Democrats Get Failing by Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP)

Image Credit, Phillip Roulain

In a move that signals a seismic shift in political dynamics, Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) has once again released its influential scorecard, laying bare the support—or lack thereof—Members of Congress have shown for Palestinians. This year’s assessment focuses exclusively on Democratic lawmakers, unveiling a worrying trend that could spell trouble for the party’s future prospects, particularly in crucial battleground states.

Following the events of October 7, 2023, a date etched in the annals of Palestinian history, AJP Action has recalibrated its methodology to reflect the evolving landscape of American politics. With meticulous precision, they’ve pored over thousands of data points, scrutinizing votes, statements, and legislative actions related to the Palestinian cause.

House of Representatives

The findings from the House paint a stark picture: out of a total of 214 Democratic members assessed, only four managed to scrape an “A” grade. Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Cori Bush, Ilhan Omar, and Delia Ramirez emerged as the frontrunners in their unwavering support for Palestinians, with Representative Tlaib leading the pack with an impressive 96%. However, the overwhelming majority, a staggering 91.5%, received a dismal “F” grade—a damning indictment of their stance on the issue.

U.S. Senate

Turning the spotlight onto the Senate, the outlook remains bleak. Not a single Democratic senator achieved a grade higher than a “D,” with Senators Elizabeth Warren, Jeff Merkley, and Bernie Sanders among those limping across the finish line with this subpar grade. An alarming 94% of Senate Democrats, including Independents who caucus with them, faced the ignominy of an “F” grade, showcasing a glaring disparity between public sentiment and political representation.

Implications and Fallout

These grades are more than just symbols; they represent a rupture in the traditional alignment between Democratic lawmakers and Muslim Arab communities, particularly in states like Michigan, where their support has historically been crucial. The failure of the Biden Administration to address the Gaza crisis effectively has further exacerbated tensions, prompting soul-searching within Democratic ranks.

As troubling as the grades themselves is the apparent lack of willingness among Democrats to mend fences and rebuild broken bridges within their caucus. The failure to advocate equally for all American citizens, irrespective of race or ethnicity, raises serious questions about the party’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness. If the Democrats lose the White House, this could go down as one of the most catastrophic self-inflicted wounds by a U.S. President, characterized by a failure to read the room and prioritize the needs of all constituents.

With midterm elections looming large on the horizon, these grades serve as a potent wake-up call for Democrats. They stand accused of betraying the very people they purport to represent, fueling a sense of disillusionment among voters who feel their voices are being drowned out in the corridors of power. As the party grapples with the fallout, questions linger about their ability to mend bridges and win back the trust of a vital voting bloc.

In the unforgiving arena of politics, nothing is guaranteed, and allegiance must be earned. The Democrats, in failing to heed the concerns of the Palestinian cause and in neglecting the broader principles of equity and justice, risk alienating a demographic whose support could prove decisive in future electoral battles. As the Biden Administration and the party at large engage in damage control, the road to redemption appears fraught with challenges, demanding a radical reevaluation of their priorities and principles. Failure to do so could spell disaster not just for the party, but for the very ideals they claim to champion.