Staff Reports
Outrage erupted among Republicans and other opponents of President Joe Biden on Monday as news broke that he had called a press “lid” at 11:46 am, avoiding any interaction with reporters regarding the Hamas attacks on Israel and the status of American lives held captive. This move by Biden left conservatives fuming, especially after his decision to prioritize a party for his staffers on Sunday rather than addressing the ongoing crisis. The death toll has already surpassed 1,500 between Israelis and Hamas fighters, making it all the more crucial for the President to take immediate action.
John Roberts of Fox News expressed his frustration on social media, pointing out that war was raging in Israel while Biden called an early end to his day. The message was clear — was Biden taking the day off while American citizens remained hostages of Hamas? Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene joined the chorus, comparing Biden unfavorably to former President Trump and asserting that Trump would never stop working until he rescued his people. According to her, none of this would have happened under Trump’s watch.
Kari Lake, a former Arizona gubernatorial candidate, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the multiple crises America is facing. With an international crisis, an uncontrolled border, and soaring inflation, Lake argued that Biden’s early exit from work reflected his inability to handle the job. It seemed that the President was failing to prioritize his responsibilities and address the concerns of the American people.
With war raging in Israel, the @WhiteHouse called a lid for @JoeBiden at 11:46am.
— John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) October 9, 2023
However, Newsweek was quick to note that calling a lid did not necessarily mean Biden was taking the day off, contrary to what Greene had claimed. Biden did meet with his advisors, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. He also spoke with several U.S. allies later in the day. And although Biden did not directly address reporters, he released a statement in the evening acknowledging the loss of 11 Americans in the Hamas attacks. He affirmed America’s unwavering support for Israel, even if his previous actions have not demonstrated the strongest support for the nation.
While there is always room for improvement with Biden’s handling of crises, it is essential to avoid painting him as unresponsive. The statement and his consultations with advisors indicate that he is taking the situation seriously. However, there remains valid concern about whether Biden’s previous stance on Israel may have inadvertently emboldened Hamas. Regardless, it is crucial for the United States to support Israel’s defense against Hamas, albeit without rushing into a full-scale conflict. Biden’s actions, as imperfect as they may be, aim to strike this balance between support and restraint, guided by the best interests of both nations.
