President Biden told a Democratic lawmaker and members of his Cabinet after the State of the Union address that he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that they will need to have a “come-to-Jesus meeting.”
Biden’s comments, captured on a hot mic as he spoke with Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) on the floor of the House chamber, came after Bennet congratulated the commander in chief on his speech and pressed him to keep pressure on Netanyahu over increasing humanitarian issues in Gaza.
The irony is funny, but that is a common idiom in english speaking countries. Biden isn’t literally going to speak to Netanyahu about converting to Christianity as if he’s some sort of political missionary.
What is the idiom used for?
Like a stern talking to. To bring someone in line.
I mean, it’s more likely than placing conditions on arms sales or withholding support at the UN.
Still, a more deft politician would avoid using that specific idiom when it comes to a conflict between Jews and (predominantly) Muslims.
He was talking to a US Senator, not an Israeli or a Palestinian
How does that make a difference? Even if it wasn’t on a hot mike, he would’ve risked the senator or someone around telling it to the press or anything like that. Even in ‘private’ conversation politicians should be careful about what they say.
“Risked?” I don’t know, I pretty much disagree with everything you’re saying here, and think you’re reading way too much into it
Have you ever avoided saying “It’ll be a slam dunk” in front of us Bostinians because you’re afraid we’ll interpret that as you assuming we’re all fond of Dunkin Donuts and that’s a generalization?
Was common…
Like 60 years ago when Biden was in college.
All my bosses over the past twenty years have used the same term about either me or a coworker.
Oh it’s very much still in use.