A tense exchange took place between a reporter and a Biden administration representative during a White House briefing regarding potential conflicts in the Middle East. The discussion was between NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby and Kimberly Halkett of Al Jazeera. The conversation touched on the possibility of politics influencing Biden’s decision-making process in regards to the ongoing conflict with Yemen-based Houthi rebels.
Halkett began by referencing a letter signed by nearly 30 House members, which questioned the legality of Biden’s actions in the Middle East. The letter states, “No president, regardless of political party, has the constitutional authority to bypass Congress on matters of war.” Kirby’s response was that the attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the deaths of American troops in Jordan warranted a response from the Biden administration. He also stated that Biden is “comfortable” with his executive powers when it comes to defending US assets and personnel.
However, Halkett pressed on, asking whether Biden was considering his popularity and polling numbers when making decisions on potential conflicts in the Middle East, as it is an election year. This question seemed to irk Kirby, who quickly shut it down by saying, “He’s not looking at political calculations, or the polling, or the electoral calendar as he works to protect our troops ashore and our ships at sea.” He then added, “Any suggestion to the contrary is offensive.”
But Halkett wouldn’t let it go and continued to push for an answer, asking if Biden was considering the American public’s feelings on the situation and whether they want to be involved in a broader conflict in the Middle East. Kirby reiterated his stance by saying that Biden was not concerned with the political calendar and added, “He is not concerning himself with the political calendar.” The press briefing was clearly becoming heated, and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tried to move on by saying, “Let’s go.”
However, Halkett persisted, asking if the American public had a say in whether they wanted “Made in America” stamped on the bombs that would potentially be dropped in the region. Kirby, clearly agitated, replied, “He is not concerning himself with the political calendar.” Jean-Pierre then stepped in and ended the exchange, saying, “We’re gonna move on.”
The tension in the room was palpable as the two went back and forth with their questions and responses. Halkett’s line of questioning focused on the potential political motives behind Biden’s actions, while Kirby vehemently denied any political calculations being made. The back-and-forth ended with the press secretary attempting to shut down the conversation, highlighting the sensitivity of the topic at hand.
John Kirby clashes with Al Jazeera's @KimberlyHalkett at WH press briefing:
“[Biden’s] not looking at political calculations, or the polling, or the electoral calendar as he works to protect our troops ashore and our ships at sea … any suggestion to the contrary is offensive.” pic.twitter.com/LKwDcdE1vr
— The Recount (@therecount) January 29, 2024
The exchange between Halkett and Kirby sheds light on the potential influence of politics in the decision-making process of the Biden administration. As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will navigate this delicate situation.