United States Senator and Republican candidate for President Tim Scott delivered a speech Tuesday focused on the terrorist attacks in Israel launched by Hamas. The speech was delivered at the Hudson Institute and included criticism of Democrats as well as two of Scott’s Republican opponents.
Scott started by calling the atrocities inhuman and unbelievable.
“The hearts and minds of the American people have been filled with heartbreak, and frankly, righteous anger for our friends and our allies, the people of Israel,” Scott said. “The terrorist attacks on innocent children, women and men were disgusting.”
Scott noted the beheading of babies by Hamas.
“I can’t think of something more vile, disgusting and heartbreaking at the same time than thinking about the devastation brought not just to our ally, but to our friend, Israel,” he said.
In Israel, 1,000 deaths are equivalent to 36,000 dead Americans.
He added that the “heinous acts of war will not go unanswered and will not go unpunished.”
“Our nation is founded on the Judeo-Christian rock,” he said. “As a Christian, I believe we first follow Romans 12:15 and mourn with those who mourn. And our prayers are with the people of Israel. But we must also stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends when it is time to turn the page to Romans 13:4 — if you do wrong, be afraid…for God’s servants are agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoers.’ These despicable acts deserve nothing less than the full measure of justice. The people behind them need to feel the wrath of God and they need to meet some Israeli or American military hardware to help them get there soon.”
Scott called for American leadership that stops inviting this kind of aggression.
“President Obama’s own defense secretary famously said that Joe Biden was on the wrong side of every major question in foreign policy and national security for 40 years,” Scott said. “So tragically, it is no surprise that President Biden’s term has been a disaster for our security, our vital interests and our allies.”
President Joe Biden’s administration has been “outfought, outsmarted and outlasted,” Scott said.
“Time after time, Joe Biden has revealed a lack of backbone,” Scott added. “It’s not just hesitation or incompetence, it’s a pattern of foolish policy choices that have undermined us and our allies.”
Scott went even further, claiming that Joe Biden “has blood on his hands.”
“His weakness invited the attack. His cash giveaways to Iran helped fund terrorism,” he said. “And after the attack, his administration suggested Israel should stand down. It’s a disgrace. We need a President who is loyal to our allies and lethal to our adversaries. Because weakness never buys you peace.”
Despite the friendly history between Israel and America, Scott noted two consecutive Democrat administrations have worked to weaken that relationship. And it is because the “far left” has become hostile to Israel.
“The most extreme statements have become a daily routine. They even dabble openly in anti-Semitism,” Scott said. “But President Biden will not stand up to them because he cares more about his own power.”
Scott criticized statements issued by Rep. Cori Bush, Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He noted other “Squad members” such as Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal and Rashida Tlaib.
“These people support the anti-Semitic B.D.S Movement that calls for economic warfare against Israel through boycotts and sanctions — simply because the Jewish state dares to exist,” Scott said.
“Radical liberals are choosing their own political power over peace,” Scott said. “They would rather invite attacks on our allies than stand up to the fringe in their own party. It is cowardice that makes them complicit. And it has to stop. We need to eliminate the racist, socialist, anti-Semitic D.S.A from American politics.”
The first priority must be rescuing American hostages. Scott said Biden should make it clear to Hamas that if someone takes an American life, it will cost them their life.
Hamas, Scott added, needs to be “wiped off the face of the Earth.” With that in mind, America must be ready to help provide Israel with the necessary resources.
He finished by criticizing Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Scott noted Ramaswamy previously said the definition of success is reducing America’s support for Israel. DeSantis once dismissed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “territorial dispute,” Scott added.
“The last thing we need is a Joe Biden wing of the Republican Party on foreign policy,” Scott said. “It’s also a mistake and damaging when some Republicans keep repeating that America is in decline. They paint a picture of some failing empire that needs to cut our losses and pull up the drawbridge. That idea is dead wrong. And it’s dangerous. The American people are not in decline. American courage and American values aren’t in decline. We’re just stuck with a weak President who is in retreat.”
