The White House had already made it clear that President Obama would not be meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he arrives in March to address a joint session of Congress, citing a policy of not meeting with any leaders shortly before their elections and possibly giving the appearance of trying to influence the outcome.
Today it was announced that Vice President Joe Biden, who as president of the United States Senate would normally preside over the joint session, will not be attending.
Biden says he won’t attend Netanyahu speech AND there’s a new Spongebob movie in theaters. Do the math…
— david shayne (@davidshayne) February 6, 2015
That could very well be the reason, as far as we know. ABC News reports that Biden’s office confirmed that “he will be ‘traveling abroad,’ but it wouldn’t say why or where.” Frankly, that sounds like the perfect mission for Biden.
VP's office says it expects VP Biden will be "traveling abroad" during Netanyahu's US visit next month and will miss his speech to Congress.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 6, 2015
https://twitter.com/cerenomri/status/563814399350411264
@cerenomri VP will be needed for urgent high-level consultations in The Bahamas. Won't break the diplomatic bank.
— Mike Harris (@DrMikeH49) February 6, 2015
now VP Biden says he won’t be at @netanyahu speech to Congres – real excuse or fake? http://t.co/oWluTldwfn
— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) February 6, 2015
Right…He's got a trip planned but not ready 2 announce where: Biden expected to miss Netanyahu's speech to Congress http://t.co/6h5uRmbZwN
— Rudy (@USAfree123) February 6, 2015
@greta @netanyahu Absolutley disgusting that Biden wont attend Netanyahu's speech to Congress!! Shame on Washington for turning their backs!
— Michele Kozal (@MicheleKozal) February 6, 2015
Joe Biden unable to make Netanyahu speech because he'll be washing his 1981 white Pontiac Trans Am that day http://t.co/BbBVsNiHCq
— Toby Harnden (@tobyharnden) February 6, 2015
Netanyahu response to Biden skipping speech should be "Big F'ing deal!" Ah, the embarrassment continues with these clowns.
— ODCGIRL (@ODCGIRL127) February 6, 2015
BIDEN IS THE OTHER EMPTY CHAIR ANYWAY?WH: Biden Will 'Be There' for Pope, But Maybe Not for Netanyahu http://t.co/JL2exPajba
— deborah green (@NewaiGreen) February 6, 2015
VP Biden will not attend Netanyahu talk to congress. Probably just as well. The PM won't have to dumb down his remarks.
— Donald Thibaut (@dgtbow) February 6, 2015
@VP Biden won't attend Netanyahu speech in Congress..He's going to DimWit Village more his speed.He probably wouldn't comprehend it anyway.
— ⚡️Peni Basse ⭐️⭐️⭐️? (@pmbasse) February 6, 2015
https://twitter.com/jrios68/status/563825539937730560
Obama looks like a two year old disrespecting Netanyahu Biden looks like a puppy Afraid of getting smacked for peeing all over the floor
— KGarrison (@kgarrison) February 6, 2015
https://twitter.com/hall_kathi/status/563816775968915457
@WhiteHouse Vice President Biden I'm so PROUD of you for taking the lead in NOT attending Netanyahu Boehnor speech I hope Democrats follow!
— Phyllis Anne (@PAWarnhoff) February 6, 2015
It’s likely some Democrats will bail on Netanyahu’s address, especially now that the president and vice president have set the precedent. In the meantime, let’s enjoy again this video from the Democratic National Convention of the crowd booing when an amendment to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is forced back into the Democratic platform on a bogus voice vote.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member