Republican Jews on Twitter rush to Trump’s defense after white supremacy debate question

Donald Trump, Joe Biden Image by Getty Images
“Proud Boys, stand back and stand by,” President Trump said in Tuesday’s presidential debate when asked if he would denounce white supremacy.
A far-right group, the Proud Boys ally themselves with neo-Nazis.
However, some notable Jewish Republicans came to the president’s defense, lashing out at Biden, Democrats and the media.
3. Where’s Biden’s record after half a century? No questions to Biden about the vile anti-Semitism in his party, or in his own campaign. Nothing.
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) September 30, 2020
Donald Trump has, in fact, condemned white supremacy repeatedly. In the exchange everyone is quoting from last night, he repeatedly said he was willing to do so. The fact that this has been obscured is journalistic malpractice. pic.twitter.com/pYbfHMcgb5
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) September 30, 2020
Jewish groups and notables quickly expressed their displeasure on Twitter.
.@potus – Bigots, racists, and antisemites are rejoicing at your refusal to condemn white supremacy.
There can be no ambiguity on this issue. White supremacists should not just be told to “stand by” – they need to be renounced completely.
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) September 30, 2020
Trump just said “Proud Boys stand back and stand by.”
He didn’t condemn them. He gave them a direct order. #Debates2020
— Bend the Arc: Jewish Action (@jewishaction) September 30, 2020
For every Jewish voter like myself, even those who supported trump, last night when he told Proud Boys to stand back and stand by, I hope that ended your relationship with him.
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) September 30, 2020
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
