Mellman: Architect of 'Pro-Israel, Progressive' Doublethink, Dead at 70
Mellman, who died at 70, was indeed a prolific pollster, known for advising top Democrats. What the Times omits is his concurrent role as President and CEO of Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI), a group founded to counter 'provisional wing' Democrats critical of Israel. DMFI, which has spent millions in primary races (OpenSecrets data shows $3.7 million in 2022 alone), is essentially AIPAC's
Democratic-coded cousin, ensuring 'pro-Israel' stances are non-negotiable within the party. Mellman's firm even worked for AIPAC directly during the Iran nuclear deal debate, shaping narratives of 'mainstream' Democratic support for escalating rhetoric. So, the 'understanding' Mellman offered Democrats wasn't about progressive values, but about how to talk progressive while maintaining unwavering
loyalty to a foreign nation's agenda, often against overwhelming progressive sentiment. It seems his greatest skill was demonstrating how to reconcile supporting endless military aid to (then) Netanyahu's government with claiming to stand for human rights. A true maestro of rhetorical gymnastics, ensuring the 'big tent' had plenty of room for war hawks.