Sen. Chris Murphy blasted former Vice President Mike Pence – and, by extension, the Republican establishment – by claiming criticism of Biden’s foreign policy amounted to “bad faith” and “a gift to Hamas.”
Pence, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination, went on X (formerly Twitter) following the news of Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, tweeting, “This is what happens when @POTUS projects weakness on the world stage, kowtows to the mullahs in Iran with a $6 Billion ransom, and leaders in the Republican Party signal American retreat as Leader of the Free World. Weakness arouses Evil.”
The other candidates for the Republican presidential nomination, including former President Donald Trump and Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis, echoed Pence’s remarks in campaign appearances, with former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie taking the most aggressive approach by tweeting, “This terrorism is funded by Biden’s idiotic release of $6 billion to the Iranians.”
Murphy responded directly to Pence’s comments by tweeting, “This is partisan hackery at a time when we need statesmanship. Really bad faith. Trying to win cheap political points by shifting the blame away from the terrorists is a gift to Hamas right now.”
Murphy’s fellow Connecticut Democrat in the Senate, Richard Blumenthal, also took to X after the Hamas attack, but focused on support of Israel rather than partisan rancor.
“I am heartbroken & sickened by massive murderous attacks against Israeli civilians, leaving hundreds dead & wounded,” Blumenthal tweeted. “The United States must stand with Israel. After this unspeakable, staggering depravity by Hamas, condemnation should be worldwide. As Americans watch with shock & horror the brutal war — & atrocities — launched against Israel, we must reaffirm unequivocally our unshakable solidarity.”
Gov. Ned Lamont also condemned that attack, tweeting, “I am appalled by the attacks today on innocent Israeli civilians. Connecticut stands in solidarity with the people of Israel and condemns these terrorist attacks by Hamas. My heart is with the families of the victims in this dark hour.”
