Fox News host Julie Banderas sparred with Democratic strategist Corbin Trent on Friday over Democrats who have continued associating with far-left streamer Hasan Piker despite his controversial remarks about American Jews and Israel.
Banderas, filling in for Harris Faulkner on “The Faulkner Focus,” hosted Trent, a former communications director for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and podcaster DeVory Darkins for a discussion about divisions within the Democratic Party.
The segment focused on Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who has campaigned alongside Piker. El-Sayed has said he disagrees with some of the streamer’s positions but has stopped short of condemning him or severing ties.
Piker recently warned that American Jews could face violence if they are viewed as firmly supporting Israel’s government.
“If Jews in America keep putting this idea out there that they are singularly invested in Israel, eventually someone is going to come around and take action, not against the state of Israel, mind you, but against American Jews,” Piker said.
Piker has also faced criticism for previously saying the United States “deserved” the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Banderas asked how Democrats could continue defending Piker without recognizing that the association could damage their party.
Trent argued Piker’s broader views about Israel reflect growing American sentiment, citing unfavorable views of Israel and opposition to continued military aid.
He also attributed a quote criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to CNN anchor Dana Bash. However, Bash had been quoting Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., during an interview with Netanyahu. El-Sayed defeated Stevens in their Senate primary.
Banderas dismissed the argument and called Piker’s remarks “insanity.”
“How do you say something and get away with the fact and then not suffer if you are running for election and you are associating with rhetoric such as that American Jews are bringing on violence to themselves because they support Israel?” she asked.
When Trent challenged her interpretation, Banderas fired back, “That’s what he said!”
Trent argued that Israel’s actions and America’s continuing support have created a backlash that can affect Jewish Americans. Banderas responded that there is a clear difference between opposing the Israeli government and targeting American Jews.
Darkins predicted that Piker would become a major political liability for El-Sayed and other candidates. Trent called that a “miscalculation,” pointing to El-Sayed’s primary victory despite tens of millions of dollars spent against him.
The heated exchange continued as Banderas repeated that Piker had suggested American Jews were bringing violence upon themselves by supporting Israel.
“That’s not what he said,” Trent insisted.
“That is what he said,” Banderas replied, arguing Piker’s clear implication was that Jewish Americans were placing themselves in danger through their support for Israel.
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