Far-left “Squad” Rep. Cori Bush declared that she’s been radicalized after losing her Missouri Democratic primary race Tuesday and vowed revenge against the pro-Israel group that backed her opponent.
“Pulling me away from my position as congresswoman — all you did was take some of the strings off,” Missouri’s 1st District rep told supporters after being defeated by local prosecutor Wesley Bell.
“Let’s be clear. Let’s be clear. Let’s be clear. Let’s be clear. Let’s be clear. Let’s be clear. Let’s be clear,” Bush shouted into the mic. “Let’s talk about what it really is.
“As much as I love my job, all they did was radicalize me — and so now they need to be afraid.
“Let me say this, AIPAC, I’m coming to tear your kingdom down,” Bush said, referring to the pro-Israel super PAC that shelled out almost $9 million to unseat the incumbent rep.
The White House on Wednesday condemned the Missouri Democrat’s bizarre rhetoric.
“This kind of rhetoric is inflammatory and divisive and incredibly unhelpful,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters when asked about Bush’s remarks.
“We’re going to continue to condemn any type of political rhetoric in that way, in that vein,” she added, arguing that “we cannot have this type of inflammatory, divisive language in our political discourse.”
AIPAC congratulated Bell on his victory Tuesday in a statement, which referred to Bush as an “anti-Israel detractor.”
“During this primary season, the pro-Israel mainstream has sent a powerful message that America stands with Israel as it battles Iranian terrorist proxies,” the pro-Israel group said. “Voters across America are rejecting anti-Israel voices in favor of candidates who understand the vital importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
“The outcome in this race — as in so many others — shows that the pro-Israel position is both good policy and good politics for both parties.”
Bush has been a vocal critic of the Jewish state in Congress and she has refused to condemn Hamas for the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that left 1,200 people dead.
She has also accused Israel of conducting an “ethnic cleansing campaign” in Gaza, characterizing the war effort as “collective punishment against Palestinians,” which Bush has argued “is a war crime.”
Earlier this year, AIPAC similarly backed Westchester County Executive George Latimer in New York’s 16th District Democratic primary over Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) because of his views on the Israel-Hamas war.
Bowman, who is also a member of the “Squad,” suggested Wednesday that the Missouri Democratic primary race was undemocratic.
“To buy an election is oligarchy, not democracy,” Bowman wrote on X.” Let’s be clear, if Cori stayed silent on the genocide in Gaza, she wouldn’t have a challenger. It was her courage to stand up for Palestinians and unprotected people everywhere that angered the powerful.
“And if we as Americans are not going to stand together against apartheid and genocide, what does that say about our nation?” he added. “Special interests are destroying our democracy. They care about their own power. Not the people. It’s time for the people to stand up together — for the future of our humanity.”
Bowman wasn’t the only “Squad” member mourning Bush’s defeat.
“Her loss last night is a loss for everyone committed to the cause of justice, peace, and government accountable to the people not special interests,” Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) wrote on X.
“Do not be deceived by the narratives that will be spun,” the Illinois Democrat added. “What happened is clear for all to see. We must all be weary of the corrupting influence of big money in our politics. It is the single greatest threat to democracy.”
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) called Bush “a true movement builder, truth teller, & champion of the people” in a tweet.
“Dark money in politics remains a threat to our democracy, but our Work for justice will continue,” Pressley wrote. “My forever sister-in-service. Thank you.”
Bell will take on Republican Andrew Jones in the general election in November.
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