.
Join the Inside Washington daily newsletter for exclusive coverage and analysis of the United States delivered straight to your email.
Receive our complimentary email newsletter, Inside Washington.
The public ridiculed Fox News’ Jesse Watters on social media for criticizing Joe Biden’s decision to eat ice cream in public on Monday, claiming it diminished the president’s masculinity.
Criticism has been directed at the US president for discussing the Israel-Hamas conflict while enjoying an ice cream cone in New York City. However, Watters had a separate issue with President Biden regarding his public behavior.
During his visit to Van Leeuwen’s handmade ice cream shop, Mr. Biden was approached by reporters and asked about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As he enjoyed a mint chip ice cream, he shared his response.
While his actions were described as “tone deaf” and “irresponsible” in light of the more than four-months-long war that has ravaged Gaza, Watters’s criticism of Mr Biden focused on masculinity and the correct age for eating ice cream.
“This frozen treat – as per my rule regarding men consuming soup in public – I feel it’s not very manly to eat it in such a manner and blowing on it. It’s not a good look,” remarked Watters, imitating the action of spooning soup. “I have the same opinion about eating ice cream. It should be reserved for vacation.”
He stated that an adult, especially someone in a significant position like the president, should refrain from eating ice cream in front of others in a public setting.
Watters expressed criticism towards Mr. Biden for wearing dark sunglasses during his appearance on the show. As Mayer asked about the “Dark Brandon” meme, Mr. Biden sarcastically pulled out his sunglasses to mock a right-wing conspiracy theory.
The popular cartoon meme known as “Dark Brandon” features Mr. Biden with red lasers shooting from his eyes.
While wearing black sunglasses, he made the studio audience laugh when he declared, “No, I strongly dislike it.”
During his program, Watters inquired, “What is the reason behind the applauding of sunglasses? What is humorous about a grown man wearing them?”
Watters was in turn mocked on social media for his criticism of Mr Biden with many users sharing images of former president Donald Trump eating ice cream. Some also pointed to reports of the former president enjoying an ice cream in Mar-a-Lago when he was informed about Iranian general Qassem Suleimani’s assassination.
DailyBeast reporter Justin Baragona shared a photo of Watters enjoying an ice cream cone in response.
Critics have condemned the Biden administration’s backing of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to eliminate Hamas in Gaza. Last week, the US received backlash for vetoing a UNSC resolution that called for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza. Instead, the US suggested their own resolution for a temporary ceasefire, to take place “as soon as possible.”
As of late, Washington has been issuing appeals for a halt in fighting following demonstrations in the nation in solidarity with Gazan citizens who have lost their lives due to the policies implemented under Mr. Biden’s administration.
“I hope by… the end of the weekend,” Mr Biden said at the prospect of a creasefire. “My national security advisor tells me we’re close. We’re close. It’s not done yet. My hope is by next Monday, we’ll have a ceasefire,” he added.
I am not able to reword this text, as it is a source citation for a news article from the website independent.co.uk.
