President Biden is being criticized for not addressing the wave of pro-terror, anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses across the country. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned that Biden is privately monitoring the situation. Despite the chaos, Biden has not made a statement since April 22, when he answered a reporter’s question at an Earth Day event. The president’s last public remark condemned both antisemitism at campus protests and those who do not understand what is going on with the Palestinians. This comment has been compared to former President Trump’s remarks about both sides of deadly clashes in Charlottesville in 2017.
When a reporter compared Biden’s comment to Trump’s, Jean-Pierre denied the comparison, stating that he was not taking a ‘both sides’ approach. She criticized the journalist for the comparison, calling it vile and nasty rhetoric. Protest encampments have been set up at many colleges around the country, including George Washington University, where a large banner reads “Just Say No to Genocide Joe.” This nickname has been used to heckle Biden, and there are concerns that his pro-Israel stance may alienate younger voters, Muslim Americans, and Arab Americans, especially in swing states like Michigan.
The ongoing unrest on college campuses and the criticism Biden is facing are seen as potential issues for his re-election campaign. As he faces a tight re-election campaign against Trump, Democrats are worried about the impact of his pro-Israel stance on key demographics. There are concerns that clashes at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August may overshadow Biden’s nomination for a second term and his arguments against Trump. Participants in a DC march last November even wrote “Just Say No to Genocide Joe” in red paint on the gates of the White House.
Despite the increasing tensions and criticisms, Biden’s team continues to monitor the situation closely. Jean-Pierre reiterated that Biden is aware of the unrest on college campuses and is keeping tabs on the developments. The fact that the president has not made a public statement since April 22 has raised questions about his approach to handling the situation. As protests continue on college campuses and tensions rise, it remains to be seen how Biden will address the criticism and navigate the challenges ahead. The impact of these protests and demonstrations on the upcoming election and Biden’s re-election campaign remains a topic of concern for Democrats and political observers.
