Ritchie Torres criticizes ‘Squad’ member’s profanity-laced rant at rally with AOC: ‘Unhinged’
Rep. Ritchie Torres criticized Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s speech at a rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as “unhinged” and “unbecoming of a Member of Congress.”
Bowman’s speech, which included explicit language and a chant of “cease-fire now,” was seen as a response to his challenger in the Democratic primary, George Latimer, who is supported by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
Torres, who left the Congressional Progressive Caucus over differences on Israel, may reconsider his decision not to endorse in the race after Bowman’s “gratuitous attack” on his character. The primary, which pits progressive Bowman against moderate Latimer, has highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party on issues like Israel and Palestine.
Torres’ criticism of Bowman’s speech highlights the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party on issues related to Israel. Bowman, a member of the progressive “Squad,” has been critical of Israel’s government and its actions in the Israel-Hamas war.
His opponent, Latimer, has received significant funding from AIPAC, an Israeli political advocacy group. Torres, who has also been critical of Israel’s government, left the Congressional Progressive Caucus earlier this year over differences on Israel policy.
Bowman’s speech at the rally was energetic and profanity-laced, with the congressman saying, “We are going to show f—ing AIPAC, the power of the motherf—ing South Bronx!” He also led the crowd in a chant of “cease-fire now, cease-fire now.” The speech was seen as a response to AIPAC’s support of Latimer and the organization’s influence on the Democratic Party.
Torres’ criticism of Bowman’s speech was swift, with the congressman saying, “The level of profanity here is so shocking as to be unbecoming of a Member of Congress.” He also said that Bowman’s “unhinged tirade” did not represent the decency of the people he represents in the South Bronx. Torres’ criticism highlights the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party on issues related to Israel and Palestine.
The primary race between Bowman and Latimer has been contentious, with both sides accusing each other of being too extreme. Bowman has been criticized by some for his anti-Israel stance, while Latimer has been criticized for his support of AIPAC. The race has also highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party, with some progressives supporting Bowman and others supporting Latimer.
“But Bowman’s gratuitous attack on my character might cause me to rethink that rule. Stay tuned,” Torres said.
The outcome of the primary race is uncertain, with Bowman trailing Latimer by double digits in recent polls. However, the race has highlighted the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party on issues related to Israel and Palestine. The party’s divisions on these issues are likely to continue to be a challenge for Democrats in the future.
In conclusion, Rep. Ritchie Torres’ criticism of Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s profanity-laced speech at a rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez highlights the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party on issues related to Israel. Bowman’s speech, which included explicit language and a chant of “cease-fire now,” was seen as a response to his challenger in the Democratic primary, George Latimer, who is supported by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
The primary race has highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party on issues like Israel and Palestine, and the outcome is uncertain. The party’s divisions on these issues are likely to continue to be a challenge for Democrats in the future.
