The co-hosts of the widely followed political podcast, "Pod Save America," recently addressed the significant impact of democratic socialist candidates securing primary victories in New York, expressing apprehension that some of their stated positions range from "moronic to abhorrent."
Among the candidates who achieved unexpected primary wins in New York last week was Darializa Avila Chevalier, one of three endorsed by New York City Council Member Zohran Mamdani. Her history of expressing controversial left-wing viewpoints and policy proposals has ignited considerable controversy among more established Democratic figures. Veteran strategist James Carville, for instance, voiced strong disapproval, stating, "There’s just some sh-- that I can’t be in the same tent with" and suggesting a formal split, declaring, "And I'm not in that f---ing political party."
Jon Favreau, a former speechwriter for President Obama and a podcast host, played a segment featuring Carville's critique, alongside reactions from other Democrats, before inviting co-host Dan Pfeiffer to share his perspective.
Progressive Victories Signal a 'Giant Warning Sign'
Pfeiffer emphasized that these incumbent losses to challengers from the far left should not be underestimated. "No one should dismiss this," he stated.
He continued, "I think the thing we should take away is, like so much else that's happening in this country, when progressives beat establishment candidates — in the Second District of Maine, in the California race where Randy Villegas won, Graham Platner forcing Janet Mills out of the race — like, there's a giant warning sign for the Democratic establishment here." Pfeiffer noted that endorsements from prominent figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are "certainly not an asset in your campaign. It may be a detriment."
Pfeiffer further elaborated on the organizational prowess of left-leaning advocacy groups. "It is very clear that the groups on the left — Justice Democrats, Democratic Socialists of America, Our Revolution — are out organizing, out fundraising, outworking, outmaneuvering the traditional party institutions. That is happening. They have captured the energy. They're being more creative. They're being more strategic. They're being more aggressive."
He described this trend as a crucial indicator for the party and its voter base on multiple fronts. "And if you are someone in the Democratic establishment, you should be deeply concerned about what this says about where the party is, what the standing of the party is, what the ability of the party infrastructure is to actually win elections. So this is a big deal."
However, Pfeiffer also acknowledged that New York is a predominantly liberal region and does not fully reflect the national political landscape, noting that even within the state, moderate candidates can still achieve success in specific districts.
Candidate's Extreme Stances Draw Fire
Favreau then shifted the discussion to Darializa Avila Chevalier specifically, suggesting she "might be the most left-wing candidate to ever win a Democratic primary in our lifetime."
While he indicated a willingness to overlook some past social media posts, Favreau highlighted several of her controversies as crossing a line. "Here's where I have a problem," Favreau explained. "She has not apologized for attending an anti-Israel rally on October 8, 2023 — a rally that was condemned by Zohran Mamdani, AOC, and Brad Lander, who actually left the DSA because it promoted that rally — where attendees chanted that Hamas's resistance was justified the day after October 7, the day after they slaughtered a thousand Israelis. And to this day, she still defends attending that rally."
He continued by addressing another area of concern: "The other problem I have – she sat for an interview with the New York editorial board last week where she said she's against all deportations. She's for open borders because, quote, ‘Bordering is a very modern construct, actually.’"
Favreau humorously interjected, "The borders are in our hearts and our minds," before resuming his critique. "She wants to abolish prisons and refused to say, when asked — she got four different chances on this — refused to say that a convicted murderer should be sentenced to any jail time at all."
Favreau expressed hope that she might moderate her positions if elected, stating, "Now maybe she turns over a new leaf in Congress and her voting record doesn't match some of these more extreme positions. I hope so." He emphasized the importance for Democrats to clearly address such views: "But I think the reason I bring this up is because when Democrats get questions about this, I think the answer is easy and important to give, which is that she currently holds a range of views that go from moronic to abhorrent." He concluded that these views do not align with the majority of Democrats nationwide, nearly all elected Democrats, most elected Democratic Socialists, and likely not even a significant portion of her own voters.
