Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, the enigmatic Democratic Senator from Arizona, has become one of the most powerful political figures during President Joe Biden’s first term. Her refusal to move in lockstep with her party on Biden’s economic agenda has forced liberals to curb their loftiest ambitions. It’s also made Sinema an object of near-constant scorn and criticism.
In a profile by POLITICO published Wednesday – featuring a rare interview with the third-year Senator – Sinema seems comfortable with her outsider status.
“I’ve been concerned at the push that happens in both parties, this push to have no disagreements. To only have unity or to only speak with one voice. And some will say, ‘Oh, that is our strength,’” Sinema said. “Having some disagreement is normal. It is real, it is human. And it’s an opportunity for us as mature beings to work through it.”
POLITICO reports that Sinema has “quietly informed Democrats for weeks that she’s supportive of Biden’s social spending and climate bill and publicly signaled she wants to clinch a deal,” but she was reluctant to outline her position in public, saying “I’m still in the process of negotiating the second provision of the president’s agenda … and I don’t negotiate in the press.”
Sinema also expressed frustration that politicians too often make ambitious promises that they can’t fulfill. “You’re either honest or you’re not honest. So just tell the truth and be honest and deliver that which you can deliver,” she said. “There’s this growing trend of people in both political parties who promise things that cannot be delivered, in order to get the short-term political gain. And I believe that it damages the long-term health of our democracy.”
Sinema defended protesters who legally criticize her (as opposed to critics who “illegally” and “unfairly” followed her into a bathroom), but she expressed disdain for pundits who obsess over her fashion choices.
“It’s very inappropriate. I wear what I want because I like it. It’s not a news story, and it’s no one’s business,” Sinema said. “It’s not helpful to have [coverage] be positive or negative. It also implies that somehow women are dressing for someone else.”
Sinema has also been criticized for being too chummy with Republicans; POLITICO notes that she’s frequently spotted on the Senate floor talking with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“I’m a human who has friends,” Sinema explained. She added that McConnell has a “dry sense of humor. It’s underrated.”
Asked if she would switch parties – a prospect Republican Senator John Thune broached with Sinema “multiple times,” according to POLITICO – Sinema responded “No. Why would I do that?”
