From the Liveblog of
Friday, March 29, 2024
Biden, Obama and Clinton heckled over Israel support at New York fundraiser
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US President Joe Biden, and former Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are heckled over Israel’s war against Hamas at a New York City fundraiser.
During a discussion moderated by “The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, protesters rise at several different moments to shout over the discussion and criticize Biden’s backing of Israel.
“Shame on you, Joe Biden” one yells.
Obama says Biden has “moral clarity” on the Israel issue and is willing to listen to all sides in this debate and find common ground.
When a protestor inside the theater interrupts Obama, the former president snaps back: “You can’t just talk and not listen… That’s what the other side does.”
The protests draw a pledge from Biden to keep working to stop civilian deaths, particularly of children. But he adds, “Israel’s existence is at stake.”
Outside, hundreds of protesters demonstrate against Israel in Midtown Manhattan.
“Genocide Joe has got to go!” chants from pro-Palestine protesters outside Biden’s fundraiser tonight in New York pic.twitter.com/GvX4bTvThJ
— Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) March 29, 2024
“Genocide Joe has got to go!” chants from pro-Palestine protesters outside Biden’s fundraiser tonight in New York pic.twitter.com/GvX4bTvThJ
— Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) March 29, 2024
Also attending the event was Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who recently hinted that Democrats could pull support for Israel if it does not hold elections and oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Tickets for Thursday’s Biden event, expected to bring some buzz to his reelection effort, cost between $250 and $500,000, according to a Democrat familiar with the planning. The campaign said it raised more than $25 million.
More than 5,000 people were expected to attend. The event was not televised.
The Times of Israel Community.