By Dan Murphy
The Democratic Socialists of America, (DSA), recently announced their endorsement of Congressman Jamaal Bowman for reelection. In a statement, DSA-NYC said, “Jamaal has been one of the strongest voices against genocide and for peace as many of his colleagues rush to warmonger. Together, we WILL defend this seat from AIPAC and pro-war extremists! Palestine is on the ballot, and we’re going ALL OUT to defend our Socialists in Office.”
Rep. Bowman, who is running in a close democratic primary contest with Westchester County Executive George Latimer, sought the DSA’s endorsement after falling out with the far-left group two years ago. DSA-NYC endorsed Bowman in 2020 but did not endorse him in 2022.
“Rep. Jamaal Bowman has formally applied for a last-minute endorsement from the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America as he attempts to fend off a formidable primary challenge from Westchester County Executive George Latimer,” wrote City and State.
After Bowman’s DSA endorsement was announced, Latimer Tweeted “After desperately begging for support from a group that wants to pull the US out of NATO; end sanctions against Russia, North Korea, and Iran; wipe Israel off the map; stonewall President Biden’s agenda; and legalize fentanyl, my opponent was endorsed by DSA.”
DSA groups across the country called for a vote of no confidence on President Biden during the democratic primaries by having democrats vote uncommitted when they cast a ballot.
In addition to opposing many of President Biden’s initiatives, the other big DSA issue for many Westchester democrats is its stance against Israel. DMFI PAC Chairman Mark Mellman said, “Today’s DSA is an extremist group that wants the destruction of Israel and the U.S. out of NATO — which it wrongly blames for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. So, it’s no surprise that Jamaal Bowman begged for and got their endorsement. Instead of working with Democrats, Bowman votes against Democratic priorities like the infrastructure law and makes common cause with groups whose stated goal is the destruction of our party.”
Bowman’s visit to Israel in 2021, and his yea vote to fund the Israeli defense system called the Iron Dome, drew the anger of DSA. But Bowman and DSA have rejoined their alliance after the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Days after the October 7 attacks, DSA-NYC was criticized for promoting a pro-Palestinian rally in Times Square that include swastikas. And in a recent News 12 debate, when asked whether the phrase “From the river to the sea,” was hateful, Bowman said No, and Latimer said that the phrase is antisemitic.”
Bowman has also had to walk back several comments about Israel, including his claim that the rapes and child murders by Hamas were a “lie.”
The Latimer campaign pointed out that “DSA is actively working to undermine President Biden, which could result in our democracy falling into the hands of Trump and MAGA Republicans in November. In addition, the DSA has taken many dangerous positions far outside the mainstream of Democratic voters. Does Bowman, like DSA, believe Israel has no right to exist and should be wiped off the map?”
DSA-NYC also endorsed Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, (AOC) for reelection. AOC recently attended a fund raiser for Bowman in Yonkers.
