Lindsey Graham Blasts Journalist For Questions About Rashida Tlaib's Tweet: "Get This Guy Out of Here"
The senior senator of the United States, Lindsey Graham, had an explosive meltdown on a reporter for bringing up Representative Rashida Tlaib's tweet accusing Israel of bombing a Baptist building in Gaza. During a press conference on Sunday, October 22, 2023, Newsmax reporter Daniel Cohen was at the receiving end of Graham's fury.
Cohen, an Israel correspondent for Newsmax, asked the delegations present in the Tel Aviv press conference if they would like to comment on Tlaib's tweet condemning Israel for the latest airstrike. The reporter said the "tweet is still up condemning Israel for a hospital attack we know was a lie." Graham interrupted Cohen and snapped.
"Stop, no," Graham snarled. Cohen tried to press him further, but he cut him off again, "Stop!" However, the Newsmax reporter refused to budge and pushed more, saying it was a "fair question." But the senator said, "We are here together not to talk about the problems at home, which are many," reported Newsmax.
Pointing his finger at Cohen, he continued, "I have my own view of what to say; you're not going to screw this up." The angry senator then pointed toward the security officers and ordered them to push Cohen out of the conference room. "Get this guy out of here," Graham commanded.
However, the Israeli security guard turned a deaf ear to Graham's order. The 68-year-old explained, "I am an American; I believe in free speech," Graham contradicted his own behavior minutes after snapping at Cohen. He insisted that lawmakers shouldn't be judged or questioned on the Squad's personal opinion.
I have a simple message:
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) October 17, 2023
Israel has nothing to apologize for. They did not cause this.
It was my great honor to join faith leaders in Columbia to discuss the ongoing situation in Israel and our path forward. pic.twitter.com/21khOWv56Q
"I don't believe what the Squad has to say at all. But I came here with Democrats and Republicans to let everybody in the world know, don't judge every Democrat by the Squad and don't judge every Republican by some of the things you hear," continued Graham. Also, the remorse came quickly for him as he later apologized to the reporter.
Addressing Cohen, he said, "And I'm sorry my friend. I probably shouldn't have said it, but my nerves are raw right now," expressing regret over his outburst. The reason for discord at the Tel Aviv press conference was Tlaib's tweet targeting Israel for perpetuating bombardment in Gaza, the most recent one in a Baptist building, where civilians took shelter.
Israel just bombed the Baptist Hospital killing 500 Palestinians (doctors, children, patients) just like that. @POTUS this is what happens when you refuse to facilitate a ceasefire & help de-escalate.
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) October 17, 2023
Your war and destruction only approach has opened my eyes and many… https://t.co/mZYoifT7bj
The tweet read, "Israel just bombed the Baptist Hospital, killing 500 Palestinians (doctors, children, patients) just like that." She then tagged President Biden and continued, "@POTUS, this happens when you refuse to facilitate a ceasefire & help de-escalate."
Tlaib added, "Your war and destruction only approach has opened my eyes and many Palestinian Americans and Muslim Americans like me. We will remember where you stood." The other side, i.e., the United States, believes a rocket misfired from the Palestinian Military Group destroyed the building.
Senator Susan Collins addressed the reporters in Tel Aviv after the press conference, "It's very hard for me to understand why a member of Congress or anyone would not condemn what Hamas has done." The Muslim American US representative Tlaib is seeking an independent investigation into the recent Gaza hospital blast.
The majority of Americans are with us in supporting immediate de-escalation and a ceasefire. It's time for @POTUS and Congress to support our #CeasefireNOW resolution to save lives. https://t.co/H5zojUxVDZ
— Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) October 20, 2023
She said in a statement, "Media outlets and third-party analysts have raised doubts about claims and evidence offered by both Israel and the Gaza Ministry of Health, and I agree with the United Nations that an independent investigation is necessary," reported the New York Post.