Karine Jean-Pierre sparked controversy on Monday with her answer to a question about the rise in antisemitism following Hamas' slaughter of Israeli Jews and others on October 7th. 

A reporter asked Jean-Pierre whether the administration was concerned about a potential increase in antisemitism given the protests taking place across the country, some of which are outright calling for genocide. Instead of addressing the matter, the White House press secretary immediately deflected, stating that Muslims "have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks" before showing sympathy for Palestinian-Americans.

"What is [Biden's] level of concern right now about a potential rise of antisemitism?"

KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: "Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks" pic.twitter.com/q1WYkpbKmn

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 23, 2023

REPORTER: What is Biden's level of concern right now about a potential rise of antisemitism in light of everything that's going on in Israel?

JEAN-PIERRE: So a couple of things. Um, look, we have not seen any credible threats. I know there's been always questions about credible threats and so, I just want to make sure that's out there. 

But look, Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks, and certainly, President Biden understands that many of our Muslim, Arab, Arab-American, and Palestinian-American loved ones are worried about the hate being directed at their communities, and that is something you heard the president speak to in his address just last Thursday. 

And so, one of the things that the president has done is directed his team, Homeland Security team to prioritize prevention and disruption of any emerging threats that could harm the Jewish, the Muslim, Arab Americans, or any other communities, and that is something the president has sought to do since day one. As you know, the president ran on, on, you know, bringing, protecting communities but also bringing communities together, protecting the soul of the nation. And so, that is something the president takes very, very seriously, and we're going to continue to denounce any sort of hate toward any American here, and that's what we're going to continue to be steadfast on. 

The more I watch that clip, the more it sounds like Jean-Pierre didn't even process that the question was about antisemitism. At least, that's the most generous explanation as to why she'd take a pointed question about hatred of Jews and turn it into a platitude session about supposed Islamophobia. In fact, you can see that she's clearly reading the answer word-for-word from her binder. That makes me think she just defaulted to a statement on hatred toward Muslims because that's all she had prepared.

What does that say about her ability as a press secretary to speak clearly to the American people? 

Of course, the other explanation is that she and the administration are so committed to their far-left talking points that they'd gladly downplay antisemitism in order to prop up the idea that Muslims are the real victims of our current moment. I can't find any data to back up the assertion that Muslims are disproportionately targeted compared to Jews when it comes to hate crimes. I would suggest that a press secretary making that statement should be expected to show her work. 

Regardless, imagine being a Jew in America, facing down all the vicious hate currently coming from far-left groups, and then hearing the White House lecture you on supposed Islamophobia. It's so cliche as to seem parodic. Democrats can't simply denounce antisemitism without trying to draw some equivalency that fits their political priors.