A discussion on Fox News’ Outnumbered turned into a heated exchange Thursday as the panel debated concerns about anti-Semitism within the Democratic Party following Tuesday’s Democratic Socialist primary victories in New York City.
The conversation began when co-host Emily Compagno asked Fox News contributor Marie Harf whether she believed anti-Semitism had become a growing concern within the Democratic Party.
Harf responded by arguing that the broader political climate reflects an anti-incumbent and anti-establishment movement across both major parties, with voters seeking new leadership. Addressing the race involving Rep. Dan Goldman, Harf noted that he was defeated by fellow Jewish politician Brad Lander, who identifies as a liberal Zionist.
Harf said Lander opposes Israel’s actions that have resulted in civilian deaths in Gaza and disagrees with Israeli government policies in the West Bank. She argued that criticism of those policies should not automatically be labeled anti-Semitic. While emphasizing that she opposes anti-Semitism and believes it should be condemned wherever it exists, Harf acknowledged that some Democratic candidates have expressed views she does not support and said she does not want them representing her party.
She also argued that accusing Lander of being anti-Israel or anti-Semitic weakens efforts to identify and confront genuine anti-Semitism. Harf added that anti-Semitism also exists on the political right and should be called out wherever it appears.
Former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany pushed back, saying Goldman had recently experienced anti-Semitism after describing an incident in which his money was refunded at a coffee shop. McEnany argued that Goldman had reason to raise concerns about anti-Semitism.
McEnany also pointed to Democratic candidates Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez. She said Chevalier attended a pro-Palestinian rally following the October 7 attacks where speakers attempted to justify those events. McEnany also noted that during Valdez’s victory celebration, attendees chanted “Free Palestine” when Goldman appeared on a screen. Quoting Democratic strategist Sarah Forman, McEnany argued that Democratic voters in New York had embraced socialist candidates, whom Forman described as anti-Semitic.
Harf questioned that characterization, asking why many Jewish voters had supported those candidates if they were anti-Semitic. McEnany responded that Democratic primary voters increasingly favor candidates aligned with democratic socialism and argued that the party is moving in that direction.
As the discussion continued, Harf said expressions of hate should be condemned regardless of political affiliation and argued that the issue is not limited to Democrats. McEnany challenged Harf to identify Republican candidates who had recently won primaries despite anti-Semitic views, while Harf replied that she could provide many examples. Griff Jenkins then referenced candidates he believed fit that description before Harris Faulkner disputed one of those examples.
The debate later shifted to the motivations behind Democratic Socialist victories. Harf argued that many voters supporting those candidates were seeking someone willing to disrupt the political system rather than simply responding to economic concerns.
Faulkner redirected the discussion to anti-Semitism, citing a significant increase in threats and attacks against Jewish Americans over recent years. She argued that the issue should remain the central focus of the conversation and drew historical comparisons to the early stages of discrimination against Jews before the Holocaust.
Harf responded that she has studied anti-Semitism extensively and argued that political leaders across the spectrum should be held accountable for rhetoric she believes contributes to the problem. She specifically referenced comments by President Donald Trump about Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, saying they should also be criticized.
Faulkner maintained that the discussion centered on concerns within the Democratic Party and argued that Goldman had been targeted because he is Jewish. Harf disagreed, saying Goldman lost because of his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and its policies in Gaza, not because of his Jewish identity.
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