Dean Phillips' Attack on Mamdani Is an Attack on 'Millions of Working-Class People,' Progressives Say | Common Dreams
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Former congressman Dean Phillips sparked controversy with his comments on whether democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani belongs in the Democratic Party. Progressive Rep. Summer Lee condemned Phillips, highlighting the millions who support candidates like Mamdani. Should democratic socialists be excluded from the party? #DemocraticParty #ZohranMamdani #ProgressivePolitics

In an interview with CNN, former Congressman Dean Phillips was asked whether “there is room” for him and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic Party—but progressive Rep. Summer Lee was among those saying on Thursday that Phillips’ rejection of Mamdani wwas really about millions of Americans who have voted for candidates like him.

“These guys aren’t just rejecting him, but the millions moved to electoral action by candidates like him,” said Lee (D-Pa.) in response to Phillips’ interview.

CNN’s Omar Jimenez asked Phillips about the “big tent” philosophy often promoted by Democratic leaders who believe the party should welcome lawmakers and candidates who don’t agree with every aspect of its platform—politicians like anti-choice Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and former Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who made millions of dollars from his coal business.