Renowned singer and actress Bette Midler has ignited widespread controversy with a recent post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
In her post, Midler shared what she described as a "fantasy" scenario whereby President Joe Biden would utilize presumed newfound powers to incarcerate members of the Republican Congress, Breitbart reported.
In an explosive social media post, Bette Midler envisaged a scenario where President Biden arrests Republican Congress members, dramatically altering US political dynamics.
The post, made on a Friday, included a screenshot from an opinion article in The New Republic. This article outlined a fictional event where Biden orders the roundup and arrest of GOP members, which purportedly results in the death of Rep. Jim Jordan while he resists detention.
Midler's post not only detailed the arrests but also a drastic shift in congressional power dynamics, indicating a new majority in the House of Representatives following these fictional arrests. This narrative drew attention and spawned reactions from several notable celebrities, each adding their own extreme take on the usage of presidential powers.
Among these celebrities were Lea DeLaria and Rosie O'Donnell, known for their outspoken political views. DeLaria, in a video on Instagram, shockingly urged Biden to go as far as assassinating former President Donald Trump, escalating the rhetoric surrounding the misuse of presidential power.
O'Donnell expressed on TikTok that presidents could potentially order assassinations and remain immune from prosecution, a statement that reflects a severe misinterpretation of presidential immunity. This misinformation prompted Breitbart News to clarify that no Supreme Court ruling has ever granted such extensive powers to a president, correcting the misunderstood legal narrative.
The conversations sparked by Midler's post raise significant concerns about the understanding and dissemination of information related to presidential powers and legal boundaries.
The impact of these statements from high-profile celebrities is profound, potentially influencing public opinion and understanding of critical political and legal issues. The discourse has ventured into areas of legality and ethics, stirring debates across various platforms.
Midler's initial tweet hinted at a desperation among some Biden supporters for more assertive action against political opponents, reflecting a divisive political climate. Her mention of Biden's "total immunity" and the need for him to be "GOP ruthless" was based on a misquoted context from legal discussions surrounding presidential actions.
The discussions around such hypothetical scenarios, especially those involving violence or fatal actions, underscore the volatile nature of political dialogues on social media.
Responses from the public and other political figures to these celebrity statements were mixed, with many condemning the violent rhetoric and others supporting the aggressive stances against political adversaries.
This incident brings to light the powerful role media figures play in shaping political narratives and the responsibility they hold. The propagation of extreme ideas, even in theoretical form, challenges the norms of political engagement and decorum.
As the story unfolds, the boundaries between political opinion, legal fact, and ethical action continue to blur, creating a complex tapestry of public discourse that impacts not only the celebrities involved but also the broader public's trust in democratic processes and legal frameworks.
In summary, Bette Midler's post, along with the reactions from other celebrities, reflects deep political divisions and a lack of clear understanding about presidential powers and legal limits. The incident underscores an urgent need for responsible discourse and a well-informed public.