Democratic Lawmakers Condemn Journalist for "AIPAC Monkey" Remark
RightRigor 508 sources
The Story
Democratic lawmakers denounced left-wing Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal for referring to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) as an "AIPAC monkey." Jebreal made the comment during a podcast interview with progressive commentator Wajahat Ali earlier this week. She stated, "He is a bought and paid by AIPAC monkey," adding, "With all due respect and I don't mean it in a racist way. He is just basically an errand boy, and we're done and tired." The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) promptly denounced the remark and called out Ali for platforming it. The CBC stated, "To be clear, there isn't a non-racist way to call Leader Jeffries a Black man a 'monkey' or 'errand boy.'" Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH) wrote on X, "This is reprehensibly racist language that must be condemned." Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) also condemned the comments. Ali responded that he called out the remark in real time and that Jebreal has unconditionally apologized for her words, regardless of the context or her intent. Jebreal, in a statement on X, wrote, "I am disgusted and horrified that Hakeem Jeffries is taking money from AIPAC amidst Israel's genocide in Palestine. That said, a term that I used to describe him was inappropriate and offensive and should never have been used. I apologize unconditionally." Jeffries, Torres, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have remained staunch supporters of Israel. Jebreal has worked as a foreign policy analyst for multiple publications, including MSNBC. Joy Reid later had Rula and Wajahat on her show.
The Spread
Right
What they agree on
- Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal referred to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) as an "AIPAC monkey" during a podcast interview.
- Democratic lawmakers, including the Congressional Black Caucus, condemned Jebreal's remark as racist.
- Jebreal issued an unconditional apology for using the term, while also criticizing Jeffries for taking money from AIPAC.
- Wajahat Ali, the podcast host, stated he called out the remark in real time and that Jebreal apologized.
- Jeffries is described as a staunch supporter of Israel.
Where they split
- Mediaite and The Western Journal focus on the outrage and condemnation from Democratic lawmakers, including specific quotes from Rep. Shontel Brown and Rep. Ritchie Torres.
- Twitchy articles emphasize Wajahat Ali's defensive reactions and his attempts to deflect criticism, including his post about being a "small-time podcast host."
- The Washington Examiner includes Jebreal's clarification that Jeffries reminded her of the three wise monkeys who cannot hear, see, or speak.
- Twitchy also reports that Joy Reid launched a "rehab tour" for Ali and Jebreal by having them on her show.
Source Perspectives
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