Rep. Chris Rabb attends rally with left-wing commentator Hasan Piker in Philly
Left-wing political commentator and streamer Hasan Piker joined Rep. Chris Rabb for a rally in Philadelphia on Thursday, as the congressman continues to vie for the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania’s 3rd congressional district.
The rally and canvassing event began at 4 p.m. at Malcom X Park on 51st and Pine streets. It was followed by a fundraising event at the restaurant Renata’s on 39th Street and Baltimore Avenue.
Piker is a popular but controversial political pundit, streamer and influencer with a large following on YouTube, Twitch and TikTok. Known for his left-wing politics, Piker has drawn both praise and condemnation for his outspoken criticism of the Israeli government and advocacy for Palestinians amid the Israel – Hamas war.
Piker has been frequently accused of being antisemitic, an allegation that he has consistently denied, arguing that he has criticized the Israeli government but not Jewish people.
Piker has also frequently criticized American foreign policy and drew outrage back in 2019 when he said, “America deserved 9/11.”
Battleground Politics
During a recent episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk asked Rabb about controversial statements Piker has made in the past.
“I’m not aware of the language he’s used. I’m recently aware of who he is through my sons, actually,” Rabb said.
Mayk then asked Rabb if he planned on researching Piker’s comments before appearing on his show.
“Not necessarily,” Rabb said. “There’s no feedback when folks go on Bill Maher. And he’s said some very problematic things. There was no real pushback when Bernie Sanders went on Joe Rogan who has consistently said problematic things.”
Rabb then talked about the importance of engaging with people who he disagrees with.
“But if I said, I’m not going to communicate or engage someone who I don’t share my politics with, I couldn’t do my job as a state lawmaker,” he said. “I worked the first six years in office with a Republican majority where their priorities were anathema to me. Many of the things they fought for were things that deeply offended me.”
Rabb also talked about finding “common cause” with others.
“I’m going to find common cause with Hasan Piker. I’m going to find common cause with corporate Dems. I’m going to find common cause with anyone I can if they’re willing to work in good faith to help people. That’s my job as a public servant,” he said. “So, unless there’s a line that’s way too out there, we all have to find that line. But I don’t know until I have a conversation with him. But if there are things that we agree on, that’s what we’re going to focus on. That’s how I’ve been such an effective lawmaker. I focus on the things that we have in common.”
Rabb is currently a member of the Pa. House of Representatives, representing the 200th District after being elected to the position in 2016.
According to his campaign website, after spending a career “challenging corporate power, advancing social justice, and standing up for communities too often ignored by political insiders,” Rabb is looking to bring his fight to Congress. He has been endorsed by the Philadelphia Inquirer, several area organizations and fellow legislators, including U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
He’s one of four Democratic candidates vying to replace longtime Congressman Dwight Evans in Pennsylvania’s 3rd congressional district. The other three candidates include Shaun Griffith, Dr. Ala Stanford, and State Sen. Sharif Street. Democratic voters will choose their nominee during the Pennsylvania primary election on Tuesday, May 19.
You can watch or listen to Lauren Mayk’s interviews with all four candidates here.
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