Democrat distances party from Mamdani’s views

A New York City mayoral candidate’s radical stance is splitting Democrats wide open.

Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) has publicly rejected Zohran Mamdani’s far-left positions, as Jewish Democrats slam the candidate’s refusal to denounce “globalize the intifada” or recognize Israel as a Jewish state.

Mamdani, a rising figure in New York politics, is inching closer to the mayor’s office, sparking alarm among moderate Democrats. His views on private property and Israel have drawn sharp criticism from party members who see him as out of step with their coalition. Smith took to Fox News Sunday to make his case clear.

Smith Rejects Mamdani’s Leadership

“The mayor of New York has never, ever been the leader of the Democratic Party,” Smith declared. His words aim to douse Mamdani’s growing influence, but they also expose the party’s fragile unity. The so-called “Big Tent” is starting to look more like a circus.

Smith emphasized the Democratic Party’s broad coalition, calling it a “big tent” that doesn’t bend to one voice. Yet Mamdani’s refusal to temper his rhetoric is testing that framework. Moderates fear his extremism could alienate voters who crave pragmatic governance.

Mamdani’s claim that “globalize the intifada” is a “peaceful call” has ignited a firestorm. Jewish Democrats, in particular, aren’t buying it. They see his words as a dangerous flirtation with antisemitic undertones, cloaked in progressive jargon.

Jewish Democrats Sound Alarm

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) didn’t mince words, accusing Mamdani of “callous disregard for antisemitism.” Her outrage reflects a broader concern among Jewish Democrats who feel Mamdani’s rhetoric crosses a line. The phrase “globalize the intifada” evokes violence, not peace, in their eyes.

“Anyone that I care about couldn’t possibly distance themselves from him more,” Wasserman Schultz added. Her statement underscores the deep rift Mamdani’s stance has carved within the party. It’s a divide that could haunt Democrats in local and national races.

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) went further, accusing Mamdani of “either ignoring or gaslighting the public” with his “peaceful call” defense. Schneider’s blunt assessment suggests Mamdani’s rhetoric isn’t just divisive—it’s deceptive. The candidate’s refusal to back down only fuels the controversy.

Mamdani’s Stance Sparks Backlash

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) piled on, stating Mamdani is “wrong on all those things.” He argued that failing to call out “globalize the intifada” as antisemitic only deepens division. Moskowitz’s critique highlights how Mamdani’s positions risk alienating key Democratic constituencies.

Mamdani’s refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state has also drawn fire. Jewish Democrats see this as a betrayal of core values, not a bold progressive stand. His stance is less about principle and more about posturing for the far-left base.

Smith’s appearance on Fox News Sunday was a calculated move to rein in Mamdani’s influence. He stressed that no single mayor, no matter how prominent, will dictate the Democratic Party’s direction. But with Mamdani’s campaign gaining traction, that claim feels more hopeful than certain.

Party Unity Under Strain

The Democratic Party’s “Big Tent” is fraying at the edges. Smith’s insistence that Mamdani doesn’t speak for the party reveals a deeper anxiety about losing moderate voters. The far-left’s grip on urban politics is pushing centrists to the sidelines.

Mamdani’s defenders argue he’s energizing a new generation of voters. But his refusal to condemn inflammatory rhetoric risks branding Democrats as soft on antisemitism. It’s a label the party can ill afford in a polarized climate.

Wasserman Schultz called Mamdani’s stance “terribly disturbing and potentially dangerous.” Her words carry weight, signaling a broader fear that Mamdani’s rhetoric could inflame tensions. The Democratic coalition is wobbling, and moderates are scrambling to steady it.

Can Democrats Bridge the Divide?

Smith’s comments on immigration also took aim at Mamdani’s broader platform. “He’s spending all this money now on going around and terrorizing communities with high-profile ICE raids,” Smith said, critiquing what he sees as divisive tactics. The jab underscores how Mamdani’s policies could backfire with voters.

Mamdani’s far-left positions are a gamble in a city craving stability. His refusal to align with mainstream Democratic values could cost the party dearly. Moderates like Smith are betting on a message of unity, but Mamdani’s rise suggests that message isn’t landing.

The clash over Mamdani’s views shows a party at war with itself. While he pushes a progressive agenda, moderates like Smith, Wasserman Schultz, and Moskowitz are fighting to keep the Democratic brand from veering too far left. The outcome of this tug-of-war could shape the party’s future for years to come.