Democratic Presidential Candidates Rush To Defend Omar Over Anti-Semitism Scandal

The leading 2020 Democratic presidential candidates have come out in force to support Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) after her latest round of anti-Semitic remarks, declaring that her statements do not constitute anti-Semitism.

Omar, who already has been condemned by Democratic leaders for anti-Semitism, is again under the microscope for anti-Semitic remarks she made over the weekend.

Democrats were going to introduce another resolution this week to condemn Omar’s anti-Semitism, but after outrage from the far-left wing of the Democratic Party, it appears as though the party will no longer introduce a resolution specifically condemning Omar but will condemn all hate.

The leading 2020 Democratic candidates — Sens. Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) — also weighed in on Omar’s growing anti-Semitism scandal, stating that they did not believe her anti-Semitic remarks were actually anti-Semitic.

Sanders said in a statement:

Anti-Semitism is a hateful and dangerous ideology which must be vigorously opposed in the United States and around the world. We must not, however, equate anti-Semitism with legitimate criticism of the right-wing, Netanyahu government in Israel. Rather, we must develop an even-handed Middle East policy which brings Israelis and Palestinians together for a lasting peace. What I fear is going on in the House now is an effort to target Congresswoman Omar as a way of stifling that debate. That’s wrong.

Harris said in a statement:

We all have a responsibility to speak out against anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, racism, and all forms of hatred and bigotry, especially as we see a spike in hate crimes in America. But like some of my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, I am concerned that the spotlight being put on Congresswoman Omar may put her at risk.” We should be having a sound, respectful discussion about policy. You can both support Israel and be loyal to our country. I also believe there is a difference between criticism of policy or political leaders, and anti-Semitism. At the end of the day, we need a two-state solution and a commitment to peace, human rights, and democracy by all leaders in the region ― and a commitment by our country to help achieve that.

Warren said in a statement:

We have a moral duty to combat hateful ideologies in our own country and around the world―and that includes both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. In a democracy, we can and should have an open, respectful debate about the Middle East that focuses on policy. Branding criticism of Israel as automatically anti-Semitic has a chilling effect on our public discourse and makes it harder to achieve a peaceful solution between Israelis and Palestinians. Threats of violence ― like those made against Rep. Omar ― are never acceptable.

“Omar has been unrepentant over statements she made lamenting the influence of Jewish money in politics and questioning whether Jews were more loyal to Israel than America,” The Washington Examiner‘s Philip Klein reported. “The bigoted statements perpetuated classic anti-Semitic stereotypes, but that is now what’s considered acceptable in the Democratic Party— as long as it gets subsequently laundered as mere criticism of Israel.”