Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi defended the Democratic Party’s choice to deny a speaking slot to a Palestinian American at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.
In a press briefing, Pelosi argued that not every nationality is represented at the convention, stating, “We have every cause that we want to be represented, or people representing those causes, but they had plenty of opportunity to express what you just expressed.” She cited the presence of notable figures such as United Auto Workers head and Congress members Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders as proof of diverse advocacy.
The Uncommitted Movement had advocated for a Palestinian American speaker to address the ongoing Gaza conflict. Despite proposing several candidates, including Georgia State Representative Ruwa Romman, the DNC rejected their request. The decision led to a sit-in protest outside the convention center.
The DNC allowed the parents of Israeli American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin to speak but declined the inclusion of a Palestinian American speaker, sparking further protests. The Uncommitted Movement, which has urged voters to choose “uncommitted” in primaries, reports approximately 800,000 such votes nationwide.
The ongoing Gaza conflict has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed and severe shortages of essential supplies in the region.
