The Democratic Party leadership has reacted with strong disapproval to Rep. Haley Stevens' decision to withdraw her endorsement of US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, with some critics arguing this reflects a broader, concerning shift within the party.
Stevens, a Democrat from Michigan, initially endorsed El-Sayed after losing to him in their primary race. However, she became increasingly critical of his rhetoric, including his embrace of Hasan Piker and his refusal to condemn a political action committee's advertisement that linked US tax dollars to the killing of Palestinian children in Gaza. El-Sayed's campaign subsequently barred Stevens from a "unity" event, prompting her to endorse Republican Mike Rogers instead.
This move triggered a significant intraparty response. Democratic strategist James Carville reportedly told Stevens her political career was over. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called her decision a "despicable betrayal," and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi described it as "horrific." The Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Curtis Hertel removed her from the state party.
The author of the report from The New York Post suggests these reactions indicate a party that prioritizes political expediency over its traditional values, potentially alienating Jewish voters and embracing elements perceived as anti-Western or extremist. The article points to the rise of Democratic Socialists of America members within the party and links some Democratic candidates and figures to controversial statements or associations, including ties to groups listed by the Justice Department as unindicted co-conspirors in terror financing cases.
Examples cited include Darializa Avila Chevalier, who reportedly rallied in favor of Hamas, and Adam Hamawy, who allegedly traveled with Omar Abdel-Rahman, the "Blind Sheikh" convicted in connection with the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Former President Barack Obama has also reportedly campaigned for El-Sayed, whose family has alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.
The New York Post report argues that this trend signifies a "fundamental transformation of a major American political party," fueled by what it terms a "socialist-Islamic alliance" that has infiltrated the Democratic Party. It contrasts this with a "Promise to America" pledge signed by some moderate Democrats, which emphasized capitalist principles and moderation, yet notes the silence of some signatories, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Representatives Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen, in the face of the backlash against Stevens.
The article concludes by urging Democrats who identify as capitalists and believe in American military strength and law enforcement to oppose candidates like El-Sayed and to "pull your party back from the brink," following Stevens' example. Republican Mike Rogers is presented as an alternative who aligns with these purported traditional Democratic values.