Top Democrats bail on Netanyhu speech
Pro-Hamas demonstrators vandalize D.C., set fire to American Flag
Top Democrats bailed on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress today.
Those who did attend or refused to attend included President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Ranking Democrat Rep. Jerry Nadler.
Both Pelosi and Nadler issued statements unlike any sitting member of Congress has ever given about Israel’s leader.
North Carolina Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04) also did not attend, posting this explanation as to why:
WASHINGTON, DC
(July 24, 2024) — Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) released the following statement regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's joint address to Congress.
"Last month, President Biden laid out a clear plan to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, despite international support for this plan and growing calls for peace, the Netanyahu government has stalled progress towards peace in the region, prolonging the conflict and risking a greater regional war.
"I believe the United States must demonstrate leadership in building durable peace, which includes holding the Israeli government accountable for its actions when necessary.
That is why I chose to not attend the Prime Minister's address to Congress today. It is imperative that we are actively working towards a bilateral ceasefire and lasting peace that ensures the release of the remaining hostages, alleviates the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and achieves the ultimate goal of a just and viable two-state solution."
Netanyahu’s speech was well-received, however, and he seemed to give the cold shoulder to some Democrats who approached him, such a Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Squad Member Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) attended, holding up a sign that read, “War Criminal” as Netanyahu spoke.
Tlaib was slammed for the stunt by multiple lawmakers include Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who wrote in a post on X, “Rashida Tlaib continues to be an absolute disgrace.”
Present at Netanyahu’s speech was Noa Argamani, an Israeli woman who was kidnapped and held hostage by Hamas.
Watch Netanyahu’s address below.
More To The Story
While Netanyahu spoke, pro-Hamas demonstrators filled the Union Station area of D.C., vandalizing statues, yelling anti-Israel/ anti-Netanyahu slurs, and assaulting park police.
Also, the mob was seen removing American Flags and replacing them with Palestinian flags, and finally, burning the American Flag, as well as effigies of Netanyahu.
Part of one of the burning U.S. Flags was saved by an area resident, allegedly a lawyer who works in D.C.
The Pro-Hamas crowds were allegedly bused in, as one video appears to show.
One protester was caught on camera outside the Watergate Hotel where the Israeli contingent is staying. The man is caught on camera yelling, “Jewish motherf*ckers. We’re gonna kill all of you. We’re gonna burn you."
Earlier in the day, anti-Israel protesters dumped scores of maggots, crickets, and other insects inside the Israeli meeting space at the Watergate.
North Carolina Republican Senator Ted Budd issued a post on X that stated, “This vile anti-American hate has no place in our country.”
What Budd was referring to was a video he linked to of pro-Hamas protesters burning the U.S. Flag while chanting “Allahu Akbar.”
Sen. Tom Cotton posted images of the devastation to X, stating a bill has been introduced to deport foreigners engaged in such activities.
Rounding out the day’s affairs was Biden’s address to the nation from the Oval Office about his decision to withdraw from his reelection race.
Biden only spoke for 11 minutes and gave no real additional reasons for his withdrawal. This speech reminded me of Geraldo opening Capone’s vault, to be honest.
“I believe my record as president my leadership in the world my vision for America's future all merited a second term but nothing…nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy,” Biden said. “That includes personal ambition so I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation that's the best way to unite our nation.”
Ironically, given the violent demonstrations that occurred earlier that day, Biden fought with the teleprompter and also said there is “no place in America for political violence or any violence.. that ever… period.”
Biden recited campaign talking points, including “reform” of the Supreme Court.
“I'm going to call for Supreme Court reform because this is critical to our democracy…Supreme Court reform…” Biden said as he transitioned into a demonstrable lie, stating, “I'm the first president in this Century to report to the American people that the United States is not at War anywhere in the world.”
NC Governor Roy Cooper issued a post on X following Biden’s 11 minute speech.
Watch all 11 minutes of Biden’s remarks below.