Lee, Patel spar on TV over Biden support, Mideast war

Democratic U.S. Rep. Summer Lee and primary challenger Bhavini Patel sparred Thursday in their only scheduled televised debate, attacking each other over their positions on war in the Mideast and support of President Joe Biden.

WPXI moderated the 28-minute debate, which was not open to other media.

No primary race in the Pittsburgh area is more hotly contested than the one between Lee, the incumbent from Swissvale, and Patel, an Edgewood councilwoman.

In her opening statement, Lee touted her freshman-term record, saying she worked closely with the Biden administration to bring $1.2 billion in federal investment back to the district.

Patel, though, quickly went on the attack.

She used her opening statement to claim Lee was tied to a write-in movement to vote “uncommitted” instead of voting for Biden as a protest over the president’s policies surrounding the Israel-Hamas war.

“I am the only candidate on this debate stage who is 100% committed to get President Joe Biden reelected,” Patel said.

She continued that line of attack throughout the debate and called on Lee to denounce the write-in effort.

Lee didn’t take the bait, but said later in the forum that Democrats should be focused on increasing voter turnout to help Biden win in November’s general election.

The congresswoman also touted her record of campaigning for Biden. Lee held an abortion rights rally with the Biden campaign in Pittsburgh in January.

“Even President Biden has spoken out for the people who are uncommitted … because he recognizes that the best thing we can do is encourage people to come and vote in the primary,” Lee said. “We all know in general that we will work to make sure we are fighting back against Donald Trump.”

Trump has secured the Republican nomination for president.

Attack ads

Lee attacked Patel over TV ads being shown in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District that are funded in part by Jeffrey Yass, a billionaire and conservative donor in the Philadelphia area.

This week, Politico reported that Yass donated to Moderate PAC, a political action committee that has spent nearly $600,000 on attack ads criticizing Lee.

“Her entire campaign is backed by Republicans but she says I am not a good enough Democrat,” Lee said in the debate.

Moderate PAC has said it has received donations from people inside the district.

Yass, the richest man in Pennsylvania, is an influential player in state and national politics.

While he has funded some Democrats, he is one of the largest contributors to Republicans in the country. He has a record of supporting “school choice” legislation, much to chagrin of many Democrats who support public schools. Yass’ investment firm, Susquehanna International Group, also holds a $22 million stake in Trump Media, according to the New York Times.

Israel-Hamas war

Lee and Patel, both Democrats, agreed on several topics, including the need for more gun regulations, a more compassionate immigration system, support for labor rights, and the need for affordable housing.

But friction returned when the candidates were asked about the Israel-Hamas war.

Patel, who has positioned herself as a strong ally of Israel, praised the Biden administration and said it should do everything it can to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

She said she supported “long-lasting peace” and a two-state solution in the region.

When asked if the U.S. should send more aid to Israel, Patel did not respond directly and instead said, “There are no zero-sum solutions to complicated issues.”

“I think military aid is directly tied to our own national security, and it is critical that we look at the bigger picture here,” Patel said.

She then criticized Lee and claimed that the congresswoman has not been supportive enough of Pittsburgh-area Jews.

Patel said Lee was more focused on attending a Philadelphia event with the Council on Islamic-American Relations than being there for the local Jewish community.

Lee pulled out of the Muslim-American fundraiser following pressure from rivals.

Lee countered Patel’s attacks by reiterating her condemnation of Hamas and their Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. She said leaders should be focused on being there for all Pittsburghers who are dealing with the ripple effects of the war.

“The reality is that I have been present for all the people of our community,” Lee said. “I have spoken to Jewish leaders and the family of [Israeli] hostages. But I have also spoken to Palestinians and our Muslim community.”

Lee criticized Patel for being one of the few figures to not call for a ceasefire in the conflict, even as support for a ceasefire has been growing. A majority of Democrats now support a ceasefire, according to polls.

In closing

During her closing statement, Patel reiterated her criticism of the uncommitted write-in movement and of Lee for not rejecting it.

“My opponent is unable to denounce the uncommitted movement, and that is a dangerous thing that is going to hurt Biden’s chances,” Patel said.

Lee said she will continue to build coalitions throughout the region if reelected and said that will help improve the lives of Western Pennsylvanians.

“Western Pennsylvania has been on the front lines of showing the country how to build coalitions that work for working-class people of all backgrounds,” Lee said. “And we have more work to do.”

The debate was recorded Thursday afternoon and shown on WPXI’s online feed at 8 p.m. that evening. It will be rebroadcast on WPXI at 10 a.m. on Sunday, immediately following “Meet the Press.”

The 12th District includes Pittsburgh, parts of southern and eastern Allegheny County, the Mon Valley and Westmore­land County communities such as Murrysville, North Huntingdon, Penn Township, Sewickley Township, Jeannette and parts of Hempfield.

The primary election is April 23.