Carville declares he ‘can’t be in the same party’ as Mamdani-backed candidates, calls for formal schism
Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville and his podcast co-host Al Hunt lamented a recent primary winner in New York as part of a movement they say does not belong in the Democratic Party.
Democratic socialist candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier was one of three candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani who won shocking primary victories in New York Tuesday. Hunt suggested on Thursday’s episode of "Politics War Room" that they may "complicate the politically existential question of winning in November."
Carville and Hunt agreed that Republicans are overplaying these three candidates as somehow representing the broader Democratic Party or its future trajectory, but nonetheless called for an explicit firewall to keep them out, citing reporting from 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."
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"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 suggested that many of the recent far-left candidates do not actually like the Democratic Party, but are nonetheless running as Democrats, and proposed, "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. And I'm not in that f---ing political party."
He elaborated further, "I am totally comfortable in a political party that spends time questioning the policies of the government of Israel. 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. That's just not — I just can't do that. I'm sorry. It's just not doable."
"They are a great gift to Donald Trump," Hunt replied, suggesting it would be beneficial if other Democrats stand up. "Certainly people like Obama, but also some of the younger Democrats and said, ‘This is not us.’"
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Hunt also argued that if Democrats do not win a sweeping victory in November, "that group of crazies" will be able to "just sabotage Hakeem Jeffries every step of the way."
While he said that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., made some trouble for the Democrats in the beginning of her career, he argued that she eventually became a good 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."
