It’s a salient point because Joe needs Saudi energy cooperation now that he’s wrecked the energy independence plan Trump started. The bad news is that Saudi Arabia is producing oil close to capacity. The United Arab Emirates was already at capacity. We rolled into the kingdom begging for oil, and Khashoggi was a topic on the docket for the press. Did Biden mention this to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman? He said he did. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister says otherwise. Did Biden forget? Either way, he looks like he lied. The best part is that the kingdom’s foreign ministry let this leak when Air Force One was wheels up (via White House):
With respect to the murder of Khashoggi, I raised it at the top of the meeting, making it clear what I thought of it at the time and what I think of it now. And it was exactly — I was straightforward and direct in discussing it. I made my view crystal clear. I said very straightforwardly: For an American President to be silent on an issue of human rights, is this consistent with — inconsistent with who we are and who I am? I’ll always stand up for our values.
[…]
Q What was the Crown Prince’s response to your comments about Khashoggi?
THE PRESIDENT: He basically said that he — he was not personally responsible for it. I indicated that he probably was. He said he was not personally responsible for it and he took action against those who were responsible. And — and we — and then I went on to talk more about how that dealing with any opposition to the — or criticism of the Saudi administration in other countries was viewed as, to me, a violation of human rights. There was no (inaudible).
Q Sir, two quick questions, if I may. First, we just heard from Jamal Khashoggi’s wife, who said, “After this visit, the blood of MBS’s next victim is on your hands.” What do you say to Mrs. Khashoggi?
THE PRESIDENT: I’m sorry she feels that way. I was straightforward back then. I was straightforward today.
What I — this is a meeting not — I didn’t come here to meet with the Crown Prince. I came here to meet with the GCC and nine nations to deal with the security and — and the needs of the free world, and particularly the United States, and not leave a vacuum here, which was happening as it has in other parts of the world.
[…]
Q Mr. President, do you regret calling the Saudis a “pariah” during your campaign?
THE PRESIDENT: I don’t regret anything I said.
Next question.
Q Do you still feel that way though, Mr. President?
THE PRESIDENT: I just answered your question, “Do I regret it?” I don’t regret anything that I said. What happened to Khashoggi was outrageous.
Q Mr. President?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes.
Q You’re coming under a lot of fire for your fist bump with the Crown Prince. Why —
THE PRESIDENT: (Laughs.)
🚨NEW: After POTUS departed Saudi Arabia on AF1, Saudi FM Adel al-Jubeir called my colleague @AlexHoganTV back for a 2nd interview – even though Fox interviewed him yday.
He pointedly claimed he “did not hear” Biden tell MBS he believed he was responsible for Khashoggi’s murder
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) July 16, 2022
This is one of many claims Saudis made only at the conclusion of Biden’s trip — dampening White House touting incremental progress on 2 key objectives: normalizing relations between Israel & Saudi Arabia, and bolstering energy security pic.twitter.com/0JkTJW1I0z
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) July 16, 2022
![Joe doesn't know if he's coming or going: Biden says he hasn't decided to go to Saudi Arabia - seconds before confirming he IS going [VIDEO]](https://www.libertybugle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/bodem613-260x137.jpg "Joe doesn't know if he's coming or going: Biden says he hasn't decided to go to Saudi Arabia - seconds before confirming he IS going [VIDEO]")
