Melanie Mason, a California politics expert from Politico, and Ross Barkin, a political writer for the New York Times Magazine, dive into the impact of Israel on U.S. Democratic races. They discuss how California's Senate primary is influenced by candidates addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict. The conversation explores the evolving divide within the Democratic Party over Israel's military actions and the growing clout of younger progressives challenging traditional views. Additionally, they address financial interests shaping campaign dynamics and AIPAC's role in primary elections.
Senate race in California focuses on Israel-Palestine conflict as a key issue among leading candidates.
AIPAC and DMFI's financial influence in primaries shapes policy debates within the Democratic Party.
Deep dives
California Senate Race Candidates Overview
The Senate race in California features notable candidates like Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee, alongside Republican Steve Garvey. Schiff, known for his role in the Trump impeachment, is backed by significant funding, positioning him as a leading candidate. Porter's whiteboard tactics and assertive politics give her a strong appeal, while Lee's anti-war stance resonates with progressives, despite fundraising challenges. Garvey, a former baseball player, sidesteps policy discussion but gains support through Schiff's campaign ads.
Top Two Primary System in California
California's top two primary system allows the top two vote-getters to advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. Polls indicate Republican Steve Garvey leading, closely followed by Democrats Schiff, Porter, and Lee. Schiff's robust funding enables dual campaigns, promoting his candidacy and targeting Garvey. Porter's policy distinctions on earmarks and responses to the Israel-Hamas conflict showcase differences among the candidates.
Influence of Interest Groups on California Primaries
Interest groups like AIPAC and DMFI play a significant role in supporting candidates aligned with pro-Israel stances. These groups invest heavily in primaries, targeting progressive candidates critical of Israel's actions. By funding attack ads based on vulnerabilities, they aim to sway voter opinions. While J Street and other less-funded groups offer counter perspectives, the financial might of AIPAC and DMFI shapes the discourse and influences policy debates within the Democratic Party.
Super Tuesday is the biggest day of the presidential primary campaign, but the biggest race in the biggest state isn’t about Biden or Trump. Instead, the leading candidates for California’s open Senate seat — three Democrats and a Republican — are finding themselves talking a lot about Israel, Palestine, and the war in Gaza.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and guest-hosted by Alana Casanova Burgess.