Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., said in a recent appearance that what she described as the “white media” is attempting to create division within the Democratic Party by focusing on disagreements between the party establishment and the Democratic Socialists of America, as reported by the Gateway Pundit.
Waters made the remarks while discussing Democrats’ prospects heading into the upcoming midterm elections.
She said Democrats were doing “pretty good” in connection with the midterms before addressing media coverage of tensions involving the party’s more traditional leadership and its growing socialist wing.
“Some of the media, mostly the white media, are interested in a fight in order to get their ratings up,” Waters said.
The comments were highlighted in a video shared by the social media account Western Lensman, which characterized Waters’ remarks as a claim that media outlets were seeking to promote a conflict between the Democratic establishment and Democratic socialist figures.
The exchange comes as Democrats continue to face internal disagreements over the direction of the party, particularly as candidates and elected officials associated with the Democratic Socialists of America and the party’s progressive wing gain greater visibility.
Waters did not identify specific news organizations when referring to the “white media,” and her remarks did not name individual journalists or outlets she believed were attempting to encourage divisions within the Democratic Party.
The California congresswoman’s comments focused on coverage of disagreements between Democrats and those on the party’s left flank.
The issue has received increased attention as Democrats prepare for the midterm elections and confront questions about the role socialist and progressive candidates could play in shaping the party’s future.
The divide between establishment Democrats and the Democratic Socialists of America has become a recurring subject in political coverage, with disagreements involving economic policy, the role of government and the direction of Democratic campaigns continuing to draw attention.
Waters suggested that media interest in those disagreements was driven, at least in part, by the desire to increase audience ratings.
Her use of the phrase “white media” quickly became the central focus of the video circulating online.
The remarks also prompted renewed attention to Waters as she continues her political career and seeks reelection.
Waters, who has represented California in Congress for decades, remains one of the Democratic Party’s most recognizable members of the House.
The comments come as both major political parties prepare for the midterm elections, with Democrats working to manage differences between establishment figures and the party’s increasingly influential left wing.
Whether those divisions become a significant issue for Democratic candidates in upcoming races remains to be seen.
For now, Waters is arguing that at least some of the attention surrounding those disputes is being fueled by media outlets seeking ratings rather than by a genuine desire to examine disagreements within the party.
Her comments are likely to continue generating discussion as the midterm election cycle moves forward and Democrats face renewed questions about socialism, the Democratic Socialists of America, and the future direction of the party.
