Democratic Consultant Calls ‘AOC of Tennessee’ a ‘Not Serious’ Candidate
UPDATE: In a striking critique, Democratic consultant Julian Epstein declared Aftyn Behn, dubbed the “AOC of Tennessee,” as “not a very serious candidate” for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, raising concerns about the Democratic Party’s grip on extremism. This urgent statement emerged during a discussion on Fox News Live on September 8, 2023, just as Behn prepares to battle Republican nominee Matt Van Epps to fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Mark Green.
Epstein pointed out that Behn’s progressive stances, including her controversial remarks about hating Nashville, reflect a broader failure within the Democratic Party to control far-left candidacies. He stressed, “The Democratic leadership no longer has that kind of control,” indicating a significant shift in party dynamics.
Epstein’s commentary highlights two major failures: the inability to prevent extreme candidates from rising and the party’s struggle to connect with an “increasingly disaffected youth.” He suggested that these issues lead to “bad ideas” gaining traction, particularly among young, dissatisfied voters.
Behn, a Democratic state representative and former healthcare community organizer, has attracted criticism from the Republican National Committee (RNC) for past remarks in a podcast where she expressed disdain for Nashville. Her campaign manager, Kate Briefs, countered RNC claims, asserting that Republicans are simply panicking and attempting to distract from their own failures. “Aftyn Behn will lower Tennessee families’ costs and make groceries more affordable by eliminating the state’s grocery tax,” Briefs stated.
The stakes are high in this special election, as the 7th Congressional District encompasses parts of Nashville, a Democratic stronghold. Behn’s progressive platform aims to resonate with local voters, despite scrutiny from party insiders.
As election day approaches, all eyes are on the candidates. Early voting will be crucial, and party leaders are concerned about the implications of a far-left candidate on the Democratic brand. With a tight race anticipated, the outcome could influence future party strategies and candidate selections.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. The implications of this election extend beyond local politics, potentially reshaping the national dialogue within the Democratic Party.
