Democrat Slams Trump, Vance for Attacking Pope Over Iran War

Democrat Congressman Calls Attacks on Pope ‘Insane’ Amid Iran War Debate

Ohio Democratic Congressman Greg Landsman has strongly criticized President Trump and Senator J.D. Vance for their attacks on Pope Francis. The Pope has called for peace in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Landsman, who previously voted against a War Powers Resolution on Iran, now supports a new measure. He stated that the president has failed to communicate the mission’s goals and build a coalition.

Shifting Stance on War Powers Resolution

Congressman Landsman explained his initial vote against the War Powers Resolution in March. He had supported a 30-day limit for military action, shorter than the usual 60 days granted to presidents. Landsman felt it was important to address the military objective of destroying weapons shields around enrichment facilities.

He believed these targeted strikes would take only a few weeks. The Congressman stated that the president’s failure to end the conflict means he now needs Congress’s approval for further action.

Critique of Presidential Leadership

Landsman expressed that the regime in Iran has been terrible and that it would be catastrophic for them to restart their enrichment work. He felt the military succeeded in its initial objectives of destroying the weapon shield. However, he believes Trump failed in communicating the stakes and the mission.

The Congressman also pointed out a complete failure to build a coalition for the operation. This lack of clear communication and coalition building led to a failure to end the conflict once objectives were met.

House Vote Expected Amidst Controversy

The Congressman anticipates that the current measure will pass the House of Representatives. He believes a few Republicans might switch their votes to support it. Landsman is glad to have the opportunity to vote for this resolution.

He hopes his previous stance on the importance of targeted attacks gives him more credibility. He feels the passage of this resolution will send a strong message. The vote is expected within the next hour.

Concerns Over Unreliable Leadership

With the war now nearing 50 days, Landsman voiced concerns about the president’s unreliability. He highlighted the president’s shifting timelines for ending the conflict. The initial statement that the war would last “as long as necessary” changed to predictions of completion in two to three weeks.

Landsman stressed that the president’s objective was to communicate effectively, which he failed to do. The Congressman reiterated that the mission was to destroy the weapon shield, not to change the regime or send troops.

Pope Francis Criticizes War, Faces Backlash

Meanwhile, the conflict over the Iran war has drawn in Pope Francis. The president has repeatedly criticized the Pope after he called for peace.

The Pope, while stating he does not want to engage in politics, has continued to speak out. Landsman, who has a master’s in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School, finds these attacks “insane.” He noted that faith is important to many Americans, including the large Catholic community in Ohio.

Critique of J.D. Vance’s Stance

Landsman questioned Senator J.D. Vance’s true priorities. He suggested Vance cares about wealth and power, despite claiming a Catholic faith.

When the Pope spoke out, Vance also criticized him. Landsman contrasted this with the Pope’s actions, who he said is lifting up scripture and calling for peacemakers.

The Pope recently tweeted, “Woe to those who manipulate religion… For their own military, economic and political gain.”

Call for People of Faith to Speak Out

Landsman urged more people of faith to follow the Pope’s lead and speak out against the war. He agreed with the Pope that it is dangerous to use religion to justify war or military pursuits. Landsman called such actions a form of theocracy and problematic religious fundamentalism.

He believes this is the kind of fundamentalism they are fighting against with the regime in Iran. The Congressman concluded that the Pope is completely right.

Source: 'It is insane': Dem Rep. reacts to Trump, Vance attacks on Pope Leo (YouTube)