I’ve been closely following the American responses to the Israeli attack on Gaza and what strikes me so far is how many U.S. politicians have had nothing to say about it. Yes Israel lobby groups are working overtime to get out the Israel talking points (Israel has a right to defend itself from a terrorist group funded by Iran). Yes, some Congresspeople are parroting them.
But a surprising number of Democratic politicians have been silent on the matter. And in my hopeful way I think it’s a reflection of the fact that Israel is becoming a toxic brand inside the Democratic Party, so Dems are not rushing to embrace it.
Consider the Democratic race in the 10th district of New York, a giant battle for a redistricted seat that includes lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. You’d expect that candidates would be climbing over one another to back Israel. No.
Mondaire Jones, a sitting Congressman fighting to gain the nomination in the 10th district, is silent on the matter on Twitter — and Twitter is my gauge of outspokenness.
Progressive frontrunner Yuh-Line Niou has also been silent on the Gaza attacks.
More establishment rival Carlina Rivera–also silent.
Daniel Goldman, an establishment candidate in that 10th district race, has spoken out:
The Iron Dome saves innocent lives. Non-negotiable.
But not his rivals. They don’t want the association.
Let’s look at some other pols running for reelection.
Nothing on Twitter from Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, who is running for reelection. (Nothing from Sen. Chris Murphy either).
Nothing from Maryland’s Chris Van Hollen, running for reelection.
Nothing from Sen. Raphael Warnock, in an election battle for his life in Georgia.
Chuck Schumer’s running for reelection. No comment on Israel/Gaza. Though yes, he’s been working hard on the inflation/climate change bill.
Senator Michael Bennet’s running for reelection in Colorado. Nothing.
Nothing from John Fetterman running for Senate in Pennsylvania in a tight battle against a Trump candidate, Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Senator Mark Kelly, also in a reelection battle is Arizona, is upset about Brittney Griner’s sentence, but he hasn’t mentioned Israel.
Democrat Mandela Barnes, running against incumbent Ron Johnson in Wisconsin — nothing.
Tim Ryan’s in an election battle for a Senate seat in Ohio against J.D. Vance. He is concerned about U.S. veterans’ health issues, but doesn’t mention Israel’s attack on Gaza.
Tammy Duckworth, fighting for reelection in Illinois, talks about assault rifles ban but doesn’t mention Israel.
Senator Maggie Hassan, running in New Hampshire — nothing.
Here are some other prominent politicians who have been silent on Twitter.
New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez has nothing to say on Twitter. Sen. Cory Booker nothing. [Update: Menendez did issue a statement in Congress supporting Israel’s “right to defend itself.”]
Rep. Jake Auchincloss, usually reliable for Israel, nothing to say.
And look at Rep. Shontel Brown in Cleveland. She beat back Nina Turner with the help of the Israel lobby, but she hasn’t shown up for Israel on Twitter.
OK, yes, Ritchie Torres shows up:
Thank God for Iron Dome, which I proudly voted for. Defending civilians from indiscriminate rocket fire is a no-brainer.
And Rep. Haley Stevens, whose election AIPAC just helped pay for in Michigan, spoke up for Israel. AIPAC praised her.
Thank you @RepHaleyStevens for standing with our ally Israel as it protects its citizens from terrorism.
But the congressperson she defeated, Andy Levin has not spoken up for Israel, on Twitter. Neither has the usually reliable Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin, engaged with a toxic chemical spill in the Huron River.
OK, yes, a lot of the other usual suspects have shown up in Congress. Brad Schneider of Illinois. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Josh Gottheimer managed not to mention Israel in his tweet. My congressman, Sean Patrick Maloney, also shows up for Israel.
And Elaine Luria of Virginia retweeted this propaganda image from the Israeli ambassador to Romania.
And back in New York, Jerry Nadler, fighting for his seat in Congress in a combined district, tweets support for Israel’s “right to defend itself” though it initiated the hostilities.
So does Rep. Carolyn Maloney, running against Nadler in upper Manhattan, also supports Israel:
Congress must continue to support Israel which has been and continues to be one of our closest allies.
Suraj Patel is also running in that 12th district. He also supports Israel in this tweet.
But you can see the responses to Maloney on Twitter mention support for apartheid and the money the Israel lobby generates for campaigns. That’s what progressive Democrats are going to say when they see Israel.
I think the relative light showing for Israel on Twitter shows that Democratic politicians feel safe dodging this issue. And yes this goes against the argument they need Israel for fundraising purposes. But they know it’s going to cause them problems on the street, and who needs it. So they’re staying away.
