The self-described independent and obstructionist has finally shown her true self.
In not-so-shocking news, the infamous obstructionist and thorn in the side of decent Democratic governance, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, has announced that she will no longer be a member of the Democratic Party. Instead, Sinema has elected to register as an independent, announcing to the nation that which it already knew; that Kyrsten Sinema was never truly a Democrat.
In a video released explained her decision, saying:
“Registering as an independent and showing up to work with the title of independent is a reflection of who I’ve always been, and it’s a reflection of who Arizona is…We don’t line up to do what we’re told. We do what’s right for our state and for our country.”
Sen. Sinema on her reasons for leaving the Democratic Party
Do what’s right? Forgive the snark, but unless this is some self-parody, Sinema’s faux moralizing about independence is just a slap in the face of the very principles that make democratic governance possible.
She has consistently been a thorn in the side of every major proposal that would improve the lives of her fellow Americans. From voting down a long-overdue increase in the federal minimum wage to actively opposing an expansion in voting rights as GOP operatives seek to restrict voting rights for Americans in the name of so-called “voter integrity,” Sinema has proven herself to be a fundamentally opportunistic and self-centered politician. Her decision-making is illustrative of her complete unworthiness to hold a position in the Senate.
This is the same woman who didn’t hold a town hall with her constituents in over three years and who has actively taken massive donations from Republican donors. Within the first nine months of Sinema’s fundraising project, she managed to raise an estimated $2.6 million, much of which came from Republican and corporate donors. Some of those same donors had never previously donated to her before, showing that her obstruction was well-rewarded. Between 2019 and 2021, Sinema raised well over $6 million.
The decision by Sinema to change her party affiliation and preach about so-called morality and righteousness is nothing more than a hollow move by Sinema to secure a new framework to justify her corporate-inspired obstructionism.
Nothing about her conduct should suggest a new maverick streak or some supposed non-partisan thought process. Sinema is just as ambitious and selfish as the politicians she claims to oppose, if not more so.
Nobody should be under the delusion that she is somehow going to turn over a new leaf now that the Democrats have increased control of the Senate. If anything, she is almost certainly trying to undermine their position for the sake of her donor base. It is unclear if Sinema will manage to hold onto her seat in 2024, but one thing is for certain, she certainly doesn’t deserve to keep it.
Progressive American 