Senator Cory Booker initially celebrated a group of pro-Palestinian protesters interrupting a speech before attempting to drown them out with his own awkward effort to encourage people to get out and vote.
“I want to call out to everybody right now. These final hours. This is what’s on the ballot,” Booker (D-NJ) said in his speech. “We should know in New Jersey how privileged we are. There are so many places in our country right now …”
That’s when protesters interrupted shouting, “Ceasefire now!”
Booker initially welcomed the interruption.
“This is what makes America great,” he said, voice rising. “The power to protest. The power to have free speech. The power of America.”
Booker then pivoted by trying to drown out the hecklers with his own chant – “Column A, all the way!” – a reference to the Democratic candidates running in New Jersey.
A post on X, formerly known as Twitter, claims that Booker was surprised and “had to exit immediately.”
BREAKING: @SenBooker’s speech in New Jersey was just shut down by protestors who interrupted him after a few seconds, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza (Palestine) where a Palestinian child is being killed every 10 minutes. Booker was taken by surprise and had to exit immediately. pic.twitter.com/DDzSVk8kyI
— Tarek El-Messidi (@Elmessidi) November 5, 2023
Booker Shut Down By Protesters
Senator Booker recently took part in a joint statement that seems to align him with the protesters’ calls for a cease-fire.
Booker joined several other Democrat senators in “calling for a short-term cessation of hostilities that pose high-risk to civilians.”
“Hamas’ horrific actions cannot be ascribed to all Palestinians,” the statement contends. “Indeed, Palestinian residents of Gaza have often been victimized by Hamas.”
Democrats have actively pushed the idea that “innocent Palestinian civilians” are fleeing the Gaza Strip, where Hamas terrorists govern and were elected by the people in 2006.
I joined fellow Senators in calling for a short-term cessation of hostilities that pose high-risk to civilians. pic.twitter.com/Exb4j6ZaRA
— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) November 6, 2023
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated unequivocally that there “will be no cease-fire without the return of the hostages.”
“We say this to our friends and to our enemies. We will simply continue until we defeat them,” added Netanyahu. “We have no alternative.”
PM Netanyahu: “We will simply continue until we defeat them. We have no alternative. I think that we all understand this today.
The entire nation is united and relies on you, appreciates what you are doing and believes in you. We will continue together until victory.” pic.twitter.com/JRdOEccTOT
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 5, 2023
Booker Caught Holding Up Anti-Israel Sign
Senator Booker had an upfront view of the terrorist attacks conducted by Hamas in Israel one month ago today. He was forced to flee when the attacks and the killing of innocent Israelis had begun.
“I was in Israel when the horrific attacks carried out by Hamas started on Saturday,” he wrote on the X social media platform.
“My team and I are now safe, but like many we are shaken, angered, and heartbroken by the hundreds killed, the thousands injured, those taken hostage, and all who are directly affected by these sickening terrorist attacks,” he continued.
Booker recounted having to take refuge in a bomb shelter before being flown to safety.
I was in Israel when the horrific attacks carried out by Hamas started on Saturday. My team and I are now safe, but like many we are shaken, angered, and heartbroken by the hundreds killed, the thousands injured, those taken hostage, and all who are directly affected by these… pic.twitter.com/E4BgEZxSTC
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 8, 2023
As awkward as his attempt to drown out the protesters on Monday was, critics might say that his past social media posts supporting anti-Israel activists could be seen as even worse.
In a 2018 social media post, Booker can be seen smiling with pro-Palestine activists while holding up a sign that reads: “From Palestine to Mexico. All the Walls Have Got to Go.”
Excited to be here at Netroots Nation talking with progressives like Sen. Cory Booker about our shared commitment to freedom, justice, and equality for all people. #NN18 pic.twitter.com/ljswLmv32w
— #DefendMasaferYatta USCPR (@USCPR_) August 3, 2018
At the time, Booker’s office defended him by saying that he didn’t clearly see the comments on the sign.
A spokesperson for the New Jersey Democrat reiterated support for the protesters in a statement.
“Senator Booker celebrates the fact that in America, we all have the right to make our political views and voices heard through peaceful protest,” the statement reads.
What do you think about Booker’s latest blunder? Let us know in the comments section.
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