A resurfaced video from 2018, in which Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) made controversial remarks about white men, has sparked criticism from within her own party. Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) are among those who have voiced concern about her comments, urging Democrats to shift their rhetoric toward a more unifying message.
Carville, while a liberal Democrat, questioned the value of the progressive wing of the party, suggesting that they might do better if they pursued a separate path. He was particularly critical of Omar’s 2018 interview, where she suggested that white men were responsible for a disproportionate number of fatalities in the U.S. and that policies should be implemented to monitor and address the radicalization of white men.
In response, Carville asked, “What’s the point of making such a statement? Why alienate a significant portion of the electorate?” He also criticized progressives for potentially pushing away large groups of voters by focusing on issues that divide rather than unite.
Rep. Khanna, reflecting on his immigrant experience, emphasized the importance of recognizing America’s strengths. He proposed that Democrats should begin every speech by affirming the country’s greatness, suggesting a message that would resonate with a wider audience: “America is the greatest country in the world, the most open, and we aspire to make it better.”
In light of the video, Omar defended her remarks, referencing a report from the Anti-Defamation League that identified white supremacists as responsible for 78% of extremist-related murders. She also defended her broader stance, including her previous controversial comments about the situation in Gaza.
The debate over Omar’s comments highlights the growing divide within the Democratic Party and the complexities of balancing progressive ideals with broader public appeal.