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Obama's Speech To AIPAC, Live Thread

By Philip Klein on 6.4.08 @ 10:30AM

--Obama enters to a standing ovation, but it doesn't take long for his first flub, a reference to the three Israeli soldiers being held by Hezbollah, but he neglects to mention that one was being held by his endorser, Hamas.

--He refers to emails being circulated, telling ""tall tales and dire warning..." He says, "Let me know if you've seen this guy named Barack Obama, because he sounds like a scary guy."

--"As President, I will never compromise when it comes to Israel's security." The crowd seems to be buying it.

--He brings his change message to a discussion of Israel, arguing that Israel is less safe under Iran, and opposes those who want to "continue and intensify this flawed status quo."

--He says a "secure and lasting peace" is in the interests of America, Israel, Palestinians and the Arab world, and calls for a two-state solution. Wow, what an original idea. Now try explaining that to the Palestinians.

-- "There is no room at the negotiating table for terrorist organizations," he thunders. But only nations that are financing and providing weapons to those organizations.

--On Iran, Obama tries to reframe the issue as an attack on the Iraq War and the administration's policies, which he says strengthens the Iranians. No bold talk of meeting face-to-face with Ahmadinejad, but instead talk of "strong diplomacy" with appropriate leadership in Iran at time and place of his choosing. He's against "self-defeating preconditions," but promises "careful preparations."

--Obama calls for strong bonds between Jews and African Americans.

--He exits to a rousing, sustained, standing ovation far more enthusiastic than the one received by John McCain on Monday -- a testament to the power of strong oratorical skills, and to the stubborn political stupidity of my co-religionists.

topics:
John McCain, Barack Obama, Religion, Law, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Africa