Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville and political analyst Al Hunt expressed concern over the recent primary victories of several candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, arguing that the movement they represent should not define the Democratic Party.One of the winners, Democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier, was among three Mamdani-endorsed candidates who secured victories in New York’s primary elections Tuesday.
During Thursday’s episode of the “Politics War Room” podcast, Hunt said the victories could “complicate the politically existential question of winning in November.”
Although Carville and Hunt argued that Republicans are overstating the significance of the candidates as representative of the Democratic Party as a whole, they agreed that party leaders should establish a clear separation from the movement, citing reporting by The New York Times.
“I have the quote right here, I’ll get to it. She has attacked interracial relationships and the American flag. Lady, I ain’t in the same party as you. I’m sorry,” Carville said.
“I’m just not, and I actually do think it’s time for Democrats to talk ‘the S-word.’ ‘Schism.’ I really do,” he added.
“Everybody’s always said, ‘No, no, we’re coalition. We’re a big tent,’” he said. “And there’s some – there’s just some s— that I can’t be in the same tent with.”
Carville argued further that many of the recent left-wing socialist candidates do not actually like the Democratic Party
He said they are nonetheless running as Democrats, however, because they likely know there’s no way to win as a third-party candidate.
Still, Carville suggested a split is necessary.
“Let’s negotiate a terms of a schism here. Maybe we can part under some kind of advantageous terms for both of us, but I’m done,” he said.
“And I’m not in that f—ing political party.”
“I am totally comfortable in a political party that spends time questioning the policies of the government of Israel,” he continued.
“In fact, I’m enthusiastic about that. I don’t want to be in a political party that denies the right of the state of Israel to exist,” he said.
“That’s just not — I just can’t do that. I’m sorry. It’s just not doable,” the veteran Democrat adviser said.
“They are a great gift to Donald Trump,” Hunt replied, adding that it would be advantageous if other Democrats stood up against the left-wing onslaught.
“Certainly people like Obama, but also some of the younger Democrats and said, ‘This is not us,’” Hunt added.
He went on to say if Democrats do not win big in November, “that group of crazies” will be able to “just sabotage Hakeem Jeffries every step of the way.”
Although Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., initially caused some issues for the Democrats early in her career, he maintained that she ultimately became an effective member.
However, Hunt warned, “I don’t think this group has that potential.”
“I don’t either,” Carville agreed. “And I think AOC is smart.
“I could be in the same party with her in many ways. I can’t be in the same party with Miss Chevalier. Can’t do it. Sorry,” Carville added.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, also appeared to distance herself from Mamdani and the candidates he backed who secured victories in Tuesday night’s Democratic primary elections, expanding his influence within the party.
“Some of the candidates that he has supported are individuals who do not understand the politics of New York City, the cultural differences from district to district, who have not been part of the history and the struggle of some of these districts, and are relatively new to the body politic,” James told CNN following the results.
During her interview, James also said that she and fellow Democratic leaders are “disappointed” in Mamdani.