Raskin Dismisses Concerns Over Hasan Piker’s Hamas Rhetoric

Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland dismissed the controversy surrounding Hasan Piker’s comments about Hamas as an “irrelevant distraction” during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Host Kristen Welker questioned Raskin about Democratic divisions related to Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed’s connection with the contentious online figure.

Welker played a clip of Piker stating he would vote for Hamas over Israel “every single time” and asked if the Democratic Party could encompass someone like Piker. Raskin replied, “I don’t even know if Hasan Piker considers himself a Democrat. I know he criticized me for campaigning with certain Democrats in Michigan. I regard all this as an irrelevant distraction.” He emphasized that “nobody supports Hamas, a terrorist organization which brutally attacked Israel.”

Raskin dismissed scrutiny of Hasan Piker’s rhetoric as an “irrelevant distraction” during his “Meet the Press” appearance. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Natalie Baldassarre, national press secretary for the RNC, highlighted Piker’s growing role in Democratic circles and his advocacy for socialist candidates. Baldassarre warned that Piker’s influence could pose a risk for the party in upcoming elections, suggesting “The Democrat Party is being driven off a cliff by socialists who are driving blindfolded.” She argued that, without swift action, the beliefs of these socialists could “bankrupt our country and strip every American of safety, sanity, and freedom.”

Raskin’s remarks followed his campaigning activities with El-Sayed in Michigan. Questions about El-Sayed’s relationship with Piker have persisted as some Democrats distanced themselves from Piker. Moreover, Piker reiterated his views in an April “Pod Save America” episode, stating he would vote for Hamas over Israel as a harm reduction voter, or a lesser evil voter.

Piker’s comments have brought renewed scrutiny concerning his influence in Democratic politics. Controversy also surrounds his remarks on American Jews, where he reportedly said if they continued to present themselves as invested in Israel, someone could “take action” against them.

El-Sayed responded by clarifying that Piker does not represent his campaign. “I want to be crystal clear, nobody speaks for this campaign besides me and my campaign spokespeople,” El-Sayed stated. He maintained, however, that engaging Piker’s listeners in the electoral process was beneficial.

Raskin’s comments came in the context of Democratic divisions over Hasan Piker’s influence. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez deemed the focus on Piker “absolutely ludicrous,” while Rep. Pramila Jayapal advised Democrats to engage with Piker’s audience despite disagreements. Other Democrats urged the party to distance itself from him.