AIPAC Crushed In EARTHQUAKE New Jersey Race

AIPAC's multi-million dollar intervention in the New Jersey 11th district primary against former Rep. Tom Malinowski backfired significantly. They spent over $2 million accusing Malinowski of being too close to Trump and supporting ICE, despite being largely Republican-funded. This strategy alienated voters, drove up Malinowski's negatives, and inadvertently highlighted AIPAC's willingness to 'destroy friend or foe unless you commit to and pledge blind obedience,' which the guest believes was a crucial turning point in public perception.

AIPAC dropped two-plus million dollars, ironically accusing Malinowski of being too close to Trump and for supporting funding for ICE... it drove up his negatives. It hurt Malinowski in the final stretch. (18:02-18:25) The lesson that Apac taught New Jersey 11... is that they are willing to destroy friend or foe unless you commit to and pledge blind obedience. (19:12-19:29)

Analia Mahia's victory in a suburban North Jersey district, home to professionals in pharma, finance, and other high-income sectors, demonstrates that a progressive message focused on universal economic precarity can win. Her campaign highlighted rising healthcare, childcare, and housing costs, framing them as consequences of 'big money's stranglehold' on the economy and democracy. This resonated with voters, including doctors and small business owners, who, despite appearing economically stable, are struggling with these expenses and worried about their children's future.

This economy is hitting everybody. When you double and triple health care costs, even individual, you know, small business owners, professionals, doctors, lawyers, architects, my neighbors were all complaining... child care costs are upwards of 24, 28, $30,000 a year... my message was we need to remove the strangle hold that big money has on our economy and our democracy. (07:37-08:48) Folks talk about how they may have been able to afford to buy a home, but they're worried about what's going to happen to their children. And the fact that private equity firms are buying up starter homes resonates with them and angers them. (10:54-11:10)

The outcome of the NJ-11 primary, coupled with other ongoing special elections in New Jersey, suggests a growing willingness within the Democratic party to openly challenge AIPAC. The guest notes that even moderates and Republicans are now speaking out against AIPAC's practices, indicating a potential turning point where rejecting AIPAC funding and calling out their tactics becomes a more accepted and even advantageous political stance.

I hope it is a turning point. There are other special elections happening in New Jersey... candidates in that race are speaking out against Apac. Now you have even moderates and Republicans speaking out against Apac and their practices. (19:44-20:18)