Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:46:30 GMT

Over 60% of Americans think it's a GOOD thing for the President to talk to our enemies, including Iran.

Obama doesn't have to justify the people's position!

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

J. Richter — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:47:01 GMT

Hopefully, the new aga Internet as a lie propagating medium will be tamed.

Can anyone believe that at this age, otehrs would willfully perpetrate outright lies such as:
- He swore to the legislature on the Koran
- He attended madrassas as a child in Indonesia (Fox NEws actually even mistakenly pushed this one in april 2007 before apologising) etc.

There is nothing wrong in analyzing or rejecting candidates but this time let's do it based on FACTS and TRUTHS so that we do not punish ourselves with a leader of the kind we did install ourselves for the past 8 years.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Beth, Denton, TX — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:47:31 GMT

To me, Obama's position and record on the war are far superior to McCain's:

McCain didn't read the intelligence report before the invasion; Obama did--he is one of a tiny minority of our leaders who took time to read it.

McCain voted for the war; Obama argued against it. He has consistently said it was an unnecessary, unjust war.

Obama wants to start bringing troops home within 16 months; McCain first says we'll be there for 100 years and then backtracks, saying we'll be out by 2013.

McCain says "I will NEVER surrender" in Iraq; Obama knows that one doesn't "surrender" when one is the aggressor, the invader.

McCain uses his past military service as a reason to say that he is more knowledgeable about the current situation in the Middle East, yet he seems to be uninformed about important facts (e.g., Shia & Sunni sects) and too eager to "bomb bomb Iran". In sharp contrast, Obama understands the challenges of bringing peace to this part of the world, and he is not afraid to talk to leaders.

Finally, Obama advocates generous support for the troops who have sacrificed for our country. He supported Webb's GI Bill and made sure he was present at the Senate to vote in favor of the bill that will provide education and other important benefits for our veterans. McCain couldn't be bothered to return to Washington (too busy trying to raise money in CA), nor does he support the bill; he & Bush worry that it will negatively affect retention (never mind that it might actually encourage recruits).

What good are multiple trips to Iraq, as McCain urges Obama to take, if he (McCain) distorts the truth about the situation on the ground when he comes back? Over 4,000 Americans and more than 300,000 Iraqi civilians have died in this bloody war. We must stop it, and Obama is the best man to help bring about a timely, compassionate end to the war.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Jamil - Dearborn, MI — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:47:41 GMT

This just strikes me as odd. Sen. Obama has been decrying lobbyists and says he doesn't take any money from lobbyists but then he runs, just like all other candidates and politicians, to this AIPAC conference. Why should every American politician prove that he/she is an unyielding friend of Israel? The fact is that Israel is an independent nation and our interests may conflict at times.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

America for Obama — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:47:57 GMT

OfCourse. Why do they think Obama will negotiate with terroist!

I wouldn't be voting for him. If I thought it would do that!

Obama will be a good solid president!!!

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Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:48:17 GMT

It was a very powerful speech. McLAIM will not be able to intimidate Jews with fears of an Obama presidency. He made clear the differences in policy and position with McLAIM and I think sunk McLAIM with this community. The McLaim proposal just doesn't make sense in a global community.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

DL, Chicago — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:48:27 GMT

I'll take wisdom inspired policy over useless political posturing anyday of the week. Finally, someone who gets it.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:49:06 GMT

"And all I want to say is, let me know if you see this guy named Barack Obama, because he sounds pretty frightening."

That line is CLASSIC!!!

THAT, my friends, is how you deflect criticism.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Gail, TN — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:50:58 GMT

Sen. Obama was very specific, and he made his intentions with Iran very clear. He's already beginning to get us back on track. Important, impressive speech.

America is back!

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Mark, Aberdeenshire, UK — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:51:32 GMT

"And he pledged to support keeping Jerusalem as the capital -- and having it remain undivided -- which would pre-empt most diplomatic paths currently on the table."

Keeping? Jerusalem is not the capital recognised in international law - the capital is Tel Aviv. I'd be interested to check what he actually said - otherwise he's doing the Israeli right's hard work for them.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Reagan and Hillary Democrats — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:52:40 GMT

Vote for security.
Vote for fiscal restraint.
Vote for experience.
Vote for John McCain.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Greg Neubeck — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:53:22 GMT

Nominating a man for the Presidency who in all likelihood couldn't pass a legitimate FBI background check! God help us. Obama, whose father was a practicing Muslim and whose mother was a radical Marxist, has stated that his mother: "Was the dominant figure in my formative years; and, the values she taught me continue to be my touchstone in the world of politics". Common sense deductive reasoning suggests that Obama's rearing as a child, and his extended 20yr relationships, and obvious conformity, with anti-American fanatics such as Rev. Wright ( the Pastor of his church that promoted the doctrine of Louis Farrakhan ) , and Frank Davis and William Ayers, etc., etc., are in fact reflective of Obama's true psychological makeup. A conclusion rigidly re-enforced by Obama's San Francisco commentary denigrating folks from small-town America. Obama's affinity for questionable associates such as Tony Rezco raises a myriad of questions. Further, his increasingly frequent petulant responses to legitimate criticism is troubling. This man's refusal to wear an American flag lapel pin and to place his hand over his heart on the singing of our National Anthem are conditioned reflexes from his protracted association with disaffected elements in our society; visual images that Obama is certain to attempt to obfuscate in future campaign appearances; even though, he has openly admitted: "I didn't want to offend Muslims and others who don't like America.". Further, Michelle Obama's angry commentary directed at our country is telling. Fifty-seven (57) State Obama's comments that he would use U.S. Military Forces against Pakistan, a Nation with a sizable nuclear arsenal, and an ally in the war on terror, even without President Musharraf's permission; a Nation that he mistakenly believed to be Arab; his indecision/confusion as to whether Iran poses a serious regional threat; while in other commentary, stating that he would halt the U.S. military's development of advanced weapons systems demonstrates a profound ignorance of the geopolitical threat environment confronting America. His long-term subversive associations, and his immersion in seditious diatribe have indeed revealed Obama as the most dangerous candidate to America.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Lou from Queens,NYC — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:53:36 GMT

I have no doubt that McCain will get more then a few Hillary supporters, maybe even enough to win the election. And lets not forget that to some degree Senators McCain, and Clinton have had a cordial relationship as colleges in Washington. To my knowledge, the same thing cannot be said about Obama. Proving once again that his rhetoric about crossing political lines seems to have been born during his campaign for the Presidency. Once again the Democratic Party is trying to sell a LIBERAL as being a MODERATE, MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, DEMOCRAT. It will be a very hard sell.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Zaq — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:53:45 GMT

It's going to be great to have a President I can truly believe in. For the first time ever.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Tramayne, Newport News VA — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:53:58 GMT

Give the man his dues! He knows how to communicate his ideas and vision for the future. Yes, he has work to do, but so does his rival, John McCain. Let's engage them both on the issues and not the drama of politics. Let's elect the next world leader together.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Jamil - Dearborn, MI — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:54:21 GMT

I bet it was music to Andrea Mitchell's ears too. I remember when she used to report on the Middle East without even trying to hide her pro-Israel bias.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

LENI,MICHIGAN — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:56:47 GMT

GREAT SPEECH. To all those new and angry blogs: WHO ARE THOSE GUYS?

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Obama-a true leader. — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:58:11 GMT

If the question is: "who makes you feel safer" --Obama wins hands down. His understanding of the middle east was evident in his speech. McCain's speech to this group a week or so ago made it even more clear he doesn't get the complexities of the situation any more than GW does.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Ogaga, London, UK — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:59:41 GMT

The speech was brilliant. I saw it live. I think it was as good as yesterday night.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Carole, Reality Check, USA — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:00:07 GMT

I don't know why there appears to be any ongoing argument on this page. Obama made some statements that certainly clarified any of the lingering ambiguity felt by certain people, including me, about his position on the American Israel relationship. The speech should gain him some additional support in the community who are concerned about this relationship. It gained him mine. I was torn between McCain Supreme Court appointments vs. my lingering feeling that Obama was soft on the Israel relationship - now I'm not. I'll be voting Democratic once again.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Jews for Obama — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:02:20 GMT

I listened to all of it! Wonderful! Yes, Jerusalem shall not be divided! One Nation, One G-d! Jehovah! Senator Obama is so knowledgeable and skillful with his words. Everyday with Senator Obama is better than the day before..

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Marc, Maplewood, NJ — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:02:41 GMT

Forget, "What's the matter with Kansas.' The question now seems to be "What's the matter with Florida." Jews who have been the victim of centuries of innuendo, lies, and distortion seem ready to believe just about any nonsense that the internet wants to spew.

John McCain, for all his "independence" will still be saddled with a GOP that is largely at odds with the interest of most Jews.

Are Americans always destined to vote against their own self interest? Our understanding of the real world beyond our shores seems to assure that we'll often continue to cut off our nose to spite our face.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Jamil - Dearborn, MI — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:04:05 GMT

Mark - I watched the speech and him and Hillary said just that - Jerusalem should "remain" the undivided capital of Israel.

Last time I checked, Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 and the Palestinians were hoping to get that back so it could be their capital. Under international law, Jerusalem is occupied and not a part of Israel.

I guess pesky things like international law shouldn't matter when you are trying to pander for the Jewish vote. Actually, he's not really pandering for all of the Jewish vote by doing this because there are plenty of Jews who don't agree with AIPAC's hard-line stances on Israel but AIPAC is an extremely powerful lobby and could probably ensure his or any other candidate's defeat if he dared to cross them.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Jews for Obama — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:04:21 GMT

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Cindy Lou, TX — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:05:25 GMT

Please post clips from Obama's speech like you posted clips from Hillary's. Obama's speech was brilliant, and people should see it.

Thanks.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

People Made From Bricks and Mortar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:05:29 GMT

Hey, Lou, Clinton and McCain were "colleges"? Is that the Delusional State and Paranoid State?

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

FedUpDem, Washington, DC — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:07:01 GMT

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Michelle Zee — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:08:31 GMT

Only idiots believe Obama will not a friend to Israel. He is also of christian faith and even the Word tells you the imporantance of Israel.

We have always been a nation that supports and protects Israel and to believe other wise is to buy into this den of lies from a den of thieves (the republicans).

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Michelle, Baltimore — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:09:16 GMT

I'll take Obama anyday over McCain. I hope that the republicans keep underestimating him and his policies because we (democrats) will be laughing all the way to the White House.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Steve — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:10:03 GMT

Barack Obama better worry about unifying the Democratic Party before he ventures into a very tricky Middle East situation.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:10:40 GMT

Not Obama's best moment.

For the first time this campaign cycle, McCain's words ring truer than Obama's with respect to Iraq. When we pull out, Iraq may retain its soveignty but clearly with a Shi-ite rule that will be at best (from our perspective) friendly with Iran, and most likely subservient to Iran.

The problem is this is most likely the only outcome of our invasion. A greater Iran, in practice if not in formal reality. No one likes admitting defeat but the bottom line is we did lose, the moment the current administration decided to invade without even considering what the post-invasion world would probably look like.

Its like a chess game. We made a move a while back that ensured checkmate, and now we can only delay the inevitable. The problem with the analogy is a chess game doesn't cost $12 billion a month to delay that inevitable outcome.

Note to ourselves: no more dumb cowboy leaders, who rather than using deliberative reason and cost-benefit analysis, will simply fall back on feel good emotionalism and kneejerk actions - because thinking through a problem is just sooooo boring and hard.

And let's be honest. This wasn't that hard a mistake to avoid. Iran and Iraq have been regional rivals for decades. Iraq has a Shi-ite majority, but had a brutal Sunni government for decades. They fought a bloody war for years - against the will of the Iraqi Shi-ite majority - that resulted in neither gaining any territory. What exactly were these knuckleheads thinking might result from us getting rid of the Sunni government?

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Class Warrior, D.C. — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:11:26 GMT

He hit the nail o the head; instead of babysitting the Iraqis forever, as we've done the Koreans, we need to force them to grow up and take responsibility for themselves. Republicans don't believe in coddling poor children in the U.S., bt they love to coddle irresponsible governments.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

PMc, Dallas — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:12:59 GMT

It is so refreshing to hear words based in logic and a grasp of effective diplomacy. For too long (at least 7 years), we have only heard knee jerk reactionary rhetoric coming from the "leadership" of our country. The foolishness of taking the course of backing adversaries into a corner so that there seems only one avenue (Military force)of recourse should come to an end. Unfortunately, Sen. McCain is continuing to choose the same formula of action in dealing with foreign affairs as the "current occupant". This has shown to be a failed modus operandi. To initially choose force over diplomacy is a mode for bullys or halfwits. Lets hope enough of the American electorate will be able to hear the unspun (ie..by FOX) words of Sen. Obama.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

thats a fact jack — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:15:45 GMT

As proven by some on this blog today the right wing swiftboat hate machine is alive and well with lies and deceit but America is too smart for their hate mongering and the dems will clean sweep in Nov. and restore America as the leader of the FREE world.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:15:55 GMT

That said, Obama should hit McCain on cost-benefit analysis, and the basic fact that McCain's words demonstrate little understanding of the situation in Iraq.

Though he's been schooled into understanding the threat of a greater Iran, with influence if not outright control over Iraq, he previously said many times over that pulling out would leave the country to al Qaeda. He seemingly really believed this. He knows less than anyone who simply pays attention to the news.

But that greater Iran is one we can't prevent. On top of the money and lives we've already lost there, we're spending an additional $12 billion a month to delay an endstate that's becoming so obvious that even Republicans can't pretend its not coming. That's not a tenable position - we're in financial trouble, and paying that kind of money just to push the results of a Bush disaster a little further into the future isn't responsible.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

thats a fact jack — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:16:25 GMT

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Marc G, Pasadena, CA — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:19:24 GMT

It's sad and a bit disappointing that the first thing Obama does, along with Hillary and McCain, is go to AIPAC, the Israeli ALL-POWERFUL LOBBY. They is only a small percentage of the Jewish population, but yet they seem to be in control of the dynamics of the political scene in Washington. Makes you wonder, if they rule this country! He is making very tough concessions to this lobby. Fight for United Jerusalem, give me a break! Not even Israel is taking on that battle. Obama said he will not let himself be ruled by PACs.. Lets see what he does next! Ron Paul would be the ideal candidate!

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Ralph in Chicago — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:20:35 GMT

uhm ... to the trolls ... you need some new material ... Hillary already put us through that months ago ... lapel pins? Pakistan? Michelle stuff? Old news ... debunked ... attempted in three congressional races where you guys held it and should have kept it but lost it anyway ... I don't want to handicap our side but if you keep that up, it helps us ... so ... go ahead ... look as you look ... and you will create a new demographic underneath the so called non-college earning less than 50k white folks ... it will be the no education no class earning allowance from the "home" mutt vote (cause you probably are not pure white either are you? well ... are you? ... thought so)

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Mounchili Mama, Stockholm — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:23:59 GMT

Obama is the next PR in the WH

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Ester — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:23:59 GMT

Mozel Mozel good things, Obama!! Lots of Jews mistakingly converted in Africa, I bet his father was really Jewish.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

GeorgeTown Mike — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:24:37 GMT

So would Obama be willing to go to war against Iran to acheive his goals? He did say he'd do "Everything so Iran would not develop a nuclear weapon" didn't he? So how's that sit with Baracks set of base voters, who appear to be staunch pacifists?

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

TJ, Monroe, New Jersey — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:24:41 GMT

What a pathetic, pandering speech to the pro-Israeli lobby whose members *ACTIVELY* LOBBIED Congress to support Bush's invasion of Iraq, and whose pressure gave them a similiar "Victory" on Kyl-Liberman Senate Resolution which urges another militaristic view, this time against Ira-n.

God help the gutless people who support Obama (like I except on his reflexive pandering to lobbies such as AIPAC, ADL, AJC, UJC, etc) for not having the courage to criticize any action of Israel. Afraid of angering the full 2% of American Jewish vote (though it is only the hawkish subset with the Jewish community that would be truly angered by his "talking" to Iran) and parroting AIPAC talking points of "leaving no option off the table including military force."

Amazing how AIPAC has the power in broad daylight to intimidate and intellectually terrorize almost anyone with the majority of Americans (liberals, progressives, and paleoconservatives) mostly staying silent in blogs, papers, and in Congress.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Dave Reading PA — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:24:50 GMT

How can anyone be even thinking about McCain, It baffles the mind, He should just ask GW to be his VP and confirm what we all seem to know McCain = Bush More wars, more corporate breaks, less for the people.

Our constitution states that when the Govt stops working on behalf of the people the people should tear it down and build a new one. However thanks to GW and the patriot act if we tried to tear it down we would be on trial for treason and sent to gitmo.

So in Nov think about what country you really want your kids growing up in, The one that has free speech or the one we have NOW

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Rod — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:26:08 GMT

Anyone who can simplify Iran vs Iraq as simply Shiite v Sunni doesn't know what they are talking about. Iraqi Shiites may have something in common with Iranian Shiites but they also have historical differences that would likely come to the fore once you remove the US presence as a unifying force.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Larry, Roseville CA — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:27:15 GMT

Jamil - Dearborn, MI--

Why did McCain go to Liberty University? It's "where the votes are"! Jewish voters are a powerful constituency in the US, have been for a LONG time.

Politically-speaking, to NOT go to AIPAC would be just plain dumb.

I made a number of Palistinian friends on several trips to the Near East (Jordan is the Near East, technically, not the Middle East). These men were displaced from homes in Nablus and elsewhere in the 1960s, and had lost everything to Israeli incursions into "West Bank" cities. So I understand a little bit where they are coming from.

But I also see the overwhelming complexity of the politics of the Near East, and the Middle East more broadly. Much as some may fantasize, we are not going to turn our backs on Israel now, nor should we.

So yes, we make our pitch to AIPAC. And also recognize that these matters are very difficult, and can't be reduced to sound bites and cue cards.

Obama '08

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Cathy Minneapolis Minnesota — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:28:55 GMT

I feel as though Ive been reading a Twilight Zone script. I give up.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Jamil - Dearborn, MI — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:29:42 GMT

Although Obama may not be taking AIPAC's money, he is certainly pandering hard to them so they won't work against him. That shows you the power of AIPAC - you must pander to them even if you don't want their help so that they, at least, won't work against you. I don't think any politician has ever stood up to AIPAC and survived. Remember Democrat Cynthia McKinney - she dared to just mention AIPAC and was voted out in 2006 in a heavily Democratic district.
It's a pretty sad state of affairs that the most powerful lobby in Washington is one that lobbies on behalf of a foreign government and not the American people.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Bush/McCain are pimps — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:29:54 GMT

Iraq can hire their own private military forces with oil money. McCain likes to privatize everything(social security) so the Iraqi's can just pay for the protection they will need instead of the US acting like wh**** and giving it away free! NO wonder our reputations is so tarnished. Bush/McCain are pimps!

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Bush/McCain are pimps — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:30:41 GMT

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

sheribaby, St. Louis, MO. — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:31:02 GMT

Greg Nuebeck, where'd you get that Obama's agnostic/atheist, albeit multi-cultural mother was a Marxist? Does McCain have "profound" understanding of that geopoliical region, confusing Shiite and Sunni, and how many troops are there, the agenda that they're actually fighting for? Does Iran pose greater threat than did USSR during Cold War, who was talked to in diplomacy, and are now democratic ALLIES of America? Do other people's acts of patriotism determine for you what it means to be patriotic/ I always thought that being willing to serve and/or die for one's country was more telling of patriotism than flag pins. Could be me... And these asociations prove to be "legitimate criticism" for you - (who are McSame's and HRC's pastors? did the media even look?), whether his wife is finally proud to see America less color-blind? I suspect that he is the most "dangerous" because you, like so many other white racists, want to promote race-based fear. Your rant is sad.

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

andria — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:32:14 GMT

woooooo go obama let win the white house. i hope clinton will help him do that because shes great toooo wooooooo.

Celebrate
BREAKING NEWS
Why Clinton Why
Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting
McCains New Problem
Electoral Maps for the general election

http://sensico.wordpress.com/

Obama's hard line at AIPAC

Norm Poulin, Gainesville, FL — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:33:21 GMT

To correct the record, Obama did not read the intelligence report on Iraq before making his
speech against it. At the time, he was in the
Illinois State Senate and did not have the security clearance to read the intelligence estimate.
He made his decision, as he later admitted in
2004, based on his feelings about the Middle East
and also admitted that he did not know how he would have voted on the war if he had been in the U.S. Senate at the time and had seen all of the intelligence information, even that information that
later proved to be wrong.