Israel, AIPAC and Difficult Questions for Democrats
Summary
Reporter Jonathan Mahler examines how AIPAC has shifted from a bipartisan lobbying group to a polarizing force by spending record sums in Democratic primaries to enforce a strict pro-Israel litmus test. The episode details how this strategy, driven by concerns over progressive lawmakers and the Gaza war, has backfired in races like New Jersey and Illinois, where attacking moderate candidates alienated voters.
Topics discussed
Introduction: AIPAC's new litmus test in midterm elections
The shift in Democratic support for Israel and AIPAC's role
History of AIPAC: Bipartisan origins and early lobbying success
The 2015 Iran Deal: AIPAC's first major partisan split
Rise of the Squad and AIPAC's creation of the United Democracy Project
2022 Midterms: AIPAC's massive spending and controversial endorsements
Impact of October 7th and shifting public opinion on Israel
AIPAC's aggressive tactics and the rise of anti-Semitic rhetoric
Case Study: AIPAC's failed attempt to oust Tom Malinowski
Case Study: Dan Biss leveraging anti-AIPAC sentiment to win
Michigan Senate race: El-Sayed vs. AIPAC-backed candidate
Conclusion: AIPAC's future and the changing political landscape
Listen ad-free on Castria