October 5, 2021 6:30 am

To Understand Sinema, You Need to Understand Arizona

While the senator’s feisty independence might confuse party activists, she is no enigma to locals.

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Then-representative Kyrsten Sinema poses for a photo in front of the Arizona State Sun Devils student section prior to the game against the Utah Utes at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., November 3, 2018.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

You know a Democrat has fallen out of favor when she is parodied on late-night comedy shows. With the White House’s legislative agenda in jeopardy and no GOP majorities to ridicule, Saturday Night Live opened its season by mocking Senators Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D., Ariz.).

The old white male multimillionaire West Virginian makes an easy target for lazy writers. They portrayed Manchin as a rich, racist hick. Easy-peasy.

About the Author

Jon Gabriel

Jon Gabriel is a columnist for Discourse Magazine and the Arizona Republic.