NYPD Officers Enter Columbia University Campus After Protesters Occupy Building
TimeApr 27, 2024
Biden Affirms Demonstrators' Right to Peacefully Protest, Condemns Violence
Image copyright: Kevin Dietsch/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
US Pres. Joe Biden, making previously unscheduled remarks Thursday in the White House Roosevelt Room, said, ''There's the right to protest, but not the right to cause chaos" when commenting about pro-Palestine protests that have occurred on college campuses across the country.
At a time when many demonstrators have refused to leave the campus encampments they've built, and some schools are turning to police to clear them out, Biden called dissent "essential for democracy" but he added it shouldn't "lead to disorder."
Biden also responded to questions to affirm there's no need for the National Guard to become involved in campus disputes, and that he hasn't changed his stance on the Hamas-Israel war in response to the protests.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Biden's late comments on these havoc-wreaking demonstrators weren't strong enough. The president attacked pro-Trump "MAGA" citizens with much more anger than he showed toward these protesters who don't back America's policies and have openly shown their disdain for him. This could very well cost him reelection, and the US can benefit from a stronger administration.
Democratic narrative
Biden is doing what he does best — calming a chaotic situation. He knows he's the president for all Americans, and his comments show his sympathy for all sides of this debate as long as they abide by the law. In a tenuous situation, Biden is toeing the line as a peacemaker as well as anyone could.
Metaculus Prediction
Public Figures
Political split
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