Former Sanders Operative Warns of Democratic Party’s Leftward Shift

A former operative for Bernie Sanders has expressed concerns about the direction of the Democratic Party. Evan Barker, who had supported Democratic candidates, now warns that the party has been overtaken by the far left.

Barker shared these views on ‘Jesse Watters Primetime,’ stating, ‘Part of the reason it’s been overtaken is because the establishment tried really hard in 2020 to block us, and in 2019, after AOC won, they did a blacklist and that actually backfired on them, and it made the far left grow stronger.’

Barker argues that efforts by the Democratic establishment to curb its insurgent wing failed. This failure led activists to build their political structures, training one another and bringing in donors, among them billionaires.

Barker believes the party is now heavily influenced by its activist base, donors, and staffers who lean further left than some politicians within the party. She identifies individuals like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Abdul El-Sayed as those pulling the party leftward.

Barker observed Sanders’ gradual shift leftward on issues like guns and immigration, influenced by associates like AOC and Ilhan Omar.

Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed secured the Democratic nomination for the Michigan Senate, previously snagged by Sanders’ ‘message bearers.’ New York candidates endorsed by Mamdani, like Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez, also emerged victorious in primary battles.

Barker disclosed her decision to leave the Democratic Party to Fox News Digital. She was initially inspired by Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, but now finds herself at odds with the party’s shift on issues like immigration, identity politics, and defunding the police.

Further, Barker mentioned the effect of Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and Kamala Harris’ nomination, marking a significant shift for her.