Staff Reports
President Biden’s visit to Philadelphia turned frosty as he faced a wave of criticism from protesters outside a fundraiser. While Biden was schmoozing with donors about “American possibilities” inside the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, a raucous group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators made their voices heard. They clamored for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and some even went as far as to brandish a sign that read “Genocide Joe & Netan-Nazi.” Ouch!
Biden met by 'Genocide Joe' Philadelphia protesters after 'American possibilities' speech https://t.co/VPTzutrFIh https://t.co/VPTzutrFIh
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 12, 2023
As Biden and his motorcade made a hasty exit for Philadelphia International Airport, the chorus of disapproval only grew louder. Chants of “shame” filled the air, leaving no doubt that the President’s popularity was on thin ice. The showdown outside the fundraiser was just another example of the growing discontent with Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with some even expressing their displeasure at the former first lady’s memorial service in Georgia.
Inside the event, Biden took a stab at comparing his vision of America’s future to that of former President Donald Trump. He pooh-poohed Trump’s “American carnage” rhetoric, even going as far as to predict his defeat in the 2024 Republican primary. Well, that’s a bold claim, Mr. President.
The White House, for its part, tried to brush off the whole brouhaha, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby taking a swipe at the protesters. He dismissed their use of the term “genocide,” insisting that it was inappropriate and that Israel was simply defending itself against a “genocidal terrorist threat.” Touché!
It looks like Biden might need to do some damage control if he wants to smooth things over with his detractors. Perhaps it’s time for him to throw a few more fundraisers and flex those political muscles. After all, you can’t win ’em all, but you can certainly try. And that’s the political circus for today, folks!
