President Joe Biden's address on the Israel-Hamas conflict garnered praise even from some conservatives. Notably, Brit Hume, a longstanding host on Fox News, expressed admiration for Biden's speech, considering it one of the President's best. Hume highlighted Biden's unwavering support for Israel, particularly during these challenging times. However, he also pointed out the irony in Biden's pledge of aid to both Israel and Ukraine, given Ukraine's substantial foreign aid history.
Notice how there isn’t a single “pro-Israel” protest around the world.
Why? Because only sociopaths and warmongers could support a government that’s killed over 1,000 Palestinian children in just a few weeks.
Enter Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, and the cowardly governments of the…
— Danny Haiphong (@SpiritofHo) October 19, 2023
During the speech, some critics noted that President Biden appeared fatigued and occasionally struggled to stay on track as he spoke in front of reporters. Nevertheless, Hume focused primarily on the content of the speech, particularly Biden's justification for continuing support to Ukraine. The President argued that withdrawing aid could send the wrong message to adversaries, especially in the wake of the recent withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Interestingly, Biden appears to be at odds with public opinion within his own party. Recent polls indicate that a majority of Democrats are leaning towards supporting Palestinians rather than Israelis. Additionally, some progressive congresswomen, like Rashida Tlaib, have refrained from denouncing the initial terrorist attacks that triggered the current conflict. This division within the Democratic Party has left President Biden somewhat isolated, particularly as global demonstrations in support of Hamas gain momentum.
In addition to the Democratic divide, the issue of funding Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia has created a rift among House Republicans. Disagreements over the allocation of funds led to the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and the GOP is preparing for a third vote for the position, with Rep. Jim Jordan vying for it. This could potentially complicate President Biden's efforts to secure additional overseas funding for both conflicts.
In summary, President Biden's speech on the Israel-Hamas conflict received unexpected praise from some conservative circles, particularly Brit Hume. However, concerns persist regarding Biden's approach to foreign aid, exacerbated by divisions within his own party and ongoing debates among House Republicans. As the conflicts continue to escalate, the political dynamics surrounding them grow increasingly intricate.