During his Thanksgiving holiday on Nantucket, President Joe Biden spent Black Friday shopping with his family. He was seen holding a copy of “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine” by Palestinian and Lebanese author Rashid Khalidi, a book critical of Israel’s history, as reported by the New York Post.
The book examines the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a Palestinian perspective and is considered ‘anti-Israel’. One reviewer called it “a highly partisan account from the Palestinian perspective.” The sighting surprised some given Biden’s past support for Israel. He once said, “if there were not an Israel, we’d have to invent one.”
Pro-Palestinian supporters have called President Biden “Genocide Joe,” and have intensified their criticism of him, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza since Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023.
The book argues that “the modern history of Palestine can best be understood in these terms: as a colonial war waged against the indigenous population, by a variety of parties, to force them to relinquish their homeland to another people against their will”, said Khalidi, as reported by Fox News.
Khalidi, when asked about Biden having his book, said: “My reaction is that this is 4 years too late.” He has also been critical of Donald Trump, calling him a “mouthpiece” for Israel.
It’s unclear if Biden or a family member bought the book. Biden’s Black Friday outing included First Lady Jill Biden, son Hunter, grandson Beau, and daughter Ashley.
Biden also answered reporters’ questions. He mentioned working with the FBI regarding recent threats against political figures. He also anticipates further conversation with Trump during the presidential transition.
President Biden spent Thanksgiving on Nantucket, a tradition for his family for 40 years. He commented on Trump’s trade policies and the media. He expressed hope that Trump would reconsider tariffs on Canada and Mexico, saying, “I hope he rethinks it. I think it’s a counterproductive thing to do. We’re surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies: Mexico and Canada. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships.” He also discussed US-China relations.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump spent time with Elon Musk, his son Barron, and wife Melania at the Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach during Thanksgiving.
