White House response to anti-Israel critics’ ‘inappropriate’ nickname for Joe Biden divides internet in two
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid escalating tensions over the Israel-Gaza conflict, the White House addressed pro-Palestinian protesters who chanted “Genocide Joe” against President Joe Biden. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stressed that such language was “inappropriate” to describe Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict.
These chants, echoed by thousands of protesters in New York and Washington, DC, have become a focal point of criticism of President Biden’s support for Israel’s war against the Hamas group.
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White House recognizes First Amendment rights
Kirby, speaking to reporters Monday, acknowledged the right to free speech but stressed that the term “genocide” was being used inappropriately.
“We don’t care about nicknames and bumper stickers. I mean, it’s First Amendment freedom of speech,” Kirby said, highlighting the president’s emphasis on supporting Israel against Hamas while responding to humanitarian concerns and hostage situations.
“The president is focused on, as he wrote in his [Washington Post] editorial, to ensure that we can continue to support Israel in its fight against a terrible terrorist group, Hamas, and as we all work together to deliver humanitarian aid and get people out, including hostages,” said Kirby.
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Kirby, a former Pentagon spokesman, became more passionate, asserting that Hamas is the party with genocidal intentions.
“People can say whatever they want on the sidewalk and we respect that, that’s what the First Amendment is about, but that word ‘genocide’ is used pretty inappropriately by a lot of different people,” he said. -he declared, highlighting the surprise attack by Hamas against southern Israel on October 7, causing numerous victims, including Americans.
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Kirby stressed that Hamas openly aims to wipe Israel off the map and continues to pose a genocidal threat.
“They want to wipe Israel off the map. They have said this publicly several times – in fact, quite recently. And they said they weren’t going to stop [and] what happened on October 7 will happen again and again,” he said. “And what happened on October 7? Murder, massacre of innocent people in their homes or at a music festival. These are genocidal intentions. »
The spokesperson acknowledged civilian casualties in Gaza, but stressed that Israel’s actions are aimed at defending itself rather than annihilating the Palestinian people. He called for responsible use of the term “genocide.”
“Yes, there are too many civilian casualties in Gaza. Yes, the numbers are too high. Yes, too many families are grieving. And yes, we continue to urge Israelis to be as careful and cautious as possible. This It’s not going to stop.” , from the president on down,” Kirby said.
“But Israel is not trying to wipe the Palestinian people off the map. Israel is not seeking to wipe Gaza off the map. Israel is trying to defend itself against a genocidal terrorist threat… If we start using that word, fine. Let’s use it appropriately,” the spokesperson concluded, as quoted by the New York Post.
Reactions on social networks
The social media sphere has quickly become a battleground for contrasting opinions. Some have criticized the White House’s position.
“You reap what you sow,” one posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“We have had enough of the genocide Joe,” wrote another.
“I didn’t realize he was given that nickname,” someone else added.
You reap what you sow
– Pam Becker (@PamBecer) November 20, 2023
We are tired of genocide Joe.
– Mother Earth Spokesperson (@for_spokesman) November 20, 2023
😬😬 I didn’t realize he was given that nickname.
— MindfulPatriot (@LoveLaughChaos) November 20, 2023
On the contrary, some defended Kirby’s comments.
“People need to pull themselves together, he is not responsible for Israel’s actions,” reacted one of them.
“Kirby’s right,” someone else chimed in.
“The White House isn’t being brutal, it’s just spewing facts. The team needs to calm down and stop hating Israel,” offered another.
People need to get their act together, he is not responsible for Israel’s actions
– UHAlum09 (@alum09) November 20, 2023
Kerby is right.
– Eugenia Elmo (@eugelmo) November 20, 2023
The White House isn’t being brutal, it’s just spewing facts. The team needs to calm down and stop hating Israel.
— Random bullshit, come on!!!! (@eliteseniordev) November 20, 2023
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who accused Biden of supporting “the genocide of the Palestinian people” earlier this month, was censured by the House of Representatives. The censure, supported by 22 Democrats and most Republicans, highlighted the divisive nature of the discourse around the conflict.
Polls reflect disapproval of Biden’s management
Recent polls indicate that although a majority of Americans support Israel in the conflict, President Biden’s handling of the crisis has received poor marks.
An NBC poll released Sunday found that only 34% of registered voters approved of Biden’s handling of the Gaza conflict. Additionally, a growing number of Americans, 47 percent, believe Israel’s actions are justified, while 30 percent believe Israel has gone “too far.”
A Harvard CAPS-Harris poll released Monday showed that overall, 80 percent of Americans support Israel in its conflict with Hamas. However, support among younger voters was significantly lower, with only 55% of 18-24 year olds supporting Israel in the war.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individuals and organizations. cannot independently confirm them and does not endorse the claims or opinions made online.
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