In a surprising move, President Joe Biden and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) shared the stage at an Earth Day event held in Virginia on Monday, April 22, 2024.
The event, aimed at promoting the administration’s environmental agenda, took an unexpected turn when Biden praised Ocasio-Cortez’s political influence and defended controversial protests at Ivy League colleges.
During the event, Biden commended Ocasio-Cortez, stating, “You know, I learned a long time ago listen to that lady, listen to that lady — we’re gonna talk more about another part of the world, too, real quickly.” This statement came as a surprise, considering the ideological differences between the two politicians.
AOC: *praises "peaceful" antisemitic Columbia, Yale protests*
BIDEN (minutes later): "I learned a long time ago — listen to that lady!" pic.twitter.com/0Ryzww9zQJ
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 22, 2024
In her prepared remarks, Ocasio-Cortez defended divisive protests that have been widely condemned as anti-Semitic and pro-Hamas at prestigious universities. She emphasized the importance of young people shaping the country and praised “peaceful, student-led protests” at campuses like Columbia, Yale, and Berkeley.
Biden’s decision to stand alongside Ocasio-Cortez and support her statements has raised eyebrows among conservative circles. Critics argue that the President’s actions align with a radical agenda, despite his previous attempts to position himself as a moderate Democrat.
Biden leans in to chat with AOC — who then guides him off the stage, where he *immediately* gets confused pic.twitter.com/Q6YqFAjFsZ
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 22, 2024
Adding fuel to the controversy, when asked if he condemned the anti-Semitic protests, Biden condemned both sides of the issue, stating, “I also condemn those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians.”
This remark has further polarized the political landscape, with some accusing the President of being out of touch with the concerns of the Jewish community.
REPORTER: “Do you condemn the antisemitic protests on college campuses?”
BIDEN: There were very fine people on both sides.
REPORTER: “Should the Columbia University president resign?"
BIDEN: “I didn’t know that.”
*shuffles away* pic.twitter.com/PHaO3VVZZO
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 22, 2024
The event, which focused on environmental issues, announced $7 billion in federal grants to provide residential solar power to low-income families. This initiative is part of Biden’s larger effort to combat climate change and create jobs in the green energy sector.
Despite the controversy surrounding Biden’s cozying up to Ocasio-Cortez and his remarks on the protests, the President’s supporters argue that his environmental policies represent a step forward in addressing climate change. However, critics remain skeptical of the administration’s ability to balance its environmental agenda with the concerns of the American people.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the political landscape remains polarized, with both Biden and his opponents vying for the support of the American public. The Earth Day event has only added to the debate over the direction of the country and the role of radical politics in shaping its future.
