The issue of pro-Hamas protests taking place on college campuses across the country has been a headache for Democrats mired in chaos over the issue. Particular attention is being paid to vulnerable officials, especially in the Senate, where the 2024 map appears particularly favorable to Republicans. This includes Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio.
Sharing coverage from Axiosin which Brown was quoted as saying he wouldn’t even speak on the subject, Republican challenger Bernie Moreno released a shocking statement calling him out.
“Peaceful protest is a core American value and our First Amendment is sacred to me, but the vile, violent, anti-Semitic and pro-Hamas demonstrations we see on our campuses are unlawful and go far beyond free speech. “These activists are not simply exercising their right to free speech to spread pro-Hamas and anti-Semitic garbage, they are behaving brutally, intimidating and targeting Jewish students and professors, disrupting educational spaces, setting up filthy and disgusting encampments, and destroying public property,” he said Moreno. “It is absolutely disgraceful that Sherrod Brown wholeheartedly supported these vile and brutal anti-Semitic demonstrations. Ohio deserves a senator who won’t bend the knee to anti-Semitic radicals. We need law and order on our campuses immediately, not continued mass chaos.”
We need immediate law and order on our campuses, not continued mass chaos. pic.twitter.com/wSWjmgw6vK
— Bernie Moreno (@berniemoreno) May 1, 2024
In contrast is Brown, who is mentioned in an article aptly titled “Democrats panic after protests break out in Gaza” and not in the most flattering way:
Rapprochement: Asked about the protests Tuesday in a brief interview at the Capitol, Sen. Sherrod Brown (R-Ohio) said he would “not discuss politics on this issue. People always have the right to speak up and they should.”
- Brown, who faces one of the tightest Senate races in 2024, later issued a statement released by his campaign: “Anti-Semitism and hate have no place in our state or country.”
- “Every Ohioan has the right to speak up and make their voice heard, and they must do so in a way that does not endanger others,” he added.
It is telling that Brown did not want to talk to “politics” about the fact that terrorist sympathizers are taking over university campuses, along with encampments and occupying buildings, in clear violation of the rules and after repeated warnings. His comment that “People always have the right to speak up and should” highlights his focus on protesters, even though these concerns go far beyond free speech rights.
While follow-up may be welcome, it’s worth wondering why he couldn’t have just made such comments at the time. “Anti-Semitism and hatred have no place in our state or in our country” should be something that a person, especially a senator running for re-election, should have no difficulty saying on the spot.
Brown’s fight was also noticed by former Rep. Lee Zeldin (D-NY), who came close to defeating Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) in 2022. Moreno reposted Zeldin’s post, noting that Brown needs to “grow a spine and lead boldly” instead of waiting for some interviewer to come up with the next few protected words to say,” as Zeldin also reiterated his support for Moreno.
Congressional Democrats like it @SherrodBrown you need to steel yourself and lead boldly, rather than waiting for some interviewer to spoon-feed you the next few safe words to say. This is another reason why I am committed to helping you choose @berniemoreno! https://t.co/y7RCoVanKx
— Lee Zeldin (@LeeMZeldin) May 1, 2024
Also on Wednesday, Cleveland.com published an article titled “Sherrod Brown reacts to campus protests: ‘The law must be enforced“”. The headline is in some ways more favorable to the senator than the article itself. Moreno’s reaction is also included.
Although his response condemning anti-Semitism and supporting the law was stronger, he still refused to elaborate on his views when given the chance [Emphasis added]: :
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Sen. Sherrod Brown declined to criticize the police response to recent anti-Israel protests at Ohio State University and other college campuses across the state and country, telling reporters Wednesday that Democratic lawmakers in Columbus who did so did not speak for him.
Asked about OSU protesters’ demands that the university divest from Israeli sources, Brown, a Democrat, also said it was not allowed under Ohio law under a 2016 law signed by then-Gov. John Kasich, Republican.
“Fundamentally, I believe that anti-Semitism, hatred and violence are unacceptable on campuses,” Brown said. “If students want their voices to be heard, they must do so in a peaceful and non-hateful manner. And the laws have to be enforced.”
Brown declined to elaborate on his thoughts on the police response. “The law must be enforced,” he said.
…
On Monday, authorities detained more than 20 students participating in protests at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland to prevent them from setting up tents. But later in the evening, school administrators they stood back and allowed the protesters to set up camp for the night. Students, faculty and staff checked their IDs and received wristbands to indicate they were allowed to remain.
Law enforcement response at OSU prompted a lengthy statement from the Democratic leadership of the Ohio House and Senate, joined by Franklin County Democrats and Jewish members of the Democratic caucus. They criticized the “unnecessary force used against students and demonstrators,” while calling for the protests to be peaceful and free from anti-Semitism.
Asked if he agreed with the Ohio Democrats’ statement, Brown replied: “I don’t speak for them, and they don’t speak for me.”
After Brown’s mishap, Moreno released a statement, which was shared with Townhall. “Sherrod Brown has made it clear that he stands with the illegal encampments and anti-Israel protesters wreaking havoc on college campuses in support of Hamas,” Moreno said. “Ohioans cannot trust him to maintain law and order.”
Even after Brown’s subsequent statements, the damage had already been done. Early Wednesday morning, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) tagged Brown in an announcement it published. The ad not only referenced pro-Hamas protests, but also linked Brown to President Joe Biden and paying off student loan debt.
The Ohio Senate race between Brown and Moreno is considered one of the few “Drop it off“racing and could take control of the chamber.
NEW ADVERTISEMENT: @SherrodBrown he said that pro-Hamas radicals storming American universities “have the right to speak out and they should” – he also wants to use your taxes to pay off student loans.
Sherrod Brown cannot be trusted to stand up to the radical left. pic.twitter.com/Fx31GCCYYP
— Senate Republicans (@NRSC) May 1, 2024
