Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin defended NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada,” insisting the Democratic Party’s strength lies in its diversity of thought—even when it offends Jewish Americans.
Key Facts:
- DNC Chair Ken Martin appeared on PBS NewsHour to address controversial remarks from candidate Zohran Mamdani.
- Mamdani declined to denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada,” a term linked to anti-Israel and sometimes violent activism.
- Jewish Democrats expressed concern over Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the rhetoric.
- Martin responded by saying Democrats are a “big tent” party with room for disagreement and diverse views.
- He defended Mamdani’s inclusion in the party, saying, “You win through addition.”
The Rest of The Story:
During a segment on “PBS NewsHour,” Ken Martin, Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee, responded to mounting pressure over Zohran Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the radical phrase “globalize the intifada.”
The phrase, often tied to pro-Palestinian protests and rhetoric, has stirred fear and outrage among Jewish Americans and pro-Israel groups.
When asked directly by co-host Amna Nawaz about Jewish Democrats’ concern, Martin did not denounce the statement or Mamdani.
Instead, he emphasized party unity and inclusion, stating, “There’s no candidate in this party that I agree 100% of the time with.”
He acknowledged disagreements with Mamdani but dismissed them as acceptable differences within the party.
Martin’s main argument rested on a coalition approach: “You win by bringing people into your coalition,” he said, citing his 14-year tenure as the Minnesota Democratic Party chair.
He noted the party’s mix of “conservative Democrats,” “centrist Democrats,” “labor progressives,” and the “new brand… the leftist.”
Rather than addressing the specific concerns over the term’s violent connotation, Martin framed the issue as part of the broader conversation within a “big tent” party that celebrates dissent and debate.
He offered no condemnation, clarification, or defense of Jewish concerns.
WATCH: Asked about Zohran Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the “globalize the intifada” slogan, DNC chair Ken Martin says Democrats are “a big tent party.” pic.twitter.com/ct5bXiFHPl
— Washington Free Beacon (@FreeBeacon) July 10, 2025
Commentary:
Let’s be honest—if a Republican candidate even hinted at using violent or extremist language, every major Democrat and corporate media outlet would demand their resignation.
But when Zohran Mamdani refuses to condemn a phrase widely understood to promote violence against Jews and Israel, the DNC Chair shrugs and hides behind “big tent” politics.
Martin’s comments are not just weak—they’re disgraceful.
Saying “we’re a big tent” to justify turning a blind eye to calls for intifada sends a clear message: there’s room in the Democratic Party for radicals who want to destroy Israel, but not for Americans who expect basic decency.
This isn’t about disagreement over tax policy or infrastructure spending.
This is about whether a major U.S. political party will tolerate—or even welcome—those who embrace rhetoric linked to terror and hatred.
The fact that Ken Martin can say, with a straight face, that this is just healthy dissent shows how far gone today’s Democratic leadership has become.
This “new brand of Democrat,” as Martin calls it, is no longer interested in civil debate.
They want to burn down the institutions, defund allies like Israel, and push a worldview that blames America and its friends for the world’s problems.
And the DNC is rolling out the red carpet.
For Martin, refusing to condemn Mamdani isn’t a bug—it’s a feature.
The more fringe voices the Democrats pull in under the guise of inclusivity, the more the center of gravity in the party moves left—radically left.
This betrayal of Jewish Americans and longtime Democratic supporters shouldn’t go unnoticed.
If this is the party’s future, it’s a future built on division, moral relativism, and appeasement of extremists.
It’s long past time voters held them accountable.
Democrats should lose election after election until they return to the center—and mean it.
Because if “globalize the intifada” is acceptable under their tent, then their tent has collapsed morally.
The Bottom Line:
The DNC’s refusal to condemn extremist rhetoric within its ranks shows just how tolerant the party has become of anti-Israel, anti-American voices.
Ken Martin’s excuse that “big tent” politics justifies tolerating radicalism is a slap in the face to Jewish Americans and all who expect decency in public life.
If this is what Democratic unity looks like, voters should think twice before giving them more power.
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