How influential are AIPAC and other pro-Israel groups in the US?

Summary

In this interview, Max Blumenthal discusses the influence of the American Pro-Israel Political Action Committee (AIPAC), one of the most powerful lobbies in the U.S., comparable to the NRA. He highlights AIPAC's strategy of targeting progressive candidates, particularly black legislators, through stealth campaigns, using Super PACs to funnel money under the guise of domestic issues. Blumenthal also touches on the broader implications of AIPAC's actions, the lack of regulation in U.S. elections, and the impact of recent events in Gaza on American public opinion, noting a growing sense of hopelessness among progressive voters.

Takeaways

• 🗨️ The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is one of the most powerful lobbies in the United States, comparable to the National Rifle Association.
• 💰 AIPAC is known for using relatively small donations to ensure Israeli military actions, such as those in Palestine, are not hindered by U.S. policies.
• 🔍 AIPAC has been accused of using more insidious and desperate tactics recently, particularly targeting progressive politicians like Corey Bush and Jamal Bowman, who are black and have shown support for Palestinians.
• 🖋️ AIPAC is criticized for laundering their support behind a 'stealth pack' known as the United Democracy Project, using Super PACs with names unrelated to Israel to influence elections.
• 🕊️ The progressive base of the Democratic Party is reportedly turning away from the special relationship with Israel, which AIPAC is trying to counteract.
• 🤝 AIPAC has significant support from Christian Zionist groups in addition to Jewish support, leveraging this to present a united front.
• 🏛️ The U.S. is described as an oligarchy where money controls politics, with the Citizens United decision allowing unlimited Super PAC donations, impacting the regulation of elections.
• 📜 AIPAC avoids foreign lobby regulations by not being subjected to the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which would require them to disclose activities to the Department of Justice.
• 🚫 AIPAC's tactics are seen as increasing anti-Semitism by framing their actions as wealthy Jewish Zionists trying to control urban black populations.
• 🌍 The situation in Gaza has been in the spotlight, with over 300 days of conflict and suffering, which has led to a reaction from the U.S. public and political class.
• 📉 There is a sense of hopelessness among some Democratic Party supporters who feel their voices are not being heard, especially with the removal of politicians who advocate for Palestinian rights.

Q & A

What is the significance of APAC (American Political Action Committee) according to the transcript?

APAC is described as one of the two most powerful lobbies in the United States, paralleling the influence of the National Rifle Association. It is particularly noted for its financial power and influence in supporting Israel's actions.

How does the transcript describe the current situation for APAC after October 7th?

The transcript suggests that after October 7th, Israel is exposed on the world stage, facing international pressure, and that APAC is operating more insidiously and desperately due to the progressive base of the Democratic Party turning away from the special relationship with Israel.

Why is APAC targeting progressive politicians like Corey Bush and Jamal Bowman according to the transcript?

APAC is targeting progressive politicians, especially those who are black, because they represent a base that traditionally supports Palestinians. APAC is concerned about this organic support and aims to remove such legislators, often using stealth tactics.

What is the 'United Democracy Project' mentioned in the transcript, and how is it related to APAC?

The 'United Democracy Project' is a front behind which APAC operates, allowing them to funnel money through super PACs with names unrelated to Israel, thereby masking their support for pro-Israel candidates and attacks on candidates opposing Israel's actions.

How does the transcript discuss the role of misinformation in APAC's strategy?

The transcript highlights that APAC uses misinformation to attack candidates, focusing on kitchen table issues or spreading disinformation about their political stances, making the races seem decided on domestic issues rather than Israel.

What is the current state of regulation for powerful lobby groups like APAC in the United States according to the transcript?

The transcript implies that there is a lack of regulation for powerful lobby groups, especially with the Citizens United decision allowing unlimited Super PAC donations, effectively making elections unregulated and controlled by money.

Why does the transcript suggest that APAC is not subjected to the Foreign Registration Act?

APAC claims to be just another Jewish organization in America, using this as a basis to avoid being regulated like other foreign lobbies under the Foreign Registration Act, which would require them to disclose their activities to the Justice Department.

How does the transcript describe the relationship between APAC and Christian groups?

The transcript mentions that APAC works heavily with Christian Zionists and has connections with organizations like Christians United for Israel, indicating that its support base is not limited to Jewish groups.

What impact does the ongoing war in Gaza have on the perception of APAC's actions in the United States, as discussed in the transcript?

The transcript suggests that the war in Gaza has led to a growing awareness and potential backlash against APAC's actions, particularly among the educated and activist base of the Democratic Party who are becoming disillusioned with the U.S. political response.

What is the potential consequence for the Democratic Party's base as described in the transcript?

The transcript indicates a sense of hopelessness within a section of the Democratic Party's base due to the lack of action against Israel's actions in Gaza and the removal of progressive voices through disinformation campaigns, possibly leading to lower participation in electoral politics.

How does the transcript discuss the upcoming Democratic National Convention and its significance?

The transcript raises the question of whether the disillusioned base of the Democratic Party will show up at the Democratic National Convention, set to take place in Chicago, and whether they will make their voice heard or stay home due to their hopelessness.