It’s becoming more clear, America doesn’t like The Squad.
On Tuesday, Congresswoman Cori Bush, known for her outspoken positions and association with the “Squad,” became the second member of this controversial group to lose in a Democratic primary this year. Following Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s loss earlier, Bush’s defeat marks a significant shift within the Democratic Party.
Bush, a prominent figure in the Black Lives Matter movement, was unseated by St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell in the primary for a seat covering St. Louis city and parts of St. Louis County. Pro-Israel organizations played a crucial role in her defeat, with millions of dollars invested in ousting her. This campaign was largely fueled by Bush’s vocal criticism of Israel’s military actions and policies, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attack.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) celebrated Bell’s victory, highlighting their support for pro-Israel candidates. The group’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, contributed a substantial $8.5 million to Bell’s campaign, a strategy reminiscent of their earlier success in New York where they spent $15 million to defeat another Squad member, Jamaal Bowman.
In her concession speech, Bush took a defiant stance, accusing AIPAC of radicalizing her and vowing to challenge their influence. Her rhetoric included threats against both AIPAC and corporate interests, reflecting her frustration and determination to continue her fight.
Bush’s loss has been met with approval from many conservatives and supporters of Israel. Figures such as OutKick founder Clay Travis and Libs of TikTok’s Chaya Raichik have expressed their satisfaction, suggesting that the Squad’s radical views are increasingly out of step with mainstream Democratic voters. Representative Matt Gaetz also added a touch of humor, remarking on Bush’s absence from committee meetings.
On the other hand, some on the left have criticized AIPAC’s tactics. James J. Zogby of the American Arab Institute condemned the group’s multi-million dollar campaign against Bush, accusing them of smear tactics. Similarly, University of Chicago professor Eman Abdelhadi accused AIPAC of employing racist imagery in their ads, a claim the super PAC has strongly denied.
Brianna Wu, a former congressional candidate, offered a more measured view, attributing Bush’s defeat to her handling of local issues and her association with controversial progressive policies. Wu suggested that future progressive politics might benefit from distancing itself from extreme positions and aligning more with centrist Democrats.
Overall, Bush’s defeat represents a significant moment in the shifting dynamics of the Democratic Party, reflecting ongoing tensions between its progressive and centrist factions.