'It's crazy': Mehdi Hasan tells Jake Tapper that Biden 'wrecking' his presidency in support of Netanyahu
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: CNN's Jake Tapper engaged in a discussion with former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan, focusing on the aftermath of the Michigan presidential primary and the protest vote against President Joe Biden due to his unwavering support for Israel amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
"When you look at those voters, practically speaking, a significant chunk are probably lost," Hasan remarked, emphasizing the potential loss of support from voters, particularly those with personal ties to Gaza, who may opt for third-party candidates or abstain from voting altogether.
"Look, if you are somebody in Dearborn who’s lost not 10, not 20, 30 members of your family in Gaza, you’re going to show up to vote? You’re going to vote for Biden, even if there’s a ceasefire tomorrow? You can’t expect that."
Doubts persist amidst shared desire for ceasefire
According to Mediaite, responding to Tapper's suggestion that some might turn to Donald Trump, Hasan clarified, "They're not pro-Trump. They just want to see the best version of Joe Biden and of America."
He highlighted the shared desire for a ceasefire and an end to the escalating violence in the region.
"They want to see that ceasefire," Hasan emphasized, noting the skepticism surrounding Biden's promises but acknowledging the administration's recognition of the need to take action.
Tapper then explored the potential impact of the Biden administration's efforts to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Hasan questioned the effectiveness of Biden's strategy, expressing doubt about a forthcoming ceasefire.
"I'm skeptical, but I think the White House realized that they have to do something here," Hasan said, acknowledging the administration's acknowledgment of the need for action.
Pondering the potential impact on Israeli leadership
In a follow-up question, Tapper raised the possibility of inducing a change in Israeli leadership through pressure on Netanyahu to comply with international law regarding the use of American armaments.
Hasan considered this a potentially more concrete outcome than a ceasefire, acknowledging the challenges in Netanyahu agreeing to such terms.
He said, “I don’t know what you would call this gambit of the Biden administration to force Netanyahu to sign a document saying I will only use American armaments in compliance with international law, which Netanyahu seems reluctant to sign. What if that forces some sort of change in leadership in Israel? Might that be seen as more concrete even than a ceasefire?”
He added, "I think it’s mad that five months into the war, the Americans say, can you sign something? Saying you’ll follow international law should not be done on October the 8th. It’s crazy that we’re asking that now. And by the way, I also think it’s crazy that Joe Biden is willing to wreck his presidency, potentially, and American democracy if Trump gets backing for Benjamin Netanyahu, a man who has basically I can’t find the daytime language for it, done bad things to every Democratic president in my lifetime, Bill Clinton struggled with Netanyahu, Barack Obama struggled, and now Biden could sacrifice his own presidency. For who? For Bibi."
