In 2017, the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia, and President Donald Trump’s response served as a defining moment for Joe Biden’s decision to run for president. Biden denounced Trump’s inadequate statement in the wake of the neo-Nazi rally and murder of a counterprotester, calling it a “wake-up call” for the nation.
However, when confronted with recent antisemitic protests on elite American campuses, Biden’s response was strikingly different. He remained silent, delegating the task of reacting to a deputy press aide. When pressed by reporters, Biden offered a brief and apathetic condemnation of the protests, paired with a justification for their occurrence.
This stark contrast between Biden’s past and present reactions highlights his political cynicism. While Charlottesville was a useful symbol for Biden’s campaign, it appears to have failed to genuinely shock his conscience.
Biden’s inaction stems from his prioritization of political interests over the geopolitical interests of his country. He has courted the pro-Hamas wing of the Democratic Party, appeasing their views at the expense of Israel’s security. Biden’s comments and actions have emboldened extremists and contributed to the rise in antisemitism.
Despite Hamas repeatedly rejecting cease-fire offers, Biden has placed blame on Israel, demonstrating his detachment from reality or willingness to cater to extreme voices within his coalition. This behavior mirrors the very actions he denounced in Trump, proving that cutting corners in the pursuit of political expediency comes with a heavy price for the nation.
