The Democratic National Committee faces accusations of suppressing an internal report that links Kamala Harris's 2024 election defeat to her Gaza policy. Critics demand its release, arguing it confirms voter discontent with Democratic support for Israel. Veteran party member James Zogby says the findings are already evident from polls and election trends.
A controversy has emerged over the Democratic National Committee's handling of a post-election "autopsy" report on Kamala Harris's loss in the 2024 presidential race. According to reports, the document suggests that Harris's refusal to distance herself from President Joe Biden's backing of Israel's military actions in Gaza contributed significantly to her defeat. Advocacy groups have accused the DNC of a cover-up and are pressing for the report's public release.
James Zogby, founder and president of the Arab American Institute and a longtime DNC member, argues in a recent analysis that such a report would merely reiterate known realities. Zogby, who served on the DNC executive committee for 16 years and co-chaired its resolutions committee for 11, has long advocated for recognizing Palestinian rights within the party. He recalls being sidelined in 1988 after introducing a convention plank supporting mutual recognition and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians, only to be reinstated in 1993.
Zogby points to extensive polling data to support his view that U.S. public opinion has shifted against unconditional support for Israel. A August 2025 Economist survey found that 43 percent of voters favor reducing military aid to Israel, compared to 13 percent seeking an increase; among Democrats, the figures were 58 percent and 4 percent, respectively. On whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, 44 percent of voters said yes versus 28 percent no, with Democrats at 68 percent yes and 8 percent no.
A recent Gallup poll indicated, for the first time, more Americans sympathizing with Palestinians than Israelis. This sentiment influenced the 2024 election, where Harris lost support from Democratic and independent voters due to her alignment with Biden's Israel policy, despite her personal inclinations toward criticism, Zogby writes. Advisors urged caution on the issue.
Ahead of the 2026 midterms, over three dozen congressional candidates, including incumbents, have pledged to reject contributions from pro-Israel groups like AIPAC. Zogby predicts that defending Israeli policies could become politically risky, potentially backfiring on opponents as in a recent New Jersey special election. He urges focusing on supporting reform-minded candidates and pushing for bans on dark money in elections rather than dwelling on past reports.
