
Newsom and Booker CRASH OUT At The Mention Of AIPAC
The Young Turks
29,469 views • 16 hours ago
Video Summary
This video transcript discusses the reluctance of Democratic politicians to directly label Benjamin Netanyahu as a war criminal and their avoidance of discussing foreign policy issues, particularly concerning Israel. It highlights Senator Cory Booker's evasiveness when questioned by Jennifer Welch about Netanyahu, attributing this behavior to funding from pro-Israel organizations like APEC. The transcript argues that this financial influence, along with the fear of media backlash and accusations of anti-Semitism, prevents politicians from taking critical stances on Israeli actions.
The discussion further criticizes Gavin Newsom's response to questions about APEC and military aid to Israel, labeling his answers as "word salad" and detached from the concerns of ordinary Americans. The transcript suggests that many politicians, both Democratic and Republican, prioritize the interests of Israel and their donors over those of their constituents, leading to policies that harm American economic interests and national security.
The speakers express frustration with the perceived corruption in the political establishment and the mainstream media's role in obscuring these issues. They argue that a growing segment of the electorate, particularly young voters, distrusts these institutions and is increasingly aware of the influence of the Israel lobby on political decisions. The transcript concludes that politicians who fail to address these concerns and remain tied to donor interests will struggle to gain trust and support.
Short Highlights
- Democratic politicians often avoid directly labeling Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal.
- Senator Cory Booker received approximately $871,563 from the Israel lobby (APEC).
- Gavin Newsom struggled to answer questions about APEC and halting military aid to Israel, repeating "interesting" eight times.
- The transcript alleges that politicians are influenced by "legalized bribery" from the Israel lobby, impacting their foreign policy decisions.
- Young voters are reportedly distrustful of mainstream media and politicians funded by the Israel lobby.
Key Details
The "War Criminal" Question and Political Evasion [00:00]
- The discussion begins by questioning whether Benjamin Netanyahu is considered a war criminal.
- It highlights the difficulty in getting direct "yes" or "no" answers from Democratic politicians on such "loaded and hot" questions, contrasting this with figures like Bernie Sanders.
- The frustration arises from politicians going through a "prism" and not providing clear answers.
"Do you think he's a war criminal? Benjamin Netanyahu, do you think he's a war criminal?"
Cory Booker's Response and Criticisms [00:34]
- Jennifer Welch of the "I've Had It" podcast questioned Senator Cory Booker about Netanyahu.
- Booker responded by stating his urgency is to end the crisis and that such questions undermine his urgency.
- The speaker criticizes Booker's response as "word salad" and a way of "hiding behind people" while taking pictures with Netanyahu.
- The transcript asserts that Booker is corrupt and "works for Israel," citing money received from APEC as proof.
"My urgency is to be an effective leader in bringing an end to this crisis. And I get these questions all the time that to me undermine my urgency."
Mainstream Media's Role and "Legalized Bribery" [03:08]
- The speakers accuse mainstream media of not showing clips of politicians avoiding difficult questions and of hiding information about campaign funding from the Israeli lobby.
- It is alleged that politicians' votes and lack of urgency on certain issues are connected to "legalized bribery" from the Israeli lobby.
- The American corporate media is accused of avoiding discussions about corrupting factors in the federal government.
"Almost all of mainstream media is a crook and they all work for Israel."
APEC Funding and Political Influence [05:50]
- According to APEC Tracker, Cory Booker has received close to $900,000 ($871,563) from the Israel lobby.
- A 2019 Intercept report mentioned Booker texting back and forth with the APEC president "like teenagers."
- Booker, when questioned, claimed a "minuscule percentage" of his resources come from APEC and that the majority of his funding comes from small dollar contributions (76% from $25 or less).
- The speakers dismiss this, stating that close to a million dollars is not a small amount and that it's laughable to suggest such funding has no political impact.
"So, Cy Booker is corrupt and works for Israel. That is super obvious and we're going to prove it to you."
The "Iceberg" of Lobbying Influence [08:07]
- The Israeli lobby's influence extends beyond direct donations, with money spent against politicians and through Super PACs.
- For example, a Super PAC supporting Marco Rubio received $5 million, which is not fully captured by trackers showing a little over a million dollars.
- APEC spent $20 million against Jamal Bowman to defeat him.
- The speakers argue that politicians like Cory Booker are aware of this and minimize their direct contributions, while also receiving funding from Super PACs and dark money.
"But that's actually the tip of the iceberg."
Political Stance on Israel and Media Pressure [09:49]
- The transcript suggests that almost all Democratic and Republican senators loyally serve Israel, not America, with a few exceptions.
- Criticizing Israel, even 1%, can lead to intense backlash from mainstream media and pro-Israeli groups, who might label the critic as anti-Semitic, pro-Hamas, or a bigot.
- This fear of media and APEC retaliation, including potential financial attacks like a "$20 million avalanche," influences politicians' decisions.
"If you criticize Israel, even 1%, mainstream media will rip your face off."
Gavin Newsom's "Malfunction" on APEC [15:51]
- Gavin Newsom is described as "malfunctioning" when asked about APEC and the Israel lobby, repeating the word "interesting" eight times.
- The transcript notes that Democratic voters are increasingly "soured on the issue of Israel" and are paying attention to politicians funded by the Israel lobby.
- Newsom stated, "I will not vote for a candidate that takes $1 from Apex." He later said he hadn't thought about APEC and that it was "not relevant to my day-to-day life."
"I will not vote for a candidate that takes $1 from Apex. It's interesting. I It's interesting. I haven't thought about Apac."
Halting Military Assistance to Israel [18:40]
- Van Lathan asked Newsom if he was in favor of halting all military assistance to Israel.
- Newsom responded that he is "not prepared to say that I would support a blanket exemption for military support of Israel."
- He expressed opposition to Netanyahu's actions and respect for Israel's right to exist but found a "clean way of answering that without the nuance" difficult.
"I've been very vocal in my opposition to BB Netanyahu. [...] I also uh have deep respect for the right of the state of Israel to exist and defend itself."
California's Priorities and the Israel Lobby [25:22]
- Newsom signed AB715 into law, intended to stop anti-Semitism in schools, supported by APEC and other Jewish organizations.
- The transcript criticizes this focus, stating that California has a housing crisis and a large homeless population, yet the legislature is focused on policies to please Israel.
- The law requires teachers to be factually accurate and adhere to unspecified professional standards, avoiding advocacy and partisanship, which is seen as vague and potentially hindering criticism of Israel.
"The state legislature along with the leadership, political leadership in California is beyond embarrassing. Their state is in shambles."
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