9/5/24 Max Blumenthal on a Disappointing DNC Amidst the Holocaust of Our Time
Sep 7, 2024
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Max Blumenthal, a senior editor at the Grayzone Project and author of several impactful books, shares his insights from the Democratic National Convention. He critiques the lack of substantial foreign policy discussion, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine. Blumenthal highlights the disappointing alignment with neoconservative rhetoric and the media's role in downplaying dissent. He also discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, framing it as a 'holocaust of our time,' and emphasizes the catastrophic effects of U.S. policies on civilian lives.
Max Blumenthal critiques the Democratic National Convention for its insufficient responses to the Gaza conflict and lackluster foreign policy speeches.
He highlights the challenges faced by anti-war activists, emphasizing the need for reframing activism amidst restrictions on free speech and assembly.
Deep dives
Max Blumenthal's Observations at the DNC
Max Blumenthal provides a critical perspective on the Democratic National Convention, highlighting the lack of significant protests against the party's pro-Israel stance amid ongoing violence in Gaza. He notes that the momentum for protest diminished following Kamala Harris's rise in the party, which he believes discouraged major demonstrations. Despite the disheartening turnout of only around 5,000 attendees at protests, Blumenthal highlights attempts to confront key Democratic figures like Chuck Schumer and Cory Booker with hard-hitting questions regarding their policies toward Israel. He explains that credentialed journalists were often restricted from engaging directly with important party members, forcing him to utilize a non-credentialed approach to access and question the party leadership on their stance regarding Israeli actions in Gaza.
Critique of Kamala Harris's Acceptance Speech
In her acceptance speech at the DNC, Kamala Harris expressed vague concern for the casualties in Gaza while predominantly condemning Hamas, which Blumenthal criticizes as misleading and insufficient. He points out that Harris’s comments lacked accountability for the actions of Israel, framing them in a passive voice that detracted from the reality of the atrocities occurring. Harris's rhetoric is described as aligned with a neoconservative agenda, reflecting a stance of military aggression towards countries like Iran and an unwavering support for Israel despite widespread civilian suffering in Gaza. This portrayal of Harris's speech captures the broader Democratic platform that continues to embrace aggressive foreign policies and aligns with the interests of military lobbying groups.
The Landscape of Anti-War Activism
Blumenthal emphasizes the challenges faced by anti-war activists, particularly students, as they attempt to mobilize against what he describes as the ongoing genocide in Gaza. He notes that the anti-war movement has, over time, been co-opted by Democrats, resulting in a dilution of its critical voice, especially following Harris's nomination. Additionally, he expresses concern about new restrictions on campus protests that limit free speech and assembly, attributing these changes to pressure from pro-Israel groups. Blumenthal argues that the current political landscape necessitates a reframing of activism to address not only the urgency of the Palestinian plight but also the vital issue of free speech in political discourse.
Scott had Max Blumenthal on Antiwar Radio this week to talk about his experience reporting from the Democratic National Convention. He explains how he was able to confront so many party VIPs, the extremely disappointing foreign policy speeches, why he thinks the protests outside the convention failed and more.
