AIPAC's Lobbying Strategy Takes a Hit, but Its Influence Remains.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has pulled back on its aggressive lobbying efforts in the upcoming elections, following a backlash from critics of Israel and progressive candidates. AIPAC spent over $100 million in the 2024 elections to support pro-Israel candidates, but the campaign was met with public disgust, particularly after Israel's brutal actions in Gaza.
AIPAC has reduced its spending on endorsements and election campaigns, opting instead for more subtle methods to influence politicians. The group is working behind the scenes to boost the campaigns of preferred candidates, using other vehicles such as dark-money groups and individual donors. This approach allows AIPAC to maintain its influence without drawing attention to itself.
Experts say that while AIPAC's tactics have become less aggressive, its impact remains significant. "They're fully aware their brand is in the toilet," said former Rep. Marie Newman, D-Ill., who was ousted by pro-Israel donors in 2022.
Critics argue that AIPAC's influence is not diminished by its reduced spending and more subtle approach. Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, notes that rejecting AIPAC money is not enough to counter the group's influence. "What matters is where candidates stand on issues," she said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken a step in this direction, announcing that he will not take money from AIPAC. However, his record on Israel policy leaves questions about how far he would go to ally himself with the Palestinian cause.
The anti-AIPAC movement is gaining momentum, with some candidates openly rejecting the group's support and others using it as a rallying cry against perceived right-wing extremism. Hamid Bendaas, communications director for the Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project, notes that many Democrats are now rejecting AIPAC money due to its "electoral liability."
AIPAC has returned to a strategy it used in previous years, funneling money to candidates through other vehicles to keep its name out of the race. This approach allows the group to maintain its influence while avoiding criticism.
The Intercept's editor-in-chief Ben Messig notes that AIPAC's tactics have become more sophisticated and subtle over time. "It's been a devastating year for journalism — the worst in modern U.S. history," he said, highlighting the need for The Intercept to grow and expand its reporting capacity to counter the growing influence of right-wing billionaires.
The struggle against AIPAC's influence is ongoing, with many experts warning that the group's impact will only continue to grow unless progressives find a way to counter its efforts effectively.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has pulled back on its aggressive lobbying efforts in the upcoming elections, following a backlash from critics of Israel and progressive candidates. AIPAC spent over $100 million in the 2024 elections to support pro-Israel candidates, but the campaign was met with public disgust, particularly after Israel's brutal actions in Gaza.
AIPAC has reduced its spending on endorsements and election campaigns, opting instead for more subtle methods to influence politicians. The group is working behind the scenes to boost the campaigns of preferred candidates, using other vehicles such as dark-money groups and individual donors. This approach allows AIPAC to maintain its influence without drawing attention to itself.
Experts say that while AIPAC's tactics have become less aggressive, its impact remains significant. "They're fully aware their brand is in the toilet," said former Rep. Marie Newman, D-Ill., who was ousted by pro-Israel donors in 2022.
Critics argue that AIPAC's influence is not diminished by its reduced spending and more subtle approach. Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, notes that rejecting AIPAC money is not enough to counter the group's influence. "What matters is where candidates stand on issues," she said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken a step in this direction, announcing that he will not take money from AIPAC. However, his record on Israel policy leaves questions about how far he would go to ally himself with the Palestinian cause.
The anti-AIPAC movement is gaining momentum, with some candidates openly rejecting the group's support and others using it as a rallying cry against perceived right-wing extremism. Hamid Bendaas, communications director for the Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project, notes that many Democrats are now rejecting AIPAC money due to its "electoral liability."
AIPAC has returned to a strategy it used in previous years, funneling money to candidates through other vehicles to keep its name out of the race. This approach allows the group to maintain its influence while avoiding criticism.
The Intercept's editor-in-chief Ben Messig notes that AIPAC's tactics have become more sophisticated and subtle over time. "It's been a devastating year for journalism — the worst in modern U.S. history," he said, highlighting the need for The Intercept to grow and expand its reporting capacity to counter the growing influence of right-wing billionaires.
The struggle against AIPAC's influence is ongoing, with many experts warning that the group's impact will only continue to grow unless progressives find a way to counter its efforts effectively.
i think it's good that ppl are speaking out against aipac's tactics 
, but aipac's influence doesn't just come from throwing money at politicians 
, it also comes from being super connected in washington 
... and once u take the $$, it's hard to break free from those connections 
... so yeah, let's keep pushing back on their aggressive tactics 
, but we gotta address the root of the problem too 
This whole thing just makes me sad, you know? Like, who gets that kind of influence and power over politicians? It's not right. And the fact that they're still getting away with it despite all this public backlash is wild. 
Like, what's going on behind the scenes with all these dark-money groups and secret donations?
Can't we just call them out when they're being shady? 
. I get why they're doing this - reducing the public backlash by keeping a low profile 
. But at the same time, it's kinda genius how they've found new ways to keep influencing politicians behind the scenes 
.
. Like, have you seen Gavin Newsom's record on Israel policy? It's all over the place 
. The anti-AIPAC movement needs to keep pushing forward, finding new ways to counter their propaganda machine 
.
. Maybe it's time for some real changes in how politicians interact with special interest groups 
also newsom sayin he wont take money from them but what about when its election time? will he still support israel's policies or just lip service it?
. They're like "Hey, we won't be super pushy anymore, but still keep influencing politicians from behind the scenes" 
. And honestly, it's not working. I mean, who doesn't see right through their fancy dark-money groups and individual donors? 
. And honestly, it's hard to deny that their influence is still pretty massive - even if some politicians are starting to call out AIPAC's shady tactics, many others seem to be keeping quiet about it 
.