Biden Sides With Pro-Palestinian Protestors
During a healthcare speech in North Carolina, President Joe Biden faced interruptions from pro-Palestinian protesters, highlighting the healthcare crisis in Gaza amid the Israel–Hamas conflict. Rather than dismissing them, Biden acknowledged the validity of their concerns, emphasizing the need for increased medical care in Gaza.
In a display of patience, Biden urged his supporters to allow the protesters to voice their grievances as security escorted them out of the venue. Responding to a protester’s question about healthcare in Gaza, Biden conceded, “They have a point. We need to get a lot more care into Gaza.”
However, the president’s visit was also met with chants from another group of protesters condemning him with slogans like “Genocide Joe!” and demanding an immediate ceasefire.
These comments from Biden followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to instruct his aides to skip a meeting with the Biden administration in Washington due to the U.S.’s abstention from a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris chose North Carolina as the venue for their healthcare-focused event, strategically coinciding with a Supreme Court hearing on a case challenging the FDA’s approval of the abortion drug mifepristone. Biden seized the opportunity to promise to restore Roe v. Wade if Democrats gain control of Congress.
Amidst discussions on healthcare, Biden also injected humor, joking about his age and advocating for the extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits and Medicare’s power to negotiate drug prices.
Harris, in her remarks, highlighted the importance of maternal healthcare, citing alarming statistics on maternal mortality rates, particularly among minority and rural communities. She praised North Carolina’s efforts to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage, emphasizing the need for nationwide initiatives to address maternal health disparities.
The joint appearance of Biden and Harris underscored the importance of North Carolina in the upcoming election, given its historical significance as a battleground state. Both parties recognize its pivotal role, as evidenced by campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez’s memo emphasizing the state’s competitiveness.
Later, the duo attended a campaign fundraiser, signaling their commitment to securing victory in North Carolina and beyond. With the state’s electoral votes becoming increasingly crucial, both the Biden and Trump camps are gearing up for a fierce battle to sway voters in their favor.