AIPAC: Opinion: Maggie Goodlander Responded, But Has Not Answered

"California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's awkward reaction to a question about AIPAC on a podcast has sparked a heated debate over the influence of the pro-Israel lobby.
In a tense exchange on the Higher Learning Podcast, host Van Lathan asked Newsom if he would vote for a candidate who takes money from AIPAC. Newsom's hesitant response - "It's interesting, I haven't thought about AIPAC in- It's interesting you're like the first to bring up AIPAC in years, which is interesting" - was widely criticized by Democrats and Republicans alike.
"This is not 'interesting,'" wrote California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna on X. "It is defining for the future of our party. We must be for human rights, not take PAC & lobbyist money including AIPAC, & call out the genocide to win the trust of young voters & have America be a moral leader in the world again."
The controversy comes as Rep. Maggie Goodlander, a Democrat from New Hampshire, has faced criticism for her ties to AIPAC. Goodlander's campaign has received significant funding from the lobby, and she has refused to co-sponsor a resolution calling for urgent aid to Gaza.
Wisconsin Democratic candidate Rebecca Cooke has also come under fire for her stance on Israel aid. Cooke has called for a halt to U.S. military aid to Israel, citing the "killing of children" as a moral issue.
Critics argue that AIPAC's influence has led to a blind loyalty to Israel, at the expense of human rights and American values. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: AIPAC's grip on American politics is being challenged like never before.
As the 2026 election cycle heats up, voters will be watching closely to see which candidates will take a stand against AIPAC and its influence. Will politicians like Newsom and Goodlander continue to sidestep the issue, or will they take a bold stance against the lobby? Only time will tell.