Obama Hammered for Attending Fundraisers Following News of Downed Malaysia Airlines Passenger Jet, Israeli Ground Offensive in Gaza

President Barack Obama was hammered by critics for attending two fundraisers in New York City Thursday evening following the news of a downed Malaysia Airlines passenger jet and Israel's announcement of a ground offensive in Gaza.

"I don't understand this president," Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) told Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity. "Fundraisers in New York while there are major conflicts ... I do not understand it."

President Barack Obama walks from Air Force One after arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Thursday, July 17, 2014. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

Other lawmakers turned to Twitter to skewer his decision.

"What is the president doing tonight?" questioned Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.). "Fundraising."

What is the President doing tonight? Fundraising.

— Jim Bridenstine (@RepJBridenstine) July 18, 2014

"American lives were lost in a presumed terror attack and President Obama and Sec. John Kerry did what they do best: speeches & fundraisers," echoed Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas).

American lives were lost in a presumed terror attack, and President Obama and Sec. John Kerry did what they do best: speeches & fundraisers.

— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams)

July 18, 2014

Fox News personality Megyn Kelly even joined the chorus, saying on her evening program that his decision made him look "unconnected" with the American people.

The conservative network's chief White House correspondent, Ed Henry, also questioned why Obama attended. He contended the president could have sent the vice president or first lady in his place.

Obama's first fundraiser raised up to $32,400, according to the pool report, and was hosted at a private home. The second, hosted by the House Majority PAC, featured a "select group" of the group's supporters.