Bernie Sanders backs Jamaal Bowman in NY primary so 'billionaire Super PACs' can't control government

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NEW YORK: Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) made a compelling call to Democrats in the New York City suburbs to reelect Rep Jamaal Bowman, emphasizing the significance of combating the influence of billionaire-backed super PACs funding his primary challenger.

Addressing a crowd of around 200 supporters by the Hudson River, Sanders declared Bowman’s bid for a third term “one of the most significant elections in the modern history of this country,” stressing the fight against the corrupting power of billionaire money in politics.

“This election is not about a clash of ideas,” Sanders stated, “This election is about whether billionaire super PACs can buy our democracy.”

Using his characteristic humor, Sanders urged Democrats to support Bowman for the sake of democracy, even if they have disagreements on certain issues.

“I want to say a word to the people in the district ― and Jamaal may not agree with me, but this is what I think ― even if you disagree, you’re a Democrat, you’re going to vote in this primary, and you disagree with Jamaal on this issue, or that issue, vote for Jamaal,” he implored.

“The most important part of this election is whether we have the courage to stand up to the oligarchs and tell these billionaires they’re not going to control our government,” per Huffpost.

The primary battle

Bowman faces a significant challenge from Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a more moderate Democrat, in Tuesday’s primary for New York’s 16th Congressional District.

This district is a solid Democratic stronghold, making the primary the crucial contest. Backed by well-resourced pro-Israel groups and a cryptocurrency industry super PAC, Latimer has a substantial lead over Bowman, supported by a lone public poll in the race.

Super PACs favoring Latimer have outspent Bowman’s by approximately a 9-to-1 margin, with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) alone spending over $14.6 million against Bowman.

The Israel-Palestine divide

Bowman’s vehement criticism of Israel, including calling its attacks on Gaza “genocide,” has drawn the ire of AIPAC and Democratic Majority for Israel.

Bowman’s supporters see the lopsided spending as an effort by AIPAC, which includes some billionaire Republicans among its donors, to unduly influence the race. Bowman has been vocal about his support for Palestinian rights, which has fueled the divisive nature of his campaign.

“They have money; we have the many. They have power; we’ve got the people,” Bowman proclaimed, leading the crowd in chants of “We got us.”

Grassroots mobilization

Following the rally, attendees from the progressive village of Hastings-on-Hudson received bracelets labeled “hope,” “change,” or “peace,” corresponding to buses that took them to canvass for Bowman. Sanders will continue his support by co-headlining another rally with Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) in the South Bronx.

Bowman’s choice of Hastings-on-Hudson for the rally reflects his strategy to energize his progressive, middle-class base. New York’s 16th District includes parts of the Bronx and suburban Westchester County, with Bowman expected to perform well in diverse, urban areas like Yonkers and Mount Vernon.

However, the affluent and progressive river towns along the Hudson, which have supported Bowman in previous elections, remain critical battlegrounds.

Netizens react as Bernie Sanders supports Jamaal Bowman

As Senator Sanders called for the reelection of Rep Bowman, internet erupted with a mix of support and criticism.

A social media user tweeted, "Stand up to the biggest oligarch in Georgia — Ivanishvili!"

Another added, "Bowman's got some fight in him, that's for sure. Needs more folks like him in DC, not just a bunch of corporate stooges."

A third claimed, "Bowman hates the Jews."

"Right to the point .Bernie Sanders, is a Jew in name only," penned a individual.

"Bernie Sanders , helped give this country away .he’s a sell out he’s part of the cult. that wants to destabilize this country," read a tweet.

 

 

 

 

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