Pelosi Comments Linking Pro-Palestinian Activists to Russia Spark Backlash
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Pelosi suggested without evidence that pro-Palestinian activists calling for a ceasefire in Gaza may have ties to Russia/Putin. This sparked backlash from activists.
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Activists condemned her remarks as an "unsubstantiated smear" that echoes past harassment of anti-war protesters. Polls show many Democrats support calls for a ceasefire.
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This is apparently the first time a major US official has publicly accused Russia of supporting pro-Palestinian activists to sow division among Democrats.
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Pelosi later emphasized the focus should be on ending suffering in Gaza and freeing hostages, while still calling for investigation into potential Russian interference.
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Her comments angered many Democrats and were seen as sabotaging the party by attacking most Democrat voters who oppose the war. Some warned it could hurt Biden's re-election support among Arab Americans.