Rep. Adam B. Schiff’s clever and cynical ploy in California’s Senate primary enabled him to avoid risk in the November runoff. But he subjected himself to another risk.

Schiff’s TV ads ostensibly attacked Garvey for being a two-time Trump voter who could swing the Senate to GOP control. The ads also falsely implied that Republican Garvey — not Democrat Porter — was Schiff’s principal primary opponent. That disingenuous message was aimed at Democrats.

But the TV spots’ No. 1 goal was to promote Garvey’s conservative bona fides among Republican voters. Garvey couldn’t afford to promote himself. He didn’t spend a dime on TV. So, Schiff did it for him…

Ironically, Schiff made his congressional bones fighting to preserve and advance American democracy — including investigating alleged Russian interference in Trump’s 2016 presidential election and Trump’s attempt to overturn President Biden’s 2020 victory.

But in this primary election, Schiff undercut democratic ideals.

  • Cogency@lemmy.world
    21·
    8 months ago

    It’s a pretty typical tactic to go after your opponent and not your colleague. Yall are tripping if you think this means progressives shouldn’t be 100% behind Schiff.

    • APassenger@lemmy.world
      41·
      8 months ago

      I’m writing in Porter in the general.

      Porter was not amused by his tactics and did not appreciate his approach. Neither I nor my wife liked it, either.

      It wasn’t the move of someone hoping to see the state served well. It was the move of someone hoping to ensure they got the spot. Pelosi helped.