Cori Bush becomes second 'Squad' member to lose 2024 primary as Democrats split over Israel
Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., suffered a bruising defeat in her St. Louis district on Tuesday night, becoming the second member of the progressive group of House lawmakers known as “the Squad” to lose a Democratic primary to a more moderate opponent this year.
Bush, a second-term lawmaker, was bested in the Democratic race for Missouri’s 1st District by St. Louis prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell, who was backed by a major pro-Israel group. The race was the second most expensive House primary in U.S. history, taking a back seat only to the contest earlier this year for Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s Bronx-area seat, according to the group ad impact.
Bell sought to frame Bush as out of touch with her constituents throughout the monthslong race and highlighted the multiple investigations into her campaign finances. But Bush’s criticism of the Israeli government, more than any other factor, came to define the campaign.
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A registered nurse and activist, Bush was the first member of Congress to call for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, nine days after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Since then, she has remained a steadfast critic of Israel’s handling of the war and accused Israeli officials of committing genocide.
The United Democracy Project, a super PAC aligned with The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, poured more than $8 million into the contest to boost Bell’s campaign to replace Bush in the halls of Congress. Justice Democrats, a PAC that has knocked U.S. aid to Israel, meanwhile, said it spent more than $2 million in support of Bush.
The St. Louis primary isn’t the first race where AIPAC has played a role in 2024. The group has put its weight behind an array of candidates challenging some of the most vocal Democratic lawmakers criticizing Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza.
Dec. 7, 2023; Washington, D.C., USA -- Congresswomen Cori Bush (D-MO), left, and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), right, speaking at a press conference on Dec. 7, 2023 in Washington, D.C calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY
In July, Bowman, Bush’s fellow Squad member, lost the Democratic primary in his district to a more moderate candidate whose campaign was aided by outside funding. The United Democracy Project spent more than $7 million in that race.
Bowman during a fundraising call Monday night told Bush that he knew exactly what she was experiencing and said she was a "powerful truth teller."
Several other members of the Squad – the group of progressive lawmakers who came to prominence during former President Donald Trump's term – have managed to fend off similar challenges this year. Among them: Rep. Summer Lee, D-Penn. and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.
Others in the group still have a difficult race ahead this year. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., faces a tough primary challenge from former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels next week.
Now THIS is a meme !!!
The Walz pick looking even dumber.
Won't be the last you hear of that scumbag....
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Like i always say cpuld you imagine if any rrepublican said that.
Who is "They"?
The people who voted aagainst her?
It'd be the lead story on every news channel and they'd probably have to testify in front of Congress as to what they meant.
But since it's an African American, Democrat that said it....it's all good. It's actually probably racist for us to question or even talk about what she said.
Biden calls Blacks who vote for Trump as " not Black" and thats aacceptable to the media.
Trump questions Kamala's recent blackness as she has always called her self Indian and the media has a melt down saying its a " slur" so he's a rascist..
Perfect example of Democrat privilege!!
It's so tiring
Representative Bush is the only racist I’ve seen that’s mentioned in the thread. 🤣
The asshole has been radicalized long before this....
I was embarrassed to have her represent MO…
Sooo glad she’s gone!
I'm glad she became an "activist" (whatever the fuck that means), because the thought of her as a full time RN is freaking terrifying.
Well Tulsi Gabbard is already on that list for air travel. Chew on that for a minute. There’s probably no room on it for the Bushmeister…
Sounds like both sides of the aisle aren't shedding any tears over this broad's defeat.
Can't imagine any of these "squad" idiots actually being proper representatives of their constituents.
Of course many in DC can be painted with the same brush.
U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard…?
Yes sir, that’s the one. Heard it on a podcast yesterday.
Pit Row
Taibbi on the ssubject.
https://x.com/mtaibbi/status/1820647580050550848?t=D71Jd9ZKpFtfbcjRe3hd…
So, we’re talking about the woman with war ribbons on her uniform…?
The same woman that received her latest promotion while on a Special Op’s Mission?
She’s in some bullshit “fly list”?
She referenced being radicalized more than once. “What you didn’t want to do was allow me to get radicalized even more!”
I hope this signals a genuine waking up of the electorate.
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