North Carolina Republicans see this awful time in Israel and Gaza as a wonderful time for politics.

Lt. Governor Mark Robinson proclaimed himself “Acting Governor” and proclaimed a Day of Prayer for Israel.

Pesky reporters promptly hounded him on his history of anti-Semitic, Holocaust-denying statements.

State Rep. Erin Paré of Wake County attacked 12 House Democrats who didn’t vote on a resolution on the Hamas attacks in Israel.

She said they “chose to side with terrorists who murdered innocent babies.”

You may disagree with the 12 members and four Democratic senators who didn’t sign a similar statement. Many Democrats do disagree.

But to say they “chose to side with terrorists who murdered innocent babies” is sick, cynical and contemptible.

The N&O reported, “Many of those Democrats pushed back, telling us that they condemned the brutal, violent actions of Hamas, and stood with Israel, but were disappointed that the resolution and statement failed to mention the safety or well-being of Palestinian civilians.”

Paré’s statement was pure politics; she’s running for Congress. She’d fit right in with the Republicans there who can’t even elect a Speaker at a time of world crisis.

Fortunately, President Biden is on the job – protecting Israel, promoting peace and striving to prevent more war, death and suffering.

Republicans need to elect a Speaker – and spare us the political stunts.