Rep. Jamaal Bowman (center) and Westchester County Executive George Latimer (right) engaged in their first Democratic primary debate on Monday. Credit: News 12.
June 18, 2024 Story by: Editor
NEW YORK — The concluding TV debate between Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman and his primary challenger George Latimer was charged with accusations of racism and dishonesty.
This primary, now the costliest House race ever, has highlighted deep rifts within the Democratic Party regarding the war in Gaza.
Hostility between Westchester County Executive Latimer and two-term Congressman Bowman has been evident throughout the primary’s TV debates, with Tuesday night’s forum on PIX11 being no exception.
Key Highlights:
Criticism of Netanyahu
Bowman criticized the invitation for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress, opposing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both fellow New Yorkers. “It sends the wrong message and it’s not what we should be doing at this time,” Bowman, an outspoken critic of Israel, stated.
This disagreement underscores Bowman’s strong opposition to the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza post the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, marking a significant point of contention between him and Latimer.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its super PAC have spent over $14 million on TV ads attacking Bowman.
Latimer indicated he would attend Netanyahu’s speech if he were a House member, though he distanced himself from Netanyahu’s critiques of President Joe Biden.
Support for Biden
Although President Biden has stayed neutral in this primary, both candidates emphasized their allegiance to him amid his mixed approval ratings in New York. Latimer defended Biden against age-related criticisms, labeling them as “ageist.” He emphasized Biden’s vital message for Americans.
While Bowman has opposed Biden’s stance on Israel, he called for Democratic unity behind the president, particularly urging young voters to back him. “The Democratic Party needs to circle the wagons so he can win in November,” Bowman stated.
Trump Comparisons
Bowman accused Latimer of accepting donations from Trump supporters, while Latimer likened Bowman’s behavior to that of Trump. Bowman claimed AIPAC, which has heavily funded opposition against him, is supported by “racist MAGA Republicans.” Latimer refuted this, noting AIPAC’s support for Democrats like Jeffries, Reps. Ritchie Torres, and Grace Meng.
Latimer countered by saying Bowman “acts like Mr. Trump every chance he gets.”
Claims of Racism and Lies
Bowman accused Latimer’s campaign of distributing mailers that darkened his skin and failing to adopt an “anti-racist approach” on issues such as housing and reparations. Bowman alleged Latimer’s donors aim to silence him because he is “an outspoken Black man.” He argued that his outspokenness challenges the power dynamics desired by Latimer’s supporters.
In response, Latimer labeled Bowman a liar, asserting multiple times during the debate’s first half-hour that Bowman needs “a lie detector” and has “cornered the market on lies.” He accused Bowman of “fabrication” to maintain his congressional seat.
The heated exchanges between Latimer and Bowman reflect broader tensions and differing visions within the Democratic Party as they vie for voter support in a district comprising both affluent suburbs and diverse urban areas.
