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In response to
"‘This is 1938’ -- (pic)"
by
mud
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'Biden meets with AOC in wake of her vote against military aid for Israel'
Posted by
mud
Apr 22 '24, 18:54
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Biden meets with AOC in wake of her vote against military aid for Israel
By REUTERS and TOI STAFF
Today, 4:39 am
US President Joe Biden meets with US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and two other prominent progressive lawmakers opposed who have been outspoken critics of Israel amid its war against Hamas in Gaza.
The meeting came as Biden’s support for Israel’s response to the October 7 Hamas terror attack has divided Democrats, fraying Biden’s coalition of voters ahead of November’s presidential election.
Biden was seen walking into the Oval Office with Ocasio-Cortez as well as Senators Bernie Sanders and Ed Markey after returning aboard the Marine One helicopter to the White House from an Earth Day event they all attended in Virginia.
The lawmakers have sharply criticized Israel’s policies, with Ocasio-Cortez last month describing the humanitarian situation in Gaza as like “an unfolding genocide.” Over the weekend, she was among lawmakers who voted against a bill passed by the House to provide billions in military assistance to Israel, legislation that Biden has backed.
Still, the congresswoman from New York earlier this month made a case for Biden’s reelection despite his support for Israel, citing a “a vested interest in protecting democracy not just here domestically, but globally,” in an interview with the media organization Zeteo.
“I learned a long time ago to listen to that lady,” Biden said of Ocasio-Cortez in Virginia. “We’re going to talk more about another part of the world, too.”
The White House and the lawmakers decline to comment on the subject of the meeting.
Earlier, Biden said he condemned “antisemitic protests” but also “those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians.” His administration has maintained support for Israel but put increasing emphasis on the Palestinian humanitarian situation in recent months.
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