The Real Reason Hasan Piker Is Gaining Power

Tim Miller argues that attempts by centrist Democrats to 'exile' far-left figures like Hasan Piker for 'impure thoughts about Israel' are counterproductive. This approach inadvertently amplifies Piker's power and makes the exilers appear out of touch or 'idiots' to a public increasingly critical of US foreign policy. Miller suggests that the country is moving in Piker's direction on issues like Israel, making a fight with him on this topic strategically unsound.

Miller states, 'All you're doing is making it more powerful. All you're doing is piss is making people think you're a bigger idiot to pick right now to have this fight.' He adds, 'the entire country is moving the other direction. It's we can just be honest. It's moving Hassan's direction on the question of Israel.'

Sarah Longwell details a litany of Hasan Piker's controversial statements, arguing they reveal an illiberal worldview anathema to liberal democracy. She asserts that these are not mere 'takes' but reflect a fundamental rejection of core liberal values, making him unsuitable for inclusion in any Democratic coalition.

Longwell cites Piker's comments: 'America deserved 9/11,' praising China's governance for 'getting results,' dismissing October 7th rape reports, calling Hamas '1,000 times better than Israel,' praising Hezbollah's flag, mocking Dan Crenshaw's eye injury, calling Israelis 'inbred,' justifying Russia's annexation of Crimea, and stating 'date rape is better if it happens to rich women.' She concludes, 'He's an illiberal guy. He's a China Russia sympathizer who hates women, hates Israel. Like he's all the toxic things.'

Tim Miller contends that the ongoing US-Israel war in Iran, coupled with Israel's actions in Gaza, validates many critiques from 'lefty anti-Israel commentators.' He argues that the public, especially young voters, feels betrayed by the political establishment's involvement in these wars and is actively seeking voices that oppose them. In this environment, figures like Piker gain influence because they are speaking to this widespread anger.

Miller states, 'right now we are embroiled in a catastrophic war that is that the Secretary of State said we did because Israel got us into it.' He notes, 'a lot of people out there in this country right now who are really mad about that... they blame Trump, but they also look at the Democratic party and be like, you guys have been on this too.' He adds, 'their general critique of the lefty anti and right like anti-Israel commentators like has borne out in the real world.'

Tim Miller suggests that some pro-Israel groups 'weaponize' accusations of anti-Semitism to silence legitimate criticism of Israel's actions and US foreign policy. He argues that this tactic, while important to address genuine anti-Semitism, can be misused to police rhetoric and prevent open discussion of uncomfortable truths, ultimately empowering actual anti-Semites by creating a disconnect between public perception and political discourse.

Miller says, 'a lot of the people who are pro-Israel and pro this war weaponize this though and it's like well it's too anti-semitic.' He gives examples: 'If I would have said a month ago that that Israel is is is weaponizing social media to try to brainwash people... people would have said that was anti-semitic. Well then BB went out and said that he wants to do that with Tik Tok.' He concludes, 'I think you're empowering the actual anti-semites by not being just cleareyed about the real threat here.'