Campus Protests Against Israeli War in Gaza Threaten Biden’s Young Voter Support as Dems Split Over Antisemitic Incidents and Republican Criticism Intensifies

The article discusses how President Joe Biden’s support among young voters is being threatened by campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, as pro-Israel Democrats call on him to respond more forcefully to antisemitic incidents at colleges and universities. Republicans have accused the demonstrations of being an “inflection point” inside the White House that signifies incompetence from Biden. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has condemned reported antisemitic incidents, while some Democratic leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have defended Bernie Sanders’ Jewish values and criticised Republicans for politicising the issue. The article also highlights parallels between current protests and those of the 1960s antiwar movement, with both sides accusing each other of being antisemitic by definition or not understanding what is happening in Gaza. Ultimately, while some Democratic leaders have expressed discomfort at loudly defying Biden’s support for Israel, others like Elizabeth Warren and Sanders have been critical of Israeli tactics but stopped short of bringing all the demands of protestors to national attention. Republicans such as House Speaker Mike Johnson plan to vote on a bill using a definition linking antisemitism with supporting Israel in conflict against Gaza residents; Jewish Democrat Moskowitz urged caution on Twitter, while Ocasio-Cortez defended Sanders’ family history of the Holocaust and his commitment to protecting innocents. The article concludes by noting that Democrats have largely coalesced around backing Netanyahu’s mission in dismantling Hamas but progressives like Warren and Sanders are critical of Israel’s tactics, while Biden has condemned antisemitic protests but also expressed support for Israel to protect itself against carnage following October 7 attacks. Democrats on campus continue with the protest movement; Republicans accuse them of supporting terrorism.