Josh Shapiro said some attacks on AIPAC have shifted from criticizing a super PAC to stigmatizing Jewish donors and voters, creating what he called a dangerous effort to silence voices in politics.
The Pennsylvania governor told Politico that opponents are increasingly blurring “AIPAC money” with “the Jews who give to that candidate,” arguing that scapegoating one group makes all Americans less safe.
Shapiro linked that rhetoric to a broader rise in antisemitism across politics, though he said he did not know enough about Rep. Thomas Massie’s Tel Aviv quip after his primary loss to judge that comment directly.
AIPAC said treating support from its members differently from other citizens’ political activity is wrong and undemocratic, while Democrats last month rejected a resolution singling out AIPAC after adopting a broader anti-dark-money measure.
How can we distinguish between legitimate criticism of a powerful lobby and rhetoric that unfairly targets the identity of its supporters?
With legislative reforms stalled, what new strategies can effectively counter the growing influence of 'dark money' in modern elections?
When political spending is untraceable, how can voters know if a candidate is backed by grassroots support or by secretive donors?