On Thursday, April 30 canvassers for Chris Rabb gathered at Malcolm X Park in West Philadelphia for one of their biggest efforts yet. Over 100 campaigners joined to door-knock in support of Rabb’s campaign for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District as the May 19 Democratic Primary draws nearer. Following the canvas a rally was held at Renata’s on Baltimore Avenue, with Twitch-streamer and leftist superstar Hasan Piker joining in-person to support Rabb’s campaign. Piker has recently drawn ire from the US government due to his criticism of Israel, with a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) on April 29 aiming to censor “Antisemtic rhetoric” from prominent online personalities. Israel and the genocide in Gaza have become a contentious point in Pennsylvania’s Democratic congressional primary, with Rabb’s openly pro-Palestine stance and lack of PAC endorsement making him a frontrunner amongst younger voters.
Before the canvassing began, Rabb addressed the crowd at Malcolm X Park with a speech celebrating “people power.” “This is our moment.” Rabb said. “This is our collective destiny […] our fates are intertwined. I can’t be free until you’re free.”
“What kind of person do you want representing you?” He added. “Are they representing people’s power, or are they representing corporate power? We have a choice. […] Organized people beat organized money every [expletive] time.” Rabb has been endorsed by a number of elected Democratic officials, including US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, and Philadelphia City Councilwoman Kendra Brooks.
Following canvassing efforts, supporters gathered for a rally at Renata’s Kitchen, a restaurant in University City. “This was supposed to be a sleepy old primary.” Rabb joked to the crowd, answered by calls of “No way!” from the hundreds of young progressives who had gathered before him. “When we show up in force, we are indomitable.” As Piker stepped up to the mic, cheers erupted from the gathered masses. Piker announced that Rabb received the endorsement of the national Democratic Socialists of America party, whose Philadelphia branch previously endorsed Rabb in March.
“This is a district that we can not allow to go to a Do-Nothing Democrat.” Piker said. “This is not just a battle that we are fighting against the Republicans, the fascists, the reactionaries, but we are also fighting for more responsive politics, to make sure all of your voices are heard and all of your needs are met […] we need leftist-populist politics in this country. Responsive politics that says ‘no’ to corporate money, ‘no to corporate donors’, and ‘yes’ to ordinary Americans like you. Politics that will center the working class!” The rally ended amongst a cacophony of cheers and applause following Piker’s final words to the crowd: “Go Birds!” Rabb will be competing against fellow Democrats Sharif Street and Dr. Ala Stanford in the Democratic Primary for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District on May 19.
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