If you’re a Democrat, you’re probably wondering what’s Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) up to? What is her motivation? She’s not only blocking her own party’s biggest national priority, but she’s unclear about her reasons why.
What exactly Sinema stands for has become an enigma. During the campaign, she complained that the wealthy don’t pay taxes but now refuses to raise tax rates on millionaires and corporations; she says tackling climate change is a top priority but suggested slashing billions of climate dollars in Democrats’ sweeping social spending package. She also voted against pretty much every social program pushed by Democrats to aid the less fortunate in the nation. And no one knows why.
While Sen. Joe Manchin (W.Va.), the other most-intransigent Democrat, can’t stop talking about his motives in opposing some items in Biden’s economic package, Sinema isn’t even calling her Democratic colleagues. Instead, she’s hanging out with Republicans.
Progressive activists are furious and are threatening to fund a primary challenge against her in 2024. Some say Sinema would be better off dropping the ‘D’ next to her name altogether, especially after a video emerged online showing her chatting with a Republican Senator while ignoring a constituent who was seeking some answers from her.
In the video, an unidentified woman questions Sinema about “the package,” the Biden Build Back Better bills. At one point Sinema accuses the woman of touching her: “Don’t touch me,” to which the woman replies she did not.
“How many times have you met with constituents in negotiations?” the woman asks. “Why won’t you meet with my family, your constituents?”
Sinema ignores the questions but apologizes to Sen. Scott.
“I’m sorry about this,” she said before walking away with Scott.
Once again @kyrstensinema ignores concerned advocate fighting for healthcare for her family in Arizona. #BuildBackBetter pic.twitter.com/GK5t5mHCuc
— People’s Watch (@Peoples_Watch_) October 25, 2021