Biden Busted On Hot Mic After SOTU: ‘Don’t Repeat This’
In a candid moment captured after his State of the Union speech, President Joe Biden was overheard discussing an impending serious discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, due to a live microphone he was unknowingly wearing. This discussion is anticipated to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Biden using the phrase “come to Jesus” meeting to describe the gravity of the forthcoming talks with Netanyahu.
Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) took this opportunity to praise Biden’s address and emphasized the importance of continuing to pressure Netanyahu concerning the dire situation in Gaza.
The brief exchange also saw contributions from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Upon being alerted to the live microphone, Biden acknowledged it, indicating a possible strategic revelation of his frustrations.
This slip has been interpreted as a sign of the Biden administration’s increasing concern and potential shift in policy regarding the Middle East conflict, suggesting a pivotal and stern dialogue with Netanyahu might be on the horizon.
Fox News speculates that Biden might have intentionally allowed his remarks to be broadcasted, hinting at his displeasure with Netanyahu’s strategies in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has become a contentious issue for Biden.
Recent private criticisms of Netanyahu by Biden have surfaced, amid escalating tensions due to Israel’s military actions against Hamas and the rising Palestinian casualties in Gaza. This situation has sparked severe criticism from the left, with some accusing Biden of endorsing what they describe as "genocide." Such criticisms have led to protest votes within the Democratic primaries, indicating potential electoral challenges for Biden in key states.
In his State of the Union speech, Biden condemned the actions of Hamas in their October 7 attack on Israel, labeling the group as a vile terrorist organization. Nonetheless, he also urged Israel to prioritize the safety of innocent civilians in Gaza and not to use humanitarian aid as leverage or an afterthought.
The address was also marked by protests, with pro-Palestine demonstrators blocking Biden’s motorcade, displaying messages accusing Biden of complicity in "genocide" and calling for an immediate ceasefire. This disruption raised questions about potential delays to Biden’s speech.
Biden’s handling of the crisis has attracted scrutiny from his party's progressive wing, which accuses him of contributing to the crisis by supporting Israel with military and humanitarian aid. A notable manifestation of discontent was over 100,000 Michigan Democrats voting "uncommitted" in a primary as a direct message to Biden.