Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville has called for a formal "schism" within the Democratic Party, arguing that certain far-left candidates who have recently won primaries do not align with the party's core values. Carville, speaking on his podcast "Politics War Room" with co-host Al Hunt, specifically cited the primary victories of three candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as an example.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, one of the Mamdani-backed candidates, secured a primary victory in New York. Carville expressed strong disapproval of Chevalier, noting that she has reportedly made controversial statements, including attacking interracial relationships and the American flag. "Lady, I ain’t in the same party as you. I’m sorry," Carville stated. "I’m just not, and I actually do think it’s time for Democrats to talk ‘the S-word.’ ‘Schism.’ I really do."
Carville and Hunt acknowledged that Republicans might overemphasize these candidates as representative of the broader Democratic Party. However, Carville insisted on the need for an "explicit firewall" to separate these candidates from the mainstream party. He suggested that many of these candidates do not genuinely support the Democratic Party but run under its banner, advocating for negotiated terms for a separation.
"Everybody’s always said, ‘No, no, we’re coalition. We’re a big tent,’" Carville said. "And there’s some – there’s just some s— that I can’t be in the same tent with."
Carville also drew a distinction on foreign policy issues, stating his comfort with a party that questions Israeli government policies, but not one that denies Israel's right to exist. "I am totally comfortable in a political party that spends time questioning the policies of the government of Israel. In fact, I’m enthusiastic about that. I don’t want to be in a political party that denies the right of the state of Israel to exist. That’s just not — I just can’t do that. I’m sorry. It’s just not doable."
Hunt suggested that these primary victories could "complicate the politically existential question of winning in November" and urged other Democrats, including prominent figures like former President Barack Obama and younger party members, to publicly distance themselves from such candidates. He warned that if Democrats do not achieve a significant victory in the upcoming elections, "that group of crazies" could potentially hinder House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
While Hunt acknowledged that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., initially caused some disruption early in her career, he felt she eventually became a constructive member. However, he expressed doubt that the current group of newly elected candidates possesses similar potential. Carville agreed with Hunt's assessment, stating, "I don’t either. And I think AOC is smart. I could be in the same party with her in many ways. I can’t be in the same party with Miss Chevalier. Can’t do it. Sorry."