Leftist Support for Marjorie Taylor Greene Emerges Over Israel Stance

Two weeks ago, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called Greene a proven bigot and anti-Semite who should not be trusted. Many leftists condemned the remarks and defended Greene. The change stems from Greene's reversal on Israel, which some view as aligning with anti-Israel positions held on the left.

One approach seeks to expand the Democratic Party's coalition of unions and civil-rights groups while moving toward democratic socialism. This path follows the model used by Bernie Sanders, who has held senior positions within the party. The alternative centers on populist opposition to elites and the post-1945 international order.

Proponents seek alliances across the political spectrum based on shared hostility to existing institutions. Israel serves as a focal point for this second approach. Critics of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez argue that Greene shows greater consistency on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The 2010s saw the rise of anti-establishment movements on both the left and right after the 2008 financial crisis. Polls indicate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leads among potential Democratic candidates for president in 2028. The left now faces a choice between broadening its coalition within the Democratic Party or pursuing populist alliances that cross traditional lines.