‘Mass psychosis’: corporate Democrats ripped for attacks on anti-zionist Hasan Piker

Progression of Democratic infighting overshadows midterm priorities as established party figures escalate criticism of left-wing streamer Hasan Piker.

WASHINGTON — Amid mounting Democratic infighting, a growing faction of the party’s establishment wing is facing criticism from progressive Democrats for directing disproportionate attention toward left-wing streamer Hasan Piker rather than addressing broader economic and foreign policy concerns ahead of the critical midterm elections.

The latest controversy arose after Piker, during an online broadcast, suggested that public support for Israel among Jewish Americans could contribute to antisemitism. His remarks prompted swift condemnation from prominent Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who, without directly naming Piker, characterized the comments as “dangerous and antisemitic.”

The criticism from centrist Democrats has drawn pushback from progressives, who argue that the party’s leadership is prioritizing attacks on an online personality over substantive policy debates and voter outreach. Former Michigan congressional candidate Kyle Blomquist described the episode as “an absolute mass psychosis event,” while Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) urged Democrats to cease labeling Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who is Jewish, an antisemite and to redirect focus away from Piker toward addressing economic issues and the policies of former President Donald Trump.

Khanna emphasized the disconnect between the party’s leadership and its base, noting that three-quarters of Democratic voters now oppose U.S. aid to Israel, a significant increase from just 45% three years ago. This shift in public opinion followed widespread opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which has been described as a genocide by a majority of Democratic voters, human rights organizations, and international legal experts.

The controversy further intensified after Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, appointed Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) to lead the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. Moskowitz, a staunch supporter of Israel, has previously stated that he is “to the right” of Vice President JD Vance in his backing of U.S. military involvement in the region.

The escalation of criticism against Piker has also drawn attention to the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups, with reports indicating that establishment Democrats have received tens of millions of dollars in campaign contributions from organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

Progressive Democrats argue that the party’s focus on Piker distracts from pressing voter concerns, including rising costs of living, impending Medicaid cuts, and opposition to what they describe as genocidal wars. Melat Kiros, the progressive Democratic nominee for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District, criticized the party’s fixation on the streamer, stating, “Billionaires are draining our resources… and we’re spending billions on genocidal wars the voters oppose. But sure, let’s keep talking about Hasan Piker.”

Some Democratic figures, including Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), have urged the media to refrain from amplifying the controversy, emphasizing that it serves as a distraction from broader electoral priorities. “Republicans are trying to divide us,” Dingell stated at a campaign rally, “and we’ve got to stop letting them.”

International observers have also weighed in on the dispute. British writer and activist Owen Jones characterized the Democratic establishment’s attacks on Piker as a sign of panic, asserting that the party’s leadership fears losing influence to pro-Palestinian left-wing candidates in upcoming primaries. Jones noted that while the Democratic base has increasingly turned against U.S. support for Israel, the party’s establishment remains committed to the alliance, contributing to the internal strife.

As the midterm elections approach, the escalating conflict within the Democratic Party highlights a growing divide between its progressive wing and the establishment, raising questions about the party’s ability to unite its base and address the concerns of an electorate increasingly focused on domestic and foreign policy grievances.