Reporter: Will Biden consider polls before striking Iran-backed terrorists? Kirby’s explosive response
National Security Council Spokesman Gets Fired Up During Press Briefing
In a fiery exchange during Monday’s press briefing, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby became visibly irritated when a reporter questioned whether President Joe Biden would consider public opinion polls in his decision-making regarding a military response. The tense moment occurred less than 48 hours after news broke of a drone strike in Jordan, near the Syrian border, that killed three American service-members and injured many more. These attacks, like others in the region, were carried out by Iran-backed terrorist groups.
WATCH:
John Kirby gets angry when asked if the Biden is going to look at the American people for his decision-making: “That’s one heck of a question!” pic.twitter.com/HjNdObYRXh
— HalalFlow (@halalflow) January 29, 2024
During the briefing, Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett brought up a letter sent to the president by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, accusing him of unauthorized strikes against the Houthis and bypassing Congress. Halkett questioned whether the president had the constitutional authority to act without Congress’s approval in this situation.
Kirby responded, “We’re not at war with the Houthis. We’re not looking for a war with Iran. The president believes he has the legal authority to act in self-defense to protect our ships, sailors, troops, and facilities.”
Halkett argued that the American people should have a say in these matters, stating, “Isn’t it time to involve the American people? I mean, given the fact that the American people were not happy about [that] I mean.”
Kirby countered, “I suspect the American people are not happy about attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. I also suspect they’re not happy about seeing American troops killed at a base in Jordan. The president has the authority to defend those troops and facilities, and he will do so.”
Halkett then turned the conversation to politics, asking if the fact that it was an election year would influence Biden’s decision-making.
“Is the president looking at his polling when he’s weighing all of these options? Is the president looking at it?” she inquired.
Kirby fired back, “Well, I guess that’s one heck of a question. He’s not looking. Ma’am, let me just stop you right there. The Commander in Chief is not considering polling or the electoral calendar when he’s defending the American people.”
“He’s not making political calculations or looking at polling or the electoral calendar as he works to protect our troops and ships. Any suggestion otherwise is offensive,” he concluded.
How does public opinion influence the Biden administration’s strategy for national security
(@HalalFlo) September 20, 2022
The question that prompted Kirby’s heated response came from a reporter who asked, “Would President Biden take public opinion into account when deciding on a military response to these attacks?” Kirby’s immediate reaction was one of disbelief, exclaiming, “That’s one heck of a question!” He went on to state that the President takes a multitude of factors into consideration when making decisions of this magnitude, including intelligence reports, advice from military leaders, and consultations with his national security team.
Kirby continued by emphasizing that public opinion polls are not the primary determinant in shaping the country’s national security strategy. He reiterated that while the Biden administration values public input and transparency, decisions regarding military responses must be based on a thorough analysis of the situation on the ground and the potential risks involved.
The exchange highlighted the delicate balance that the Biden administration must strike in considering public opinion while prioritizing national security interests. While it is essential for any leader to listen to the concerns and viewpoints of the citizens they serve, the weight of a decision regarding military action cannot be solely dictated by popular sentiment.
Kirby’s passionate response underscores the gravity of the situation at hand. The drone strike in Jordan was a direct attack on American servicemen and women, and it is critical that the administration carefully considers its response. The region has been plagued by escalating tensions and attacks from Iran-backed terrorist groups, and any military response must be strategic, calculated, and aimed at effectively neutralizing the threat.
Public opinion, while valuable, cannot always provide the necessary insight into complex geopolitical matters and the potential ramifications of military action. The decision-making process must incorporate intelligence reports, expert advice, and a thorough understanding of the long-term consequences.
Kirby’s impassioned response also sheds light on the pressures faced by those in positions of power and authority during press briefings. The weight of responsibility and the scrutiny of the public eye can lead to heightened emotions and passionate reactions. It is crucial for reporters to handle such situations with sensitivity and respect, recognizing the magnitude of the issues being discussed.
In conclusion, the exchange between National Security Council spokesman John Kirby and the reporter highlights the challenges and complexities involved in decision-making regarding national security. While public opinion is important, it cannot be the sole determinant of military responses. The Biden administration must carefully balance the voices of the American people with strategic considerations and expert advice to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
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