Progressives Accuse Democratic Leaders of Using Identity Politics

Progressive critics and members of the Democratic Socialists of America are accusing establishment Democratic leaders of using identity politics to shield themselves from policy-based criticism. The backlash centers on Hakeem Jeffries, the expected next speaker of the House, and Representative Haley Stevens.

Jeffries faces scrutiny over his ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a private meeting with Jared Kushner, and his reversal on Medicare for All. In response to these criticisms, Jeffries has pointed to a lack of diversity among his detractors. Meanwhile, Haley Stevens is accused of citing sexism to justify her political actions after she endorsed Republican Mike Rogers over Abdul El-Sayed.

Stevens claimed she was disinvited from an El-Sayed event after attempting to find common ground. Despite a petition to name Ayanna Pressley as speaker gaining 100,000 signatures, Jeffries remains the likely choice for the leadership position.