Leahy Will Not Attend 'Politicized' Netanyahu Speech To Congress

[DonViejo]

Source: TPM

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) said he would not attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress, joining a handful of Democratic lawmakers in boycotting the meeting, Vermont newspaper Seven Days reported.

"The unfortunate way that House leaders have unilaterally arranged this, and then heavily politicized it, has demolished the potential constructive value of this Joint Meeting. They have orchestrated a tawdry and high-handed stunt that has embarrassed not only Israel but the Congress itself," Leahy said in a Tuesday statement.

"It has long been an unwritten rule and practice through the decades that when it comes to American foreign policy, we speak and act thoughtfully, with one voice when we can, with the national interests of the United States as our uppermost consideration, and with caution about the unintended consequences of unilateral actions like this," he continued. "They have diminished that valuable precedent."

Sanders said on Monday that he would not attend the Joint Meeting. Three House Democrats have also said they will skip Netanyahu's speech, which House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) invited him to deliver before consulting with the White House. In addition, a dozen House Democrats have threatened to boycott the speech.

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Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/leahy-will-not-attend-netanyahu-speech

[BlueCaliDem]

1. Senators Boxer and Feinstein...now it's your turn.

I'm fairly certain they'll also choose not to attend Prime Minister Netanyahu's political campaign speech in our Congress. I'm also fairly certain they don't want to have to do this, but they can't be seen as being disrespectful toward a very popular president - one that Californians adore.

[VA_Jill]

2. I think

it would be more impressive and would make more of a point if those who are intending to boycott would show up and, as soon as Bibi is introduced, get up and walk out. That's what I would do. But that's me.

[msanthrope]

3. That would be rude. And we don't want BiBi to claim victimhood....we

want to ruthlessly undercut the bastard before he gets here.....

[BillZBubb]

11. Exactly.

That's the smart way to do it.

[djean111]

4. It would make a point, but IMO would be just as childish as the police turning their backs

on DiBlasio. I think empty seats would be enough.

[yikes1]

6. djean111

baby killer is not an elected official, so it would not be the same. He has no business coming to our congress to influence votes.

[djean111]

9. Oh, I know that - it just seems childish, like yelling "Liar!".

Boehner is already making a mockery of Congress. Let him have the spotlight on that. Don't give him something to deflect with. I love the thought of everyone leaving, though. I do.

[VA_Jill]

13. Except

that the Repugs are just going to fill those with their staffers, so what's the point?

[djean111]

14. That's true. Guess we will have to wait and see what they do.

Such a bizarre situation.

[srican69]

5. I wish that wallstreet whore Schumer grows a pair to stand up to NetanYahoo

[ann---]

7. Good for him, too!

[George II]

8. Better than not showing up is his statement about the whole show. I would guess...

....that as the date approaches we'll see more of this AND many who don't want to announce that they won't be there will ultimately stay home.

I want to see how Boehner, McConnell, and Fox spin that.

[BillZBubb]

12. You know how they'll spin it:

"Democrats spit in the face of America's greatest ally, God's promised land, the brave nation of Israel".

[Steviehh]

10. Chuck "Bootheel on Palistine necks" Schumer

Will show. AIPAC favorite.