Hamas attack exposes deep divisions within Democratic Party
During a speech at the White House earlier this week, President Joe Biden called Hamas' bloody assault on Israel "unadulterated evil." Other Democrats don't seem to agree, however, and the party may be faced with a civil war.
Fox News reported that on Tuesday White House press secretary Karine Jean Pierre slammed remarks from Democratic Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush as "repugnant."
Tlaib and Bush accuse Israel of practicing "apartheid"
The network noted that Tlaib released a statement calling Israel an "apartheid government" and blaming U.S. aid to the country for "this heartbreaking cycle of violence will continue."
Bush put forward a similar message, saying, "As part of achieving a just and lasting peace, we must do our part to stop this violence and trauma by ending U.S. government support for Israeli military occupation and apartheid."
My statement on the ongoing violence in Palestine and Israel ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/NIt9G7aLMI
— Congresswoman Cori Bush (@RepCori) October 8, 2023
Tlaib also made headlines when she refused to provide a comment after a reporter asked her about the gruesome killing and abduction of civilians by Hamas.
🚨WATCH: I asked Rep. Rashida Tlaib about Hamas terrorists chopping off babies heads, children being burned alive, and women being raped - she had nothing to say. pic.twitter.com/a3UvuvJ4hW
— Hillary Vaughn (@hillary__vaughn) October 11, 2023
"Heated exchange" at closed-door caucus meeting
Meanwhile, The Intercept reported that Wednesday saw "a heated exchange" play out during a closed-door Democratic caucus meeting.
According to the website, New Jersey Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer was accused of making an "off-color remark" as those present discussed having Muslim clerics at Jewish events.
Sources said to be familiar with the meeting recounted how "Gottheimer got into tense arguments with several of his colleagues."
In a closed door meeting today, Josh Gottheimer said Muslims in America are "guilty" of Hamas's attack in Israel.
Gottheimer is the Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, which No Labels helped create.https://t.co/gJr2QP6sOR pic.twitter.com/FOF4jl1zla
— Prem (@prem_thakker) October 12, 2023
Some of those who were in attendance said that Muslim clerics felt guilty about attending the events, to which Gottheimer is alleged to have said, "It’s because they’re guilty."
Congressman says his remarks were directed towards other Democrats
However, Gottheimer spokesperson Chris D’Aloia provided a statement to The Intercept explaining that the remark was directed towards certain members of the Democratic Party.
"Despite an anti-Israel fueled smear campaign, Congressman Gottheimer never said anything about Muslims in today’s caucus meeting, a community he cares deeply about," D'Aloia said.
"Congressman Gottheimer said that the members of Congress who have not yet condemned Hamas terrorists should feel guilty," the spokesperson added.