Biden Interrupted Several Times During Speech
President Joe Biden's campaign rally, which focused on abortion rights, encountered disruptions as anti-war protesters voiced their criticisms of Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war. The rally was interrupted 13 times, with protesters shouting slogans like "Genocide Joe" and demanding an immediate cease-fire. The interruptions, spaced a few minutes apart, prompted Biden supporters to counter with chants of "four more years" in an attempt to drown out the protesters.
Pro-Hamas protesters interrupt Biden's event for the ***fifth time***
"This is gonna go on for awhile. They got this planned." pic.twitter.com/QDCmGHfeqQ
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 23, 2024
Biden acknowledged the interruptions, stating, "They feel deeply," and anticipated that such disruptions would persist. A Biden campaign official, when reached for comment, described the event as a great speech. This incident followed a similar disruption tactic employed by protesters at a rally for former President Donald Trump in New Hampshire on the eve of the state's primary.
The interruptions reflect a broader trend of anti-war protesters targeting Biden during his events, both inside and outside the venues. In November, an NBC News survey revealed that 34% of registered voters approved of Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war, while 56% disapproved. Among voters under the age of 35, approximately 70% expressed disapproval of Biden's approach to the conflict.
BREAKING: Joe Biden denies the results of the Virginia Governor’s race.
"Hello, Virginia! And the real governor, Terry McAuliffe!"
I was informed that denying election results is the biggest threat to our democracy. Start the impeachment hearings! pic.twitter.com/QFLGcYdB3U
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 23, 2024
The Israel-Hamas war erupted after Hamas launched an attack on October 7, resulting in around 1,200 casualties in Israel and over 25,400 deaths in Gaza since the conflict's onset, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The situation has been a point of contention, with protesters at Biden's rally expressing concerns about the impact on Gaza and advocating for a cease-fire.
Despite the interruptions, Biden's campaign speech on this occasion primarily focused on reproductive rights, coinciding with the 51st anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade ruling. Biden drew a sharp contrast between his stance on abortion protections and the policies of former President Trump. He criticized the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, attributing it to Trump and his Supreme Court.
I love how nothing he said made any sense here yet the people still clapped and cheered like brainless seals.
pic.twitter.com/DJ1LSt1Foq— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 23, 2024
"It was Donald Trump and his Supreme Court who ripped away the rights and freedoms of women in America," Biden stated, emphasizing his commitment, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, to restore those rights for women in the country. Biden reiterated his pledge to sign a bill reinstating protections provided by Roe v. Wade if Congress presented it to him.
Addressing the audience, Biden called for action with voices, power, and votes to restore protections that have been in place for over 50 years under Roe v. Wade. The interruptions, while persistent, did not deter the president from conveying his message on reproductive rights and drawing a sharp distinction between his administration's approach and the policies of his predecessor. The clash of opinions and the passionate response from both supporters and protesters underscore the ongoing challenges Biden faces in navigating complex domestic and international issues during his presidency.
Secret Service swarms Biden as he wraps up his remarks — which were interrupted by pro-Hamas protesters at least 13 times pic.twitter.com/lEoS5LFldS
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 23, 2024