Charles Barron inches closes to Democratic nomination despite Black Panther, anti-Jew allegations
New York City councilman Charles Barron may be on his way to winning the Democratic nomination for Congress in New York’s Eighth District, despite a history of racist, anti-Semitic, and anti-Israel rhetoric. Barron, who has earned the support of retiring congressman Edolphus Towns, would be representing a district with a sizable Jewish population.
Photo/NY City Council
Critics on lining up comment after comment, quote after quote to vet candidate Barron.
In April 2010 Barron created a stir with this statement:
There seems to be a double standard in seeking and applying justice. There is a way of thinking that says black life is not as good as Jewish life. That way of thinking has real consequences.”
The anti-Israel positions Barron promotes are being targeted by the right wing opposition. Critics point to Barron’s appearances as a speaker at multiple demonstrations organized by the Act Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER) Coalition, an antiwar group adept at linking its anti-war initiatives with a radical anti-Israel agenda.
“…where should we start [the discussion]? Should we start with the 1906 Zionist Convention, or in 1914, with the Balfour Declaration? With Menachem Begin, the terrorists, all the wars, you want to discuss Israel becoming a state in 1948 when it should not have? Who are the terrorists? You want to talk about the definition of terrorism? How do you define acts of piracy?” – During an event at House of the Lord Church in Brooklyn, June 17, 2010
During a CBS interview during that same June, Barron called his Jewish opposition a “coward,” an example used against him during this campaign.
“I think he’s a coward. I think he’s just doing stuff to satisfy his constituents and satisfy the Jewish lobby,” Commenting on City Councilman David Greenfield’s criticism of his recent comments on Gaza.
This list is lengthy, but includes support with the Black Panthers and more anti-Israel accusations.
The Daily News instead endorsed Hakeem Jeffries in the June 26 primary. The seat is highly Democratic, and a win in the primary will be tantamount to a general election victory. The Daily News touts Jeffries “in the strongest terms,” citing his legal work and his ability to bridge racial and cultural differences across the new diverse district.
