Burke Society hosts James Fishback, former Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate

James Fishback, a former Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate, addressed a crowd of more than 250 in Nau Hall Tuesday night as part of his “America’s Next Chapter” college speaking tour, declaring, “Simply put, Israel is not our greatest ally.” The event, hosted by the Edmund Burke Literary and Debating Society, drew a police and private security presence, with tickets required for entry. Fishback, who finished third in the Republican gubernatorial primary in August with 10.5 percent of the vote, faced scrutiny over his past rhetoric, including a 2025 campaign video where he called a Black congressional opponent a “slave to his donors” and remarks about a 17-year-old he dated when he was 27.

Fishback’s speech focused on his vision for the conservative movement, emphasizing five core stances: faith, abortion, guns, capitalism, and foreign policy. He criticized U.S. support for Israel, stating, “How many Israeli Defense Forces soldiers deployed in Afghanistan after we were attacked on September 11? Zero. How many IDF soldiers deployed to Iraq? Zero … No American should ever die for Israel.” The Anti-Defamation League has accused him of antisemitism, citing his use of the term “goyslop” and association with right-wing influencer Nick Fuentes, who has promoted white nationalist rhetoric. Fishback defended his comments, asserting, “It is wrong to mock someone because of their Jewish faith. It is wrong to assault someone. It is wrong to deface a synagogue.”

Fishback’s Defense of Anti-Israel Remarks and Religious Rhetoric

Fishback argued that criticism of Israel does not equate to antisemitism, adding, “Let’s also forcefully condemn the persecution of the most hated group, the most persecuted group on the face of the Earth, and that is Christians.” He repeatedly referenced his Christian faith, stating, “Christ is King,” and addressed claims that the U.S. is a Christian nation. “Our founding fathers were not Hindu. Our founding fathers were not Muslim,” he said, though the source does not clarify his full argument. The event followed days of tension, including a poster advertising the speech that was defaced with swastikas and the word “pedo.”

Security and Controversy Surround the Event

The Burke Society, led by president Beckett Smith, organized the event, which included a police presence amid concerns over potential unrest. Fishback’s remarks sparked debate within the Republican party, where his conduct during the Florida primary drew bipartisan criticism. His association with Fuentes, who has been linked to white supremacist ideologies, further fueled opposition. Despite the controversies, Fishback framed the University appearance as an opportunity to “address claims of antisemitism head-on,” emphasizing, “It is wrong to chase someone off of campus because of the way they pray.”

Legacy of Polarizing Rhetoric and Political Career

Fishback’s 2025 gubernatorial campaign, which ended with 10.5 percent of the vote, was marked by inflammatory statements, including a comment where he told a Black man, “You should be lynched.” He has denied allegations of misconduct with a 17-year-old and faced backlash for his rhetoric. The Burke Society’s decision to host him highlighted the ongoing debate over free speech and ideological alignment on college campuses. As Fishback continues his speaking tour, his messages remain contentious, reflecting broader divisions within the Republican party and public discourse.