Posted on 06/01/2008 8:12:58 AM PDT by SJackson
McCain on Israel, Iran and the Holocaust
Two weeks ago, I spoke with Barack Obama about the Middle East, Zionism, and his favorite Jewish writers. Since my blog is both fair and balanced, I had a lengthy conversation with Senator John McCain earlier this week about many of the same subjects.
The two candidates, who are scheduled to address the AIPAC policy conference in Washington, D.C. early next week, have well-developed thoughts on the Middle East, and their differences are stark. Obama sees the Israeli-Palestinian dispute as one of Americas central challenges in the Middle East; McCain names Islamic extremism as the most formidable challenge. Obama sees Jewish settlements as "not helpful" to peacemaking between Israel and the Palestinians; McCain does not offer a critique of the settlements, instead identifying Hamas rocket attacks on the Israeli town of Sderot as the most pressing problem. And both men take very different positions on the issue of Philip Roth.
In our conversation, McCain took a vociferously hard line on Iran (and a similarly hard line on Senator Obamas understanding of the challenge posed by Iran). He accused Iran of not only seeking the destruction of Israel, but of sponsoring terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah that are bent on the destruction of the United States. And he said that the defense of Israel is a central tenet of American foreign policy. When I asked him why he is so concerned about Iranian threats against Israel, he said in a statement that will surely placate Jewish voters who are particularly concerned about existential threats facing Israel The United States of America has committed itself to never allowing another Holocaust.
Here is an edited transcript of my talk with McCain:
(Excerpt) Read more at jeffreygoldberg.theatlantic.com ...
The Hamas leader Ahmed Yousef did Barack Obama no favor recently when he said: We like Mr. Obama and we hope that he will win the election. John McCain jumped on this statement, calling it a legitimate point of discussion, and tied it to Obamas putative softness on Iran, whose ever-charming president last week called Israel a stinking corpse and predicted its annihilation.
The Hamas episode wont help Obamas attempts to win over Jewish voters, particularly those in such places as - to pull an example from the air - Palm Beach County, Florida, whose Jewish residents tend to appreciate robust American support for Israel, and worry about whether presidential candidates feel the importance of Israel in their kishkes, or guts.
Obama and I spoke over the weekend about Hamas, about Jimmy Carter, and about the future of Jewish settlements on the West Bank. He seemed eager to talk about his ties to the Jewish community, and about the influence Jews have had on his life. Among other things, he told me that he learned the art of moral anguish from Jews. We spoke as well about my Atlantic cover story on Israels future. He mentioned his interest in the opinions of the writer David Grossman, who is featured in the article. I remember reading The Yellow Wind when it came out, and reading about Grossman now is powerful, painful stuff. And, speaking in a kind of code Jews readily understand, Obama also made sure to mention that he was fond of the writer Leon Uris, the author of Exodus.
Here are excerpts from our conversation:
High Volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel. or WOT [War on Terror]
----------------------------
Second article in post 1, interview transcripts at the sources.
If you'd like to be on this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.
At the end of the day, we will see who is left standing: Obama or Israel—I think Israel.
What does that mean?
It sounds like he learned how to whine effectively from the Jews.
Maybe b. Hussein Obama was trying to be funny.
You'll also note he couldn't clearly answer Do you think that justice is still on Israels side? ....the fundamental premise of Israel and the need to preserve a Jewish state that is secure is, I think, a just idea and one that should be supported
Of course for Barry it's all about race.
I think the idea of Israel and the reality of Israel is one that I find important to me personally. Because it speaks to my history of being uprooted, it speaks to the African-American story of exodus, it describes the history of overcoming great odds and a courage and a commitment to carving out a democracy and prosperity in the midst of hardscrabble land.
Among other things, he told me that he learned the art of moral anguish from Jews.
What does that mean?
I take it to mean that he came to understand how Jews handle/think about/perceive/discuss the injustices of the world, not just for Jews, but everyone who is victimized, oppressed, and an object of prejudice.
November 4 will be an interesting day for me.
Totally agree! JM’s responses are wonderful in this interview. Wish he’d be that concise and certain about stopping illegal immigration in the US the way he says he wants to stop Iran et al from attacking Israel!
Anyway, the McCain roller coaster keeps gliding along. Right now, I think I'm back on it. To earn my vote, a candidate has to support Israel and the 2nd Amendment, and JM definitely does.
If he could just jump off the global warming bandwagon...sheesh...
I suspect that Al Qaeda terrorist are planning attacks shortly before the November elections. They did if before in Madrid back in March, 2004.
Bodies Being Removed from Train Wreckage
That action angered, shocked and eventually cowed the voters of Spain. Millions marched in the streets to express their pain and anguish.
AQ believes Americans will be similarly cowed. As for myself, I think voters here will react by supporting Republicans more strongly than ever.
That was not asked about, and his gratuitously throwing it in was dumber than hell.
Amd I thought he was a pretty smart politician.
Humph!!!!
Forgot something ___
ViJM: Well, we havent talked about the four years of mishandling this war, which has been devastating, in particular to the families.
***and I call JM dumb***sheesh***
McCain names Islamic extremism as the most formidable challenge. Obama sees Jewish settlements as "not helpful" to peacemaking between Israel and the Palestinians; McCain does not offer a critique of the settlements, instead identifying Hamasâ rocket attacks on the Israeli town of Sderot as the most pressing problem. And both men take very different positions on the issue of Philip Roth. In our conversation, McCain took a vociferously hard line on Iran (and a similarly hard line on Senator Obamaâs understanding of the challenge posed by Iran). He accused Iran of not only seeking the destruction of Israel, but of sponsoring terrorist groups â Hamas and Hezbollah â that are bent on the destruction of the United States. And he said that the defense of Israel is a central tenet of American foreign policy. When I asked him why he is so concerned about Iranian threats against Israel, he said -- in a statement that will surely placate Jewish voters who are particularly concerned about existential threats facing Israel -- "The United States of America has committed itself to never allowing another Holocaust."
There are many things to be desired about McCain. But the difference between him and Obama is striking.
Well put. And that has to be factored in on November 4.
I agree, McCain was right on force size early on, if he's going to bring up 2004-2006, he needs to make that clear. IMO, if the progress of the last year continues, I don't think he needs to bring it up at all, only answer attacks. Let Obama make the case for withdrawl in the face of victory. And should Obama hopefully the Iraqis will be strong enough to prevail against terror, we'll be busy spending our $$$ on expanded food stamps, welfare, health care, and unemployment for illegals.
That’s a very impressive interview.
I've many differences on issues, but on the man, and a man (sorry Hillayr) will be making decisions that impact our future, it's a clear choice for me.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.