Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville has sharply criticized the rise of far-left and Democratic Socialist candidates in primary elections, labeling them "part of the problem" within the party.
In a video released for his "Politics War Room" podcast, Carville decried the trend of insurgent candidates unseating longtime Democratic incumbents across the country. He specifically pointed to primary victories in New York, where Democratic socialist candidates defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat and former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, and in Colorado, where Melat Kiros unseated Rep. Diana DeGette.
"Is their solution to beat Republicans, to run against Republicans? No," Carville stated. "Their solution is to beat Democrats like they’re part of the problem. You are part of the problem because you’re a f---ing idiot."
Carville also referenced Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan, suggesting that a focus on blaming both parties overlooks fundamental policy differences. He contrasted the actions of the Democratic Party, such as expanding health insurance and balancing budgets, with those of the Republican Party, which he characterized as destroying these initiatives.
"One party expanded health insurance, all right?" Carville asked. "Another party destroyed it. One party balanced the budget and created economic prosperity. The other party destroyed it. One party brought about a deal with Iran’s nuclear program. Another party destroyed it."
He attributed the internal party strife, in part, to a desire among some Democrats to "feel superior to people" rather than focusing on winning elections. Carville warned Democratic voters against "fall[ing] for the allure of false prophets" in upcoming elections and urged candidates to focus on defeating Republican opponents first.
"And all these people, go beat a Republican — then come back and I will respect you," Carville said. "Until you do that, I have nothing but contempt for you."