Progressive activists are celebrating after tens of thousands of Democratic voters cast protest votes against President Biden in the recent primaries, with significant numbers choosing "uncommitted" or supporting other candidates. This reflects a growing sentiment of dissatisfaction within the party base, particularly regarding the White House's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. On the Republican side, a notable number of voters also opted against supporting Trump.
President Biden's efforts to court young, climate-minded voters are being hindered by their frustration over his refusal to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The tension over Biden's climate outreach reflects a broader divide between the president and his progressive base, complicating his efforts to rally their support for the upcoming election. While Biden has made attempts to appeal to green activists, including halting new permits for natural gas exports, his staunch support for Israel amid the conflict with Hamas has led to outbursts from youthful environmentalists at public appearances. The president's foreign policy challenge is further complicated by the need to balance support for climate action with the demands of his progressive base on issues such as the Gaza conflict and fossil fuel policies.
Progressive activists have been pressuring Democratic lawmakers to back a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, but their tactics have not generated widespread support within the party. While some Democrats have openly called for a cease-fire, others have advocated for a humanitarian pause or conditions on U.S. aid to Israel. The protests have also led to divisions within the Democratic Party, with some lawmakers facing blowback from their progressive base. The activists are calling for not only a cease-fire but also restrictions on military aid to Israel, a demand that has gained little traction outside the progressive left.
Senator Bernie Sanders is facing backlash from progressive activists and former staffers who are urging him to call for an immediate cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Gaza. While Sanders has been a vocal critic of Israel's right-wing government and has raised concerns about the treatment of Palestinians, he has taken a more nuanced approach to the current conflict, advocating for a humanitarian pause instead of an immediate cease-fire. This has disappointed many of his supporters who want to see him leading an antiwar movement. Sanders's position has also drawn praise from unexpected quarters, including the pro-Israel group AIPAC. Other liberal senators, such as Elizabeth Warren, are also facing pressure from activists dissatisfied with their stance on Israel.
Progressive activists are gearing up to unseat Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar, who has defeated their candidates twice before. Cuellar is often the only Democrat to vote with Republicans on abortion in the House, and he has been highly critical of President Joe Biden’s border enforcement policies. However, taking aim at a 10-term incumbent is a massive gamble for progressives, and the Democratic establishment is trying to conserve resources for the larger battle to seize the House from Republicans. Both parties are looking to make gains in the three South Texas districts, which are majority Hispanic, have an immediate proximity to border policies, and are majority working class, with about one in five people living in poverty.
