The House Democratic Leadership has finally condemned the latest anti-Semitic language we have seen from Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) where she suggested that Republicans only support Israel and condemn anti-Semitism because of money. From Fox News:
“We are and will always be strong supporters of Israel in Congress because we understand that our support is based on shared values and strategic interests. Legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies is protected by the values of free speech and democratic debate that the United States and Israel share. But Congresswoman Omar’s use of anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations about Israel’s supporters is deeply offensive. We condemn these remarks and we call upon Congresswoman Omar to immediately apologize for these hurtful comments.”
The leadership includes Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Majority Whip James Clyburn, Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján, Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries, and Caucus Vice President Katherine Clark.
“As Democrats and as Americans, the entire Congress must be fully engaged in denouncing and rejecting all forms of hatred, racism, prejudice and discrimination wherever they are encountered,” they concluded.
It all started when Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he planned to punish Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) over their language, similar to the actions Republicans took against their own, Steve King, over remarks that suggested he supported white supremacy.
Journalist Glenn Greenwald tweeted that doing so would violate free speech and Omar responded:
Omar has not deleted the tweet nor has she deleted the tweet where she implied Republicans receive money from AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee).
Omar has since “apologized.” Is this really an apology? I don’t think so because she says that AIPAC is a problem and it sounds like a classic “I’m sorry, but…” apology.
And after that apology, Omar tweeted this:
Omar’s tweet drew anger from many on her own side, including Chelsea Clinton.
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