Following criticism, The New York Times revised a headline that blamed Squad members' defeat in Tuesday's primary election on “pro-Israel money,” Fox News reported.
The NYT has revised its headline about incumbent New York Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman's primary election defeat. according to On Fox News. The first major newspaper headline was “Bowman Loses House Primary, Pushed by Influx of Pro-Israel Money,” which drew immediate criticism on social media.
The New York Times blames Jews for Jamaal Bowman's defeat
Did you think he was a bad senator?
NYT: No! It's the Jews' fault. pic.twitter.com/a1QpN6FOA4
— Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) June 26, 2024
The New York Times later changed the headline, without a correction or editor's note, to “Bowman loses to Latimer in defeat for progressive Democrats.” Fox News reported that it was unclear when exactly this update occurred. (Related article: Luke: A major political realignment is underway within the Democratic Party)
The United Democracy Project, a super PAC of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), has spent a record $14.5 million to support Bowman's opponent, George Latimer, an avowedly pro-Israel businessman and local politician — the largest expenditure ever by a single group in a House race. according to According to the Guardian, this massive spending amounted to more than $500,000 a day in an attempt to unseat lawmakers in a legislature that is already largely pro-Israel.
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 27: U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman speaks at the Grammy Awards: Advocacy Day in Washington, DC on April 27, 2023. (Photo by Lee Vogel/Getty Images, Courtesy of the Recording Academy)
Additionally, a coalition of three super PACs – the United Democracy Project, Israel Democratic Majority and the pro-cryptocurrency group Fair Shake – spent a combined $18 million to ensure Bowman’s defeat.
AIPAC's large financial contributions to Bowman's opponent speak to a strong backlash among some voters against Bowman's criticism of Israel, including his harsh condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza and his controversial comments and speeches about historical events, according to Fox News. In addition to campaign finances, a variety of other factors contributed to Bowman's loss, including his political positions and past controversies, which may have alienated voters.
