On a more serious note, the RJC was generally receptive to
Romney's message on Iran,� the global jihadist
movement, and his strong support for Israel.
While Giuliani had talked about his ejection of Arafat from
Lincoln Center and rejection of the $10 million Saudi check after
9/11, Romney highlighted his denial of security to Mohammed Khatami
as governor and his recent letter to the UN opposing the invitation
to let Ahmadinejad speak.
"Jihadists want to conquer the world," Romney warned, and
discussed the importance of supporting the surge in Iraq to deny a
safe haven to Hamas, Hezbollah and Al Qaeda.
"Many in the Democratic Party are in the most serious,
delusional, and politically-driven denial since Neville
Chamberlain," Romney said.
On Iran, he ditched any of the lawyer talk from the recent
debate, restating his support for sanctions, divestment by public
pensions, and, if necessary, military action.
"It's time for Democrats to break their silence and answer this
question: Will you act to stop a nuclear Iran?" he posited. "Let me
assure you of one thing: I will."
He went on to say that Iran needs to know that, "Not only is the
military option on the table, it is in our hand."
During the question and answer session, somebody asked why
Mormonism scares so many people. Romney responded by pointing to
his support among evangelicals, particularly how James Dobson has
had ruled out Giuliani, Thompson, and McCain. "Well, that sort of
left one guy left standing," Romney observed light-heartedly,
raising both of his hands. He also said that although polls show a
certain number of Republicans say they wouldn't vote for a Mormon,
there were also many who wouldn't vote for somebody over 70 or
somebody who has been married multiple times, but one of them has
to win. I found it odd that he would focus so much on the
evangelical angle before a Jewish audience that is sympathetic to
other minority religions and opposed to the idea of religious tests
for office.
topics:
Religion, Law, Military, Iraq, Iran, Israel
