The Daily The Story of Kyrsten Sinema
Oct 27, 2021
Reid J. Epstein, a New York Times reporter specializing in campaigns and elections, dives deep into Kyrsten Sinema's political journey. He discusses her surprising transition from a progressive activist to a pivotal moderate senator. The conversation reveals her struggle to balance voter expectations while navigating party pressure, particularly on contentious issues like immigration. Epstein highlights Sinema's critical votes and the growing backlash from progressive activists, shedding light on the complexities of her role in a divided Democratic party.
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Sinema's Early Activism
- Kyrsten Sinema's early career was marked by progressive activism, including social work and protesting the Iraq War.
- Initially, she even condemned capitalism and refused campaign contributions, viewing them as bribery.
Bipartisan Approach to Gay Marriage Ban
- As a state legislator, Sinema opposed a gay marriage ban by focusing on its impact on straight people's rights.
- This bipartisan approach, while successful, alienated some LGBTQ+ allies who felt their cause was sidelined.
Shifting Stance on Immigration
- Sinema opposed Arizona's SB 1070, the "show me your papers" immigration law.
- Later, she co-sponsored a border security bill increasing penalties for forged documents, seen as a betrayal by some immigrant rights activists.