--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
