There really is a mindset here with Buchanan though that can’t be denied. Maybe it is more geared to an opposition to the state of Israel and is not classic anti semitism. I really don’t know what Pat’s problem is with Israel....but it is there.
You may be right. He often seems unsympathetic to Israel, that is true. However, I have often heard him speak in defence of Israel as a state and their right to protect their own borders. Therefore I would not be comfortable saying he is anti-israel. I think his great sin, as far as the modern "conservative" movement, has been his unwillingness to concede our interests in preference for those of Israel. While he has clearly recognized that our interests are sometimes shared, even saying we should help Israel to defend their borders, he has also been very harsh regarding how much influence Israel and pro-israel organizations have over our agenda and policies, going so far as to describe the Congress, IIRC, as "Israeli occupied territory." So, it has always seemed to me that he is overall pro-Israel, but is critical of the influence brought to bear on our government on the issue.
It seems to me that Pat Buchanan has committed no outrage beyond taking a classically conservative position and seeking the interests of the USA before those of others. Here is a powerful voice supporting life, gun rights and traditional Christian values and the right wing attacks him again and again because he isn't virulently pro-israel. How ridiculous is that? And that position is twisted to try to insinuate he is a bigot, regardless of the fact that he has never, to my knowledge anyway, said anything truly anti-semitic. Israel is a political state, with political views, and we have to be grown up enough to quit acting like criticism of a political position is an act of bigotry against some minority group.
His use of inflammatory language is a reflexion of his hatred of what neoconservatives love (although the love America too), as well as his appeasement attitude towards Islam. Like all appeasers, he despises the embattled ally far more than the proclaimed enemy.
“....he has also been very harsh regarding how much influence Israel and pro-israel organizations have over our agenda and policies, going so far as to describe the Congress, IIRC, as “Israeli occupied territory.” So, it has always seemed to me that he is overall pro-Israel, but is critical of the influence brought to bear on our government on the issue.”
There is a rub there too however. I never hear Buchanan complaining about other lobbying groups and their ‘influence’ on our policies. He seems to single out Israel. What about CAIR?
There is a reason that NBC and MSNBC have Pat as their token conservative and it’s because he can be depended on to stick his finger in the eye of our party whenever he gets the chance. The liberals love that because it divides and conquers our coalition. Especially our evangelical wing.
At this point, Buchanan does more harm than good. Just my opinion at this point in time. It doesn’t mean that I don’t agree with him on many issues, but in total, I think he hurts our cause. He allows himself to be a tool for our opposition..