'What's with the hearing issues at the White House': KJP's bizarre reasoning for answer that sparked outrage fuels fire
WASHINGTON, DC: White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre found herself at the center of a controversy once again after claiming she "misheard" a question regarding President Joe Biden's concerns about the potential rise of antisemitism in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
When asked about the POTUS' "level of concern" regarding antisemitism on Monday, October 23, Jean-Pierre initially replied that she had not seen "any credible threats."
Then, she pointed to the targeting of Muslim Americans, stating, "Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks," leading to her receiving backlash on social media along with criticism from several Jewish members of Congress.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is asked about concerns of rising antisemitism and gives an answer about threats to Muslims....🤔 pic.twitter.com/ErhuJlX0gt
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) October 23, 2023
Karine Jean-Pierre claims she 'misheard' the question about President Joe Biden's concerns regarding antisemitism
Following the public outcry, Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement to clarify her response, saying, "I misheard the question. As I have footstomped many times from the podium and on the air, antisemitism is an abomination that this president has fought against his entire life, and I feel strongly about that work."
"That's why, in the briefing room, I have blasted the repulsive increase in antisemitic rhetoric, conspiracy theories, and hate crimes in our nation, calling out that, tragically, this is a rising threat," added the White House press secretary, as per USA Today.
In an effort to rectify the situation, she began Tuesday's briefing with a strong condemnation of antisemitism.
She stated, "I want to make something clear at the top because I understand how important moral clarity is, especially at this time. So when Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or their identity, when Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred, that is antisemitism, and that is unacceptable."
Jean-Pierre continued, "There is no place for antisemitism, full stop, period. This is important to the president, it is important to me personally, and to everyone in the administration." She added, "We must all do our part and forcefully, forcefully speak out against antisemitism."
President Joe Biden himself dedicated a portion of his Oval Office address on Thursday night to combating hatred in America, explicitly mentioning that it should not be directed against Jews, Muslims, Arab-Americans, Palestinian-Americans, or anyone else.
Karine Jean-Pierre faces backlash for saying she 'misheard' question on antisemitism
Karine Jean-Pierre's bizarre explanation about her response to the question on antisemitism added fuel to the fire, with many calling her a "liar."
One wrote, "Translation 'I lied and you caught me'," while another added, "No one believes this but she is most comfortable when saying things no one believes," another wrote.
"She is a liar. She didn't mishear the question. We know this because she directly addressed the question in the beginning of her answer," said someone.
A comment read, "Resign. You are unqualified and an embarrassment and do not represent the best interests of American citizens."
"She didn't hear the question just like President Biden did not hear the question when shouted to him. That seems to be a common thing now in the White House but we already know they don't hear Us anyway," expressed another.
No one believes this but she is most comfortable when saying things no one believes.
— PSquared (@P____Squared) October 24, 2023
She is a liar. She didn't miss hear the question. We know this because she directly addressed the question in the beginning of her answer.
— Rene Descarte (@ozywizard1) October 24, 2023
Resign. You are unqualified and an embarrassment and do not represent the best interests of American citizens.
— Lucy Riles (@LucyRiles) October 24, 2023
She didn't hear the question just like President Biden did not hear the question when shouted to him. That seems to be a common thing now in the White House but we already know they don't hear Us anyway
— Eric (@Eric74565359) October 24, 2023
Democrats disappointed over Karine Jean-Pierre's response to question on antisemitism
Prominent Democrats, including Florida Rep Jared Moskowitz, previously voiced their disappointment over Karine Jean-Pierre's response. Moskowitz criticized her response, saying, "What a weak answer. And why are you looking in the book? What’s the approved answer?"
"The simple answer is yes, you are concerned about the rise of antisemitism. Of course, we are also worried about hatred against Muslim Americans. Must do better," added Moskowitz added.
What a weak answer. And why are you looking in the book? What’s the approved answer? The simple answer is yes, you are concerned about the rise of antisemitism. Of course we are also worried about hatred against Muslim Americans. Must do better. https://t.co/RdYhPTFpHa
— Jared Moskowitz 🟧 (@JaredEMoskowitz) October 23, 2023
On the other hand, Florida Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz acknowledged that Jean-Pierre's response was a "clear whiff." However, she insisted that President Biden "could not possibly be standing more strongly with Israel."