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Rep. Khanna Defends Engagement with Streamer Amid Criticism

4/8/2026

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Khanna Defends Engagement

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) defends engaging with controversial Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, arguing that avoidance could harm future elections.
He emphasized Democrats must connect with diverse audiences in a complex democracy.
Khanna's remarks follow criticism from Democrats Cory Booker and Ruben Gallego, who declined to join Piker on his stream.
Piker responded by criticizing right-wing Democrats for slandering anti-Zionist voices instead of addressing the costs of war.

Right

El-Sayed Defends Rally

Abdul El-Sayed, the Michigan Democratic Senate candidate, defended his rally appearance with Hasan Piker and distanced himself from Piker's remarks about 9/11 and October 7.
El-Sayed said sharing a stage does not imply agreement with all views and criticized cancel culture.
El-Sayed expressed sadness over rising gas prices and the costs of war, and argued against justifying U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.

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Khanna Defends Engagement

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) defends engaging with controversial Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, arguing that avoidance could harm future elections.
He emphasized Democrats must connect with diverse audiences in a complex democracy.
Khanna's remarks follow criticism from Democrats Cory Booker and Ruben Gallego, who declined to join Piker on his stream.
Piker responded by criticizing right-wing Democrats for slandering anti-Zionist voices instead of addressing the costs of war.

1 / 2