"Get it out of your blood-soaked hands": Khalidi family responds to Biden buying Palestinian book

US President Joe Biden triggered a whirlwind of reactions when he was seen recently carrying a copy of The Hundred Years' War on Palestine, authored by Palestinian-American scholar Rashid Khalidi.

During a Black Friday shopping spree in Nantucket, Massachusetts, Biden was photographed along with his family with the book in hand, which quickly drew attention online. Users then deciphered that the book was in fact Khalidi's book.

In his book, Khalidi characterizes the "declarations of war" against the Palestinian people, specifically the Zionist claim to Palestine from 1917 to 2017 as a form of late settler colonialism and an extension of British and later American imperialism.

 - Brutal feedback -

Following the sighting, Biden's photo-op sparked significant controversy due to the timing and context of the gesture.

Most significantly, Khalidi had reportedly told The New York Post in an off-the-record statement that Biden's sentiment "is 4 years too late.”

However, the publication of this statement has drawn attention to the issue of off-the-record comments in journalism. Khalidi specified that his remark was not intended for publication, indicating that he believed it was shared in a confidential context.

EtHiCaL joURnaLism 
Rashid Khalidi declined publication of any comment (re Biden’s photo op with his book), telling the journalists beforehand, they ignored the request and came up with a jumbled excuse for why they published his comment. Trash pub. pic.twitter.com/gt9FFHtkWc

— Laura Albast (@Lau_Bast) November 30, 2024

Additionally, Khalidi's son, Ismail Khalidi, took to X, saying, "Hey, Joe Biden, get my father's book out of your blood-soaked hands, you genocidal maniac."

Hey, @JoeBiden, get my father's book out of your blood soaked hands, you genocidal maniac. https://t.co/Ud9vsVhRU3

— Ismail Khalidi (@IsmailKhalidi) November 30, 2024

Many others expressed disappointment that the president is only now engaging with Palestinian narratives, arguing that it reflects a lack of urgency in addressing the humanitarian crisis and the broader implications of US foreign policy in the Middle East.

Additionally, critics claim that reading this book at the tail end of his presidency feels insincere and largely symbolic, especially given the context of ongoing US support for "Israeli" actions, particularly during a year marked by significant aggression in Gaza. 

Better late than n..oh never mind. More 40,000 people are dead

— Gezim-ImagineAPI.dev (@HappyGezim) November 29, 2024

Some even theorize that the "candid" paparazzi photo is just a PR stunt aimed at regaining favor with the pro-Palestinian community and the Democratic voters and liberals who have become disillusioned with his administration.

He wanted the picture taken. He could have carried it in a bag. Obviously set up. "Oh look, the President is really pro-Palestine". Please.

— Prof Zenkus (@anthonyzenkus) November 30, 2024

Here are some more online reactions:

Joe Biden was seen carrying a copy of "The Hundred's Year War on Palestine" by Palestinian-American professor Rashid Khalidi, after having enabled the Israeli genocide in Gaza for more than 13 months. pic.twitter.com/D6W9Gpq2CJ

— Chris Hutchinson (@ChrisHu34451470) December 1, 2024

I really don’t understand the hoopla about Biden obtaining Rashid Khalidi’s book. If you think that Biden’s cognitive abilities allow him to read and understand one page of any book, you have not been observing the performance of Biden in recent years.

— asad abukhalil أسعد أبو خليل (@asadabukhalil) December 1, 2024

Biden spent 14 months “monitoring the situation” in Gaza. Still doing it. Plans to keep doing it through January by reading Rashid Khalidi book on #Palestine.
A sort of navel-gazing. https://t.co/zcE0BkOhgc

— Dr. Haider (@AcrossTheGulf) November 30, 2024

Too little, too late

— Lady Stannis  @ohcomrademycomrade.bsky.social (@ohcomrade1) November 30, 2024

Joe should have read it when it came out 3 years ago! Including Chomsky's Fateful Triangle over 25 years ago! If he had and understood. We wouldn't be here now! Sorry Joe it is too little and too late! 50,000 to 200,000 murders hasn't slowed the bombs, bullets or Political cover…

— jim harper (@Dormusjessup) November 30, 2024

Joe

You spent your career in Congress helping to oppress Palestine.

— Lady Stannis  @ohcomrademycomrade.bsky.social (@ohcomrade1) November 30, 2024

He should read the updated edition. There is a new chapter about him called "Genocide Joe and the Destruction of Gaza."

— Nader Hashemi (@naderalihashemi) November 30, 2024

As his presidency draws to a close, this gesture may come across as an inadequate and belated attempt to appease those who feel abandoned by his administration.