Democratic Party’s College Group Backs Pro-Palestine Protests, Criticizes Biden

The group has endorsed Biden for re-election but says it has the right to criticize its own party

The College Democrats of America, the official college outreach arm of the Democratic National Committee, has come out strongly in support of students at college campuses across the country protesting against the US-backed Israeli slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza.

“This past week, we witnessed heroic actions on the part of students around the country to protest and sit in for an end to the war in Palestine and the release of the hostages. Since the beginning of this conflict, College Democrats and students from every walk of life have had the moral clarity to see this war for what it is: destructive, genocidal, and unjust,” the group said in a statement.

The group condemned the crackdown on protesters. “The end of the conflict and release of hostages is a goal we should all share as Americans in pursuit of a more just international community. The response to these protests by the college administrations, on the contrary, deserves the strongest condemnation,” the statement said.

While the group has endorsed President Biden for the 2024 election, it criticized President Biden’s policy of unconditional support for the genocidal war in Gaza and refusal to call for a ceasefire. Biden has also smeared the protesters as “antisemitic” despite Jewish participation in the protests. On Tuesday, the White House condemned the takeover of a campus building at Columbia University.

“As College Democrats we are committed to the re-election of President Biden and Democrats across down-ballot races in every corner of our nation. However, as representatives of youth across the country, we reserve the right to criticize our own party when it fails to represent youth voices. As young voters, we are well aware that come November, our votes will determine who wins the White House,” the group said.

“The White House has taken the mistaken route of a bear hug strategy for Netanyahu and a cold shoulder strategy for its own base and all Americans who want to see an end to this war. Each day that Democrats fail to stand united for a permanent ceasefire, two-state solution, and recognition of a Palestinian state, more and more youth find themselves disillusioned with the party,” the statement added.

President Biden has faced significant dissent from within the Democratic Party, his campaign team, and his administration. But there’s no sign he’s considering backing down on his support for the slaughter, even though it might cost him in November.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.