The Bowman/Latimer primary: Insights from the election, regardless of the outcome.

The story between the primary race between Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., and Westchester County, N.Y., Executive George Latimer is being told.

The Democratic Party in 2024 will be the subject of a story that will reveal a great deal about their actions and policies.

The story Democrats hope will vanish four-and-a-half months before the November election.

The primary challenge race between Bowman and Latimer highlights the divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly over the Middle East, where Bowman is critical of Israel's actions against Hamas while Latimer defends the country.

Bowman's denial of sexual violence and other atrocities by Hamas prompted Latimer to challenge him.

Bowman stated in a viral TikTok video that despite the lack of evidence for beheaded babies and raped women, the lie is still being used in propaganda.

Last week, Bowman finally retracted his comments during an interview on WNYC-FM in New York.

Bowman on WNYC stated, "As soon as the UN presented more evidence, I voted to condemn the sexual violence. I am sorry for my previous remarks."

The most expensive primary in House history was between Latimer and Bowman, with AIPAC contributing money to Latimer after Bowman criticized Israel. The total cost of the campaign was $24 million.

The involvement of groups like AIPAC in the race motivated the progressive group to intervene and assist Bowman. Bowman's surrogates shifted their focus from their differences with Israel to the influx of funds into the race.

According to Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., this election is not about a clash of ideas but rather whether billionaire super PACs can purchase our democracy.

"Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., stated during her campaign for Bowman that since his election to Congress, he has not accepted any money from corporate lobbyists. She explained that he does this because he understands that accepting such funds would prevent him from putting the people of Westchester first."

Bowman put it in more profane terms while campaigning over the weekend.

Bowman boasted at a campaign rally outside the district on Saturday, exclaiming, "We are gonna show AIPAC the power of the South Bronx."

Latimer called such coarse language "inappropriate."

"I believe I am entitled to become angry," stated Latimer. "However, I do not believe I have the right to use profanity in a public setting."

Bowman continued his salty rant to an adoring crowd in the Bronx.

Bowman warned, "People ask me why I got a foul mouth. What am I supposed to do? You coming after me? You coming after my family? You coming after my children? I'm not supposed to fight back? We're gonna show them who the f&%$ we are."

The Bowman/Latimer race highlights the diversity of approaches to engaging with Democratic voters.

"X. For Gen X. In the Bronx. X. From Malcolm X!" exclaimed Bowman.

"I have proposed a slogan that emphasizes outcomes, not empty words," stated Latimer.

The geography of the district includes urban areas in the north Bronx, inner suburbs like Yonkers and New Rochelle, and Westchester County, which has a significant pro-Israel, Jewish population, particularly in towns like Rye Brook and Mamaroneck.

New York City voters are less progressive than you might think.

"As you move north in Westchester County, Bowman's support decreases significantly, particularly in areas like Rye, where it tapers off dramatically, making it essentially Latimer country, according to political scientist Ross Baker at Rutgers University."

The electoral contest between progressives and Israel-aligned voters is a reflection of the internal conflict within the Democratic Party.

"If Jamaal Bowman also falls, it would deliver a strong message that this wing of the Democratic Party is out of favor with primary voters," said Baker. "The Middle East is a fault line between progressives and moderates, and both candidates represent their respective factions."

Latimer tries to contrast his views with those held by Bowman.

"If there's a path to peace, then Israel and the Arab world must negotiate an active, aggressive, anti-Israel situation."

Bowman was charged criminally by the U.S. Capitol Police after he pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building last fall during a vote to avoid a government shutdown.

"I take full responsibility for my dumb choice," said Bowman after his court appearance. "I'm trying to move on. Just do my job."

Bowman escaped jail time but was fined and required to exhibit good behavior for several months. Additionally, the judge mandated him to write a letter of apology to the U.S. Capitol Police.

In recent years, progressives have emerged in the House Democratic Caucus, as seen in the defeat of former Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., by Bowman in a 2020 primary, and the defeat of former Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., by Ocasio-Cortez in the New York primary in 2018. This trend continued with the defeat of former Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-Mo., by Cori Bush, D-Mo., in a 2020 primary.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused tension within the Democratic coalition, and the fight over the Bowman/Latimer race is a reflection of this. President Biden may struggle to attract younger voters to the polls this fall due to the Mideast conflict, and Democrats may also face challenges in areas with large Arab or Muslim populations, such as Michigan.

The race between Bowman and Bell in August could indicate a trend towards fractures among progressives. However, a single loss by Bowman may not necessarily indicate a significant shift in the party's direction.

The Democratic Party is facing a lot of division within their ranks.