States to link military aid to Israel to its adherence to Washington’s political directives. Eleven years earlier, Barack Obama prayed at the Western Wall during his first
presidential campaign. Other prominent Democrats, including John Kerry and Bill Clinton, also sought their party’s nomination as staunch supporters of Israel.
The author concluded by saying that the condemnation of Israel by several potential Democratic presidential candidates in 2028 is highly significant. Being pro-Israel means going against the grain in the contemporary Democratic Party.
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