JTA: The Global News Service of the Jewish People

Rendell: The super delegates have a role

By Ami Eden · March 4, 2008

Hillary Clinton has taken Rhode Island and now the cable news networks are projecting that she's the winner in Ohio. She says she's fighting on – and that's no surprise, especially since the next big contest is in Pennsylvania, a state with a strongly pro-Hillary Jewish governor, Ed Rendell.

The current chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Howard Dean, is on record saying the party needs to avoid a floor fight at the convention. But Rendell, himself a former DNC chief, was on MSNBC Tuesday night taking the opposite view. The race, Rendell said, is a virtual tie – and, in such a situation, he added, the super delegates should go with who will be the most formidable candidate in the fall, not necessarily the one with the slight lead in delegates or votes.

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The Israeli-Palestinian resolution in Texas

By Ami Eden · March 4, 2008

We spoke with Lee Wunsch, president & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Houston, about his concerns that pro-Palestinian forces will be pushing a Middle East resolution at the Texas caucuses. "It's come up with prior elections," he said. The people behind these efforts generally land on the Democratic side, but it's also come up during Republican events, he added. "They're a combination of Palestinians who live in the community and others who side with the Palestinian side in the conflict."

Here's the text of the resolution:

RESOLVE THE ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

WHEREAS, Israel has illegally occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem for 40 years in violation of the U.N. Resolution no. 242; and

WHEREAS, in clear contravention of international law (the four Geneva Convention), Israel has illegally confiscated Palestinian land, exploited natural resources and built 223 illegal settlements transferring approximately 400,000 Israelis to the occupied territories; (1) and

WHEREAS, Israel's illegal occupation has existed for 40 years, during which time it transformed into a form of colonialism and apartheid and suppressed and oppressed an entire people, preventing them from the exercise of their right to self-determination and the establishment of their State, Palestine; and

WHEREAS, 1031 Israelis and 4528 Palestinians have been killed since Sept. 29, 2000 to Jan 31, 2008, and 119 Israeli and 982 Palestinian children have been killed since Sept. 29, 2000 to Feb. 8, 2008; (2) and

WHEREAS, Israel receives approximately 3 billion dollars (8.2 mil. per day) each year in direct foreign assistance. This is more than 20 times the amount the Palestinians receive; (3) and

WHEREAS, the U.S. decries extremists Palestinian suicide bombers, but ignores Israel's violations of UN Resolutions, its human rights violations, curfews, checkpoints and the walls built that cage, impoverish and dehumanize Palestinians; and

WHEREAS, the only way for Israelis to be secure is for Palestinians to be secure;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the U.S. will discontinue economic aid to Israel until the following requirements are met;

1) Israel will withdraw from the illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and withdraw all military from occupied territory and recognize the so-called Green Line established by the UN in 1967.

2) Israel will obey the UN International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion (14 to 1) and cease the construction of the wall/fence built on Palestinian land and dismantle forthwith those parts of that structure situated within the Occupied Palestinian Territory and pay reparations for damages to the Palestinians;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. requires each party's adherence to the principles of non-violent conflict resolution to qualify for aid.

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Losing a “Jewish Christian” endorsement

By Ami Eden · March 4, 2008

A self-described "Jewish Christian" writer takes back his support of Hillary Clinton, citing her response to the question about Obama's religion.

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Why is being a Muslim a smear?

By Ami Eden · March 4, 2008

Writing on The Huffington Post, Eve Tahmincioglu complains: "Rumors that Obama may be a Muslim are reported in the press as a 'smear campaign' ... So what if Barack Hussein Obama were indeed a Muslim? (I know he's not but I'm making a point here.) Would you refuse to vote for him?"

It's an interesting point, and a complaint that we've received at JTA. The "smear" is not the claim that he is a Muslim, but the allegation that he's an anti-Israel Muslim, who studied in a radical Madrassah, is trying to conceal his true religion and refuses to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

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Harold Ford Jr. defends Obama

By Ami Eden · March 4, 2008

I mentioned the other day that we have the odd development of the Republican National Committee, which two years ago aired an ad in Tennessee implying that Harold Ford Jr. slept around with white women, criticizing the state GOP for a recent press release that critics say was meant to imply that Obama is a Muslim. The statement also asserted that Obama would be bad for Israel.

Now Ford, who has attracted support from pro-Israel donors throughout his career, has an op-ed slamming the statement and vouching for Obama on Israel and fighting anti-Semitism:

Obama has been one of Israel's strongest allies during his time in the Senate. He is strongly committed to the stability and preservation of Israel and has used his membership on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to advance this cause. In addition, he has fought against the scourge of Anti-Semitism throughout his public life, most recently rejecting and denouncing the hate-filled ideology of Minister Louis Farrakhan at the presidential debate ... last week.

(Hat tip: Politico)

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Hagee roundup

By Ami Eden · March 4, 2008

Bill Donohue rejects John Hagee's assertion that he was talking about anti-Semitic Christians, not the Catholic Church when he spoke of the "Great Whore" and "false cult system." And, he asks, if Karl Rove thinks Obama didn't do enough on Farrakhan, how can anyone think McCain has adequately addressed the Hagee issue.

Daniel Radosh writes about "Hagee's Heresy" – he might think that Jews can go to heaven without accepting Jesus.

Calire Hoffman at the Washington Post warns McCain to beware: Hagee hasn't only offended Catholics, homosexuals and Muslims – he's gone after Harry Potter!

Leonard Fein says in the Forward: "The Jewish community can't 'denounce and reject,' but we are not required to fawn and encourage."

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Caucus Alert: Houston Jewish leader warns of anti-Israel resolution

By Ami Eden · March 4, 2008

Lee Wunsch, the president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, has sent out an urgent e-mail urging Jewish activists to make sure they participate in the caucus portion of the voting in Texas today. He says there are "strong indications that a vile, anti-Israel resolution will come up in some precinct meetings." The e-mail would suggest that the worries extend to both parties' meetings. We have a call in to find out more.

Here's the full e-mail:

Today is Election Day and I encourage you to vote today and return to your precinct convention tonight when the polls close to caucus. It is important that Jewish activists participate in the political process. It is especially important if you live in an area with few Jewish voters that you return to caucus.

We have strong indications that a vile, anti-Israel resolution will come up in some precinct meetings. In previous election cycles, similar resolutions have come forth in both the Democratic and Republican caucuses. So please, regardless of your political preference, take the time to vote for your candidate of choice and be prepared to defend Israel at your caucus.

Below is a brief explanation of how the "Texas Two-Step" works in the Democratic Primary and how the "Waltz" works in the Republican Primary as well as phone numbers for each political party.

If you don't know your precinct, click on the "Vote" icon to your right.

Please carefully read the information below and if you are so inclined, please pass it along.

For Democrats–"The Two-Step"

Step One: Vote in the Democratic primary today, Tuesday, March 4th from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.. The primary determines two-thirds of the Texas delegates to the National Convention in August.

Step Two: Attend your caucus (precinct convention) tonight, Tuesday, March 4th at 7:15 p.m. The caucus determines one-third of the Texas delegates to the National Convention in August.

Details for Step Two:

Who: Anyone who voted in the Texas Democratic primary. Try to bring proof that you voted in the Democratic primary, either a stamped voter registration card or a receipt from the polling place. If you have neither, you may still participate in the caucus. In all events, bring your Texas Drivers License or other photo ID.

What: Sign-in for your choice for President when the caucus begins. After you have signed-in, you are free to leave or you can stay and participate in the process itself. Be prepared to stay in case there are any anti-Israel resolutions so you are available to talk and vote against them.

When: Arrive before 7:15 p.m. Note that caucuses cannot start until the polls close and anyone in line before 7:00 p.m. has the right to vote.

For more information on the Democratic Primary, contact:

* Harris County Democratic Party: 713-802-0085 * Texas Democratic Party: 512-478-9800

For Republicans–"The Waltz"

Step One: Vote in the Republican primary today, Tuesday, March 4th from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. The winner of the primary determines all of the delegates to the National Convention in September.

Step Two: Attend your caucus (precinct convention) on Tuesday, March 4th at 7:15 p.m.

Details for Step Two:

Who: Anyone who voted in the Texas Republican primary. Try to bring proof that you voted in the Republican primary, either a stamped voter registration card or a receipt from the polling place. If you have neither, you may still participate in the caucus. In all events, bring your Texas Drivers License or other photo ID.

What: The caucus determines the party activists who will become delegates. Be prepared to stay in case there are any anti-Israel resolutions so you are available to talk and vote against them.

When: Arrive before 7:15 p.m. Note that caucuses cannot start until the polls close and anyone in line before 7:00 p.m. has the right to vote.

For more information on the Republican Primary, contact:

* Harris County Republican Party: 713-838- 7900 * Texas Republican Party : 512-477-9821

We are blessed to live in the United States of America and should consider voting our privilege and responsibility. I hope you will make every effort to both vote and then, this evening, attend your party precinct conventions.

Sincerely,

Lee Wunsch President & Chief Executive Officer

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