“Squad” Rep Bowman says pro-Israel lobby attacking him because he speaks out
During a heated debate on Tuesday night, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., suggested that the pro-Israel lobby, American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), is targeting him for being an “outspoken Black man.” The event marked Bowman’s last televised faceoff against his primary challenger, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, in what has become one of the most expensive House primary races in U.S. history.
Bowman did not hold back, taking shots at AIPAC multiple times throughout the debate, portraying it as a right-wing organization. AIPAC has thrown its support behind Latimer, with its campaign arm investing millions of dollars into the race.
“The majority of his money comes from right-wing Republicans who support Trump,” Bowman pointed out regarding Latimer’s funds. He continued without specifically naming AIPAC, “They are spending more money in this primary than any PAC has ever spent in U.S. history.”
Expressing his beliefs boldly, Bowman stated, “Why? Because I’m an outspoken person of color. I’m an outspoken Black man. I fight against genocide in Gaza, and I fight for justice right here. And his supporters don’t want that because it challenges their power.”
However, Latimer fired back by highlighting that groups like AIPAC have not only backed him but also individuals like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Ritchie Torres, and House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Rep. Gregory Meeks – none of whom are White.
In defense of AIPAC, Latimer emphasized, “The support that they have and I have from individuals comes because of our support of the state of Israel. His opposition comes because he has been anti-Israel, hostile to Israel.” He pointed out that he has never changed his stance due to campaign donations.
In response, Bowman countered by saying, “Just because you’ve got a few Black friends doesn’t make you an anti-racist organization.” He continued, “He keeps naming off these Black names as if it doesn’t make AIPAC and their supporters racist.”
Both candidates utilized their closing statements to cement their positions. Bowman reiterated his stance against big money in politics, specifically targeting AIPAC once more. Meanwhile, Latimer highlighted his extensive experience in New York politics and posed the question, “Who do you trust? Who do you believe has your interest first?”
A recent poll by Pix11, in collaboration with Emerson College and The Hill, shows Latimer leading Bowman 48% to 31%. If Latimer secures victory in the primary, he will become the first moderate Democrat to defeat a member of the left-wing “Squad.”
In conclusion, the ongoing battle between Bowman and Latimer not only reveals the challenges of a high-profile primary race but also sheds light on the intersection of race, politics, and lobbying in the current landscape.
