Bennet Criticized for Backing Out of Muslim Community Forum

Candidate's decision not to attend event raises concerns about transparency and engagement with diverse voters.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:07am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty political podium or lectern, with warm sunlight streaming in from the side and deep shadows cast across the surface, conveying a sense of solitude and missed opportunity.The absence of a candidate at a community forum raises concerns about transparency and engagement with diverse voters.Denver Today

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet faced criticism for backing out of a candidate forum hosted by Colorado's Muslim community, citing concerns about the event's potential for unproductive dialogue on the complicated issue of the Israel-Gaza conflict. In contrast, his opponent Attorney General Phil Weiser attended the event and answered tough questions from the audience. Bennet later spoke with The Denver Post, but some view his decision to skip the forum as shortsighted, arguing that earnest transparency and showing up for difficult conversations are important for political candidates.

Why it matters

Bennet's decision to skip the Muslim community forum raises questions about his willingness to engage with voters who may disagree with him on sensitive political issues like the Israel-Gaza conflict. As a candidate for governor, Bennet's transparency and ability to have nuanced discussions on complex topics are seen as important qualities by voters.

The details

Bennet's campaign cited concerns that the event would not be a productive place for dialogue on the Israel-Gaza issue. However, Weiser attended the forum and answered tough questions from the audience without incident. Several human rights groups have accused Israel of committing war crimes and even genocide against Palestinians during the 2023 conflict, though Bennet and Weiser both stopped short of using the term 'genocide' to describe the events. Both candidates also avoided taking a firm stance on a 2016 Colorado law that requires the state to divest from companies that refuse to do business with Israel.

  • The candidate forum hosted by Colorado Muslim Vote took place on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Bennet spoke with The Denver Post about the Israel-Gaza conflict on Friday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Michael Bennet

U.S. Senator and Democratic candidate for governor of Colorado.

Phil Weiser

Colorado Attorney General and Democratic candidate for governor.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Former President of Israel whose government's actions during the 2023 Israel-Gaza conflict have been criticized.

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What they’re saying

“'Over and over again, I pushed both the Biden administration and the Trump administration to reflect the deep, deep concerns that I think many Americans have over the number of casualties and deaths in Gaza, which now amount to 70,000.'”

— Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator

“'I will say that the Netanyahu government has had actions and policies that I find abhorrent and that pain me.'”

— Phil Weiser, Colorado Attorney General

What’s next

The 2026 Colorado gubernatorial election is still several months away, and voters will be watching to see how the candidates address the Israel-Gaza conflict and other sensitive political issues in the coming months.

The takeaway

Bennet's decision to skip the Muslim community forum highlights the importance of political candidates being willing to engage with diverse voters and have transparent, nuanced discussions on complex topics, even when it may be politically risky. Voters are looking for candidates who demonstrate earnest transparency and a commitment to addressing the concerns of all constituents.