“The two parties actually talk about each other in this existential threat way. Like the only way the country will be safe is if we eliminate the existence of the other party.”
That’s Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema at the All-In Summit. In a conversation with the besties, Sinema explains how politics got so vicious, why she opposed Biden’s signature legislation, and more.
How Money in Politics Feeds Polarization
“A senate seat in Arizona is like, what, $150 million? So you do need a lot of help.”
Sinema explains that the big money in politics feeds polarization.
If you need $150 million to win, it sure helps to have the backing of the national party. They can line up donors and fill your coffers.
But he who pays the piper calls the tune. If you want to keep getting that money, you have to vote however the party leaders tell you.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer once pressured Sinema on a vote on Israel policy. She rebuffed him, a risky move.
In March, Sinema announced she wouldn’t be running for re-election. She plans to enter the private sector after her term ends in January.
It’s interesting…Sinema is a moderate, a maverick. And she’s not going to be in the Senate anymore.
What does that tell you?
Our Congress doesn’t welcome centrists. What’s more, even politicians see government as ineffectual and the private sector as the only place where you can get things done.
Killing Build Back Better
Perhaps Sinema’s boldest stand was opposing Biden’s Build Back Better legislation. This bill would’ve spent $4 trillion on a grab bag of programs.
Opposition from Sinema and Senator Joe Manchin helped kill the bill.
Had the government pumped an additional $4 trillion into the economy, inflation would be far worse. Fed rate cut? Haha, that’s a good one!
The Build Back Better plan is also a great illustration of why we need the filibuster, a rule Sinema supports. If Congress could ram through extreme legislation like this with a bare 1 seat majority, our politics would become even more venomous.
Where I Disagree with Sinema
I like Sinema’s stands on government spending and the economy. But Israel is one issue on which I totally disagree with her.
Near the end of her talk, Sinema brings up claims that Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza.
“That’s insane,” she says. But if it’s not a genocide, what is it?
Israel has killed over 40,000 people in Gaza, many of them civilians. They’ve driven millions of Palestinians from their homes.
Mass killings, enforced hunger, forced relocations — this is textbook genocide.
Sinema’s defense of Israel’s actions has no substance. If it’s not a genocide, she never tells us why not.
Americans are beginning to question our unconditional support for Israel. It’s high time.
Wrap-Up
While I don’t agree with Sinema on everything, I think we need more people like her in politics. She thinks for herself and doesn’t demonize the other side.
One party demonizing the other is how democracies end. If the other party isn’t merely wrong but dangerous, you’re justified in subverting democracy to stop them.
That way of thinking is hurting America. I hope to see more politicians like Sinema challenge it.
What did you think of Sinema’s talk?
More on politics:
Ukraine, China and the Deep State: Mearsheimer and Sachs at the All-In Summit
“Let’s Wait Until After the Election to Run This”: Bari Weiss at the All-In Summit
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