How Moderate Democrats Are Sabotaging Their Ideological Allies

A group of centrist Democrats wants the party to confront the pharmaceutical industry. Their main opponents? Other centrist Democrats.

Of the many, many provisions that could end up in the $3.5 trillion spending package Democrats are hoping to pass with their ultra-thin majorities in Congress, allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs is among the most popular.  It’s so popular, in fact, that a group of the most vulnerable incumbent Democrats in Congress are pleading with Democratic leaders to pass it. Standing in their way? A group of fellow centrists, many of whom have campaign war chests full of pharmaceutical companies’ money and comparatively little risk of losing their seats.  While the idea that progressive Democrats’ loyalty to activist groups harms the party is frequently discussed in the media and in Washington, the split over drug pricing shows how centrist members of Congress’ loyalty to politically powerful industries can be just as harmful to Democratic electoral hopes.