Sanders Attacks AIPAC After Socialist Candidate Survives Pro-Israel Pushback

Bernie Sanders has criticized AIPAC's spending against Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's primary, calling the group's plans to spend in the general election an example of "oligarchy."

El-Sayed, who ran as a progressive candidate, won the primary despite the organization's efforts against him. AIPAC, described as a bipartisan group that supports candidates backing a strong U.S.-Israel alliance, spent money to oppose politicians it views as hostile to Israel.

Campaign spending by independent groups across the political spectrum is a longstanding feature of American elections. Labor unions, progressive PACs, and left-wing donors regularly spend millions each cycle. The source notes that Sanders' characterization of AIPAC's activity as corruption contrasts with acceptance of similar spending by groups aligned with other political viewpoints.

The general election will ultimately be decided by voters.