Dem Rep. Auchincloss Denies Split in Party Over Israel, Calls Ceasefire Backers ‘Outliers’ Speaking for ‘Own Political Ends’
The Massachusetts congressman characterized ceasefire calls as 'reckless' and 'misguided'
Rep. Jake Auchincloss, (D-Mass.), referred to members of his own party calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war as "outliers" pushing a "misguided" message.
Auchincloss, a Marine veteran, was asked by Shannon Bream on "Fox News Sunday"about a "split" within the Democratic Party over support for Israel's Gaza strikes, citing a New Yorker article claiming the issue was fracturing the party.
"There are outliers for sure," he said, adding that President Joe Biden has been "wise to ignore those calls for a ceasefire, which were reckless and misguided."
A number of Democrats have called for the United States to back a full ceasefire. They include members of the so-called congressional "squad," like Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.
Others, including like Sens. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., have been critical of Israel's strikes on Gaza, which have led to some 13,000 civilian casualties.
There is a temporary pause in fighting, which was granted in exchange for hostages held in Gaza. A third wave of hostages was released Sunday, including a 4-year-old American girl.
Auchincloss accused many backing a permanent ceasefire now of being out for their own political gain.
"Largely those outliers are speaking for their own political ends," he said.
"But there is broad consensus amongst Democratic policy makers that the president has been drawing on his 50 years of foreign policy experience to walk a narrow tight rope over a wide chasm, quite effectively," the lawmaker added.
By: Zachary Leeman
Source: The Messenger