Deconstructed

Let’s Check In on AIPAC’s Assault on the Squad

May 4, 2024

Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., a member of the Squad, and others discuss AIPAC's targeting of progressive Congress members. They highlight the lobby group's efforts in spending millions to influence elections, including focusing on Rep. Jamaal Bowman and Rep. Cori Bush. The podcast explores organizing efforts against campaigns aiming to remove progressive voices from Congress.

41:53

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Episode guests

Rep. Summer Lee

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Quick takeaways

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (APAC) targets progressive candidates in Democratic primaries using significant financial backing to influence elections.

Progressive candidates like Corey Bush and Jamal Bowman combat disinformation and attacks by emphasizing transparency, community-driven solutions, and educating voters about external influences in primary races.

Deep dives

Summer Lee's Background and Leadership

Summer Lee is a history-making powerhouse organizer who has been a transformative leader in Western Pennsylvania. Her track record includes helping elect Pittsburgh's first black mayor, starting movements for public education reform, and defeating a 20-year incumbent to become Western Pennsylvania's first black state senator. Alexandra Rojas discusses how they recruited Summer Lee to run for Congress based on her community work and the resources they were ready to provide, highlighting her commitment to serving all parts of the community.

Introduction

2min

Building a Progressive Movement in Western Pennsylvania

17min

Strategic Campaigning Against APAC and Right-Wing Donors

5min

Strategic Decisions and Billionaire Backing

6min

Political Races and Campaign Strategies

13min

Closing Segment and Advertisements

2min

In the weeks after October 7, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee took aim at members of Congress who expressed vocal opposition to Israel’s attacks on Gaza. Focusing on the so-called Squad, the Israel lobby is spending millions to push out members of Congress they view as a threat to the U.S.–Israel relationship. But Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., among the Squad members who called for an early ceasefire and whom AIPAC had been hoping to take out, cruised to victory in April. Now the lobby group’s sights are set on Rep. Jamaal Bowman in New York’s 16th Congressional District and Rep. Cori Bush in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District. This week on Deconstructed, Justice Democrats Usamah Andrabi and Alexandra Rojas join Ryan Grim to discuss their organizing efforts to counter campaigns taking aim at progressive members of Congress.

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Deconstructed

Let’s Check In on AIPAC’s Assault on the Squad

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Summer Lee's Background and Leadership

Challenges Faced by Progressives in the Primaries

APAC's Role and Spending Strategy

Strategies to Counter APAC's Influence

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts