Chris Murphy dodges questions on Darializa Avila Chevalier remarks

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy appeared to sidestep questions about New York Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier on Sunday, saying he was “not very familiar” with the outspoken democratic socialist’s race when pressed about her past controversial remarks.

“All I’m saying is this party needs to have a real contest of ideas, and I don’t think our defense of incrementalism is working,” the Connecticut Democrat told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

“I don’t mind the contest of ideas, and I don’t know that we’re doing that to the extent that the voters are satisfied. It’s no secret that voters these days are not very happy with the establishment Democrats or the establishment Republicans. I will say, though, what ties us together is that I think every Democratic candidate running, including the ones in New York, is standing up to protect American democracy,” he added, pointing out that President Trump is the biggest current threat to the institution.

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The apparent defection follows Murphy’s insistence that the Democratic Party adopt a “big tent” approach and embrace a broader swath of voters, including traditional Democrats, Trump voters disillusioned with the direction of the country and those leaning further to the left.

NBC’s Ryan Nobles, who replaced host Kristen Welker, confronted Murphy with a campaign ad from Chevalier’s former rival, incumbent Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat.

The ad showcased the Mamdani ally’s storied history of controversial social media posts, which have since been deleted, including belittling former President Joe Biden and going so far as to call him a “rapist.”

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Members of the Democratic Socialists of America gather outside a Trump-owned building during a May 1 rally in New York City in 2019. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

He also emphasized his dislike of former Vice President Kamala Harris, his disdain for interracial relationships, and his anti-American stance on Old Glory.

“To be clear, senator, this was an attack ad from a fellow Democrat. You mentioned this bigger tent. If you’re saying the Democratic Party needs a bigger tent, does that include someone calling the former Democratic President of the United States a rapist?” the nobles asked.

Murphy later explained that he was not “very familiar” with the race but wanted a broader exchange of ideas within the party.

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U.S. Democratic House candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier of New York speaks at the Get Out The Vote rally held at Kings Theater in Brooklyn, New York on June 18, ahead of the June 23 state primary election. (Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Murphy also rejected the idea that the Democratic Party had developed a predominantly socialist bent, pointing to Democratic Governments. Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger are examples of what he sees as more moderate candidates.

“I think this is actually a sign of a party that is vibrant and growing at a time when historically it has been very timid to take institutional power,” he said.

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“I think our party needs to have bigger ideas,” he added.

While Murphy also answered “no” when asked whether Democrats should embrace the socialist label, he also acknowledged that the party cannot accept the current form of capitalism as acceptable.