Obama addresses Jewish concerns
- Author: Ben Harris
- Filed under: 2008 Election, Podcast
Jan 28,2008
Barack Obama just finished a conference call with Jewish reporters. He took four questions, the first from JTA’s own Ron Kampeas. But while questions dealt with the Middle East, and the recent controversy about Obama’s church, what the candidate really wanted to talk about was the smear campaign that has circulated by email among Jewish leaders in recent weeks.
The allegations — that Obama is a Muslim and took his oath of office on a Koran — have been thoroughly, and repeatedly, refuted. Still, Obama said he wanted folks to hear the refutation from the “horse’s mouth.”
Before the call broke up, Obama urged reporters to use their “megaphone” to let readers know “that there’s no substance there and that my strong and deep commitment and connection to the Jewish community should not be questioned.”
Asked why it was sufficient for him to denounce his church’s recent praise for Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan but not resign from the church itself, Obama repeated his condemnation of Farrakhan’s “reprehensible” anti-Semitic views. Then he added what sounds like a promise: “My church has never issued anti-Semitic statements, nor have I heard my pastor utter anything anti-Semitic. If I have, I would have left the church.”
Obama also took questions on the peace process, the situation in Gaza, and how he would deal with Iranian nukes.
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10 Responses for "Obama addresses Jewish concerns"
For those of you that are not aware and for friends of yours who may ask about where Obama stands on Israel related issues his positions have been made clear in his AIPAC speech which is on the Obama main web page and now his positions on a group of Israel related issues is made clear on the main Web page : http://www. barackobama.com under Foreign Policy under Issues where “On Israel” is specifically listed as well as a link to more details on a series of related issues. Please pass this information on to friends who raise the question in the coming weeks leading up to the upcoming primaries. Barack’s support for Israel as one of our strongest allies in the Middle East should be clear to anyone who raises such a question. It is also noteworthy that in a speech to a Black Church in South Carolina Barack spoke out against anti semitism that as occasionlly manifested itself in the Black community.He spoke at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta to mark Martin Luther King Day. He noted that African Americans “have been at the receiving end of man’s inhumanity to man,” then went on to say that the community “has not always been true to King’s vision of a beloved community” and . went on to say “The scourge of anti-Semitism has, at times, revealed itself in our community. Barack has continaully spoken out agaisnt antisemitism. As for the slanderous emails circulating on the web, Several Jewish legislators have spoken out against those emails and confirmed their falsehood.
More importantly I wish to share my thoughts on why we are at a time that makes Barack Obama the right leader for our nation…..We as Americans are at a critical juncture in the history of our nation, We have been bogged down in an endless war which we embarked upon based on a shaky rationale in the first instance. On a daily basis we pick up our newspapers, and watch our TV sets to see partisan gridlock which inhibits getting results and getting the job done on issues ranging from health care to immigration to social security, energy, trade, education and so much more. The challenges facing us continue to mount, and as a grandfather looking at the smiling face of my grandson, I want to see real change now so that my grandchildren and their progeny can live and grow up in a nation that has its house in order. Never before has our nation been held in such low esteem in the eyes of the world. We need to regain the respect and stature as a world partner that can rally the nations of the world to stand together to prevent the spread of terrorism and regimes that threaten the world order and so we can cooperate and collaborate to meet the challenges that effect us all like global warming, world trade that will enhance strong economies throughout the globe and to provide for our collective security.
To meet these challenges head on,we need political leaders motivated by what is best for our nation and the next generation as opposed to positioning that will put their respective party’s in good stead for the next election. Business as usual just does not get it done. Experience in the ways of Washington does not insure we will move forward but merely promotes the same old strategic positioning to try to tilt the balance of power. We cannot continue to fight the same old battles with each side of the aisle trying to demonstrate that their side somehow has the edge when it comes to patriotism ,family values,compassion,economic strength and security. There was a time in our history when the diversity and broad spectrum of approachs within each political party facilitated bipartisan cooperation that led to a cohesive approach to foreign policy and security and promoting what was in national interest as reflected in accomplishments like the momentous civil rights legislation. Since the Viet Nam war the last several decades has seen the emergence of more homogenous political parties that has led us to the partisan divisiveness and split we continue to see on the national scene. If we are to move forward, we need real change, We need leadership to facilitate change. We need leadership that is not wedded to the past nor invested in positioning for party advantage. We need leadership that understands and appreciates the diversity of the world order to place us in the position as a nation to influence others through persuasion and collaboration rather than a “my way or the high way approach” on the world stage.
Though there are many good and capable people seeking to lead our nation in the current presidential field, good and capable is not good enough. The times dictate that we need a special kind of leader who can bring us together to bridge the national divide and rally and excite the nation to come together to meet many of the special challenges that we face at this juncture. Barack Obama stands tall in the presidential field as that special kind of leader who is not only intelligent and capable but one who has demonstrated the ability to provide the kind of leadership we need at the helm of our nation. Barack has the uncanny ability to get people to work together and demonstrated that special skill when as a State Senator he got leaders on both sides of the aisle to work together to get health care for kids and ethics legislation adopted. Barack has the breadth of life experiences to understand and lead with respect and commitment for diverse needs and backgrounds of people throughout our nation and the world that comes from living and being exposed to diverse cultures in other parts of the world and being a community organizer that fought for closing the gaps for neighborhoods and workers in our cities. He has the ability to inspire, excite and generate enthusiasm and excitement for change that we have not seen since John F Kennedy invoked us to each ask ourselves what we can do for our country rather than ourselves. What you see in Barack is what you get. He is not a packaged and programmed candidate. He is the real thing and quite genuine. Barack does not feel compelled to tell people what they want to hear but tells what needs to be heard as when he spoke of fuel efficiency needs before auto workers or merit pay before teachers .Barack is not afraid to give details of stands he would take and encourage in grappling with major issues as when he made clear that he would support lifting the caps in social security that determine how much income should be subject to tax. Though he makes clear his willingness and commitment to use force as needed to maintain our security ,he makes clear his willingness to speak to our adversaries to explore diplomatic solutions. His commitment and understanding of our constitution as a former teacher of Constitutional law puts him in good stead to insure that under his leadership our government will not stray from fundamental basic constitutional rights and protections that are the bedrock of our American democracy and a beacon to the rest of the world . As a skilled orator he is one that will be able to use the bully pulpit to inspire and rally the nation. Barack’s reflection of integrity and dedication to serving the public good transcends any disagreements one may have with him on a given issue. It is rare when someone comes onto the public scene who personifies those special and unique traits of a leader to is right for the times. Let us not miss the opportunity for us as citizens to each do our own part to insure that we elect a leader who will listen and lead , understand and unify and effectuate change for a brighter tomorrow throughout our nation.
That is why as a local suburban mayor who has worked with Barack, I went to Iowa on 5 weekends to knock on doors for Barack Obama.That is why I have made phone calls most recently to South Carolina to find out what issues matter to people and to talk to them as to why they should caucus or vote for Barack. That is why I have held and gone to volunteer organizing meetings for Barack. That is why I have made financial contributions to the Obama campaign. That is why I have emailed and called others to join me in supporting Barack . That is why I have encouraged fellow mayors and other public officials to endorse Barack. That is why I go onto Barackobama.com to keep up with what is happening on the campaign and to continue to find activities that will move the campaign forward. You too can make a difference for the future of our nation by getting involved in the Obama Campaign by finding similar ways to advance the Obama Campaign. With the Super Tuesday nearly upon us we are at a pivotal point in determining whether we have the opportunity to elect a unique leader like Barack Obama to ignite and excite and unify our nation for the changes we all expect for our families, neighbors and fellow Americans. Don’t wait. Get involved and lend your support to Barack Obama today. The future of our nation is in our hands and we cannot afford to fail. Your prompt commitment of support and involvement will insure that when we wake up to read headlines of early Obama victories in Iowa and the other early primaries we will have laid the cornerstone paving the road towards a bright new future for our country. I welcome your thoughts on the campaign or questions about involvement by email to elliotthartstein@yahoo.com.
Elliott Hartstein,Buffalo Grove,IL 908 Providence Lane Buffalo Grove, IL 60089Tel: 847 830-6474
Dear Elliott:
Thank you so much for this information about Obama & his position vis-a-vis Israel and the Jews, as well as other issues. I agree with you that he is the best choice, the most hopeful choice - not only for America, but for the whole world. As a Canadian, I follow your Primaries with deep interest and concern. Quite right, I have no vote in this matter, but I certainly do have a deep interest in it. The politics of the USA affects everyone in the world. I am much encouraged to see your active support for the candidate who appears from here to be by far the best one for the job.
Thank you again, Elliott. You are working for many people outside of your country as well as inside it. We are grateful.
Yours truly,
Barbara Shumiatcher
Haven’t really heard anything from Obama on how we are going to defeat Islamic terrorism. Plus I hear the same old blah blah about tax the rich, help the poor. It has never worked and never will. At this point (and I bit my lip) McCain is looking better and better.
Obama is not a Muslim. He is a member of a nominally Christian church whose pastor is a racist who said “white America” got its “wake up call” after 9/11. I agree that Jeremiah Wright has never said anything bad about Jews in general, but he says Israel occupies Palestinian land illegally. It was Keith Ellison, not Obama, who took his oath of office on a Koran.
However, Aesop told us long ago that birds of a feather flock together. If Obama does not want to be taken for an anti-Semite, he should not surround himself with them.
(1) Al Sharpton and his National Action Network, anti-Semitic and racist in the bargain. The NAN, under Sharpton’s personal supervision, shouted racial and anti-Semitic epithets at a Jewish-owned store that one of Sharpton’s deranged followers later set on fire. Obama endorsed both Sharpton and the NAN last April.
(2) Jeremiah Wright (racist, anti-Israel)
(3) MoveOn.org (anti-Semitic, anti-Israel, anti-Catholic). MoveOn.org’s now-disgraced Action Forum, while under full editorial control by MoveOn, served as a platform for the most vicious imaginable hate speech against Jews and also Catholics. MoveOn has itself published anti-Israel bulletins (citing Electronic Intifada as a reference) and anti-Catholic hate material, namely a photomanipulation of the Pope waving a gavel in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
(4) Obama accepted money from a fundraiser hosted by a former Knicks player who, with a teammate, said Jews were responsible for killing Jesus.
Hope is a fine appetizer but a miserable supper, and Obama is nothing more than a phony smile on top of an empty suit. McCain is the best choice, assuming he gets the nomination.
I am curious to know why Barack Obama on several occasions that I have seen him on television has not been willing to say, the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States or sing the National Anthem when those present were asked to do so. At a Democratic rally in Iowa before that state’s primary caucus, he appeared on stage with several other primary candidates, who placed their hand over their hearts and said the pledge, but he did not do so, nor did he say the Pledge of Allegiance but stood there and remained silent. I understand from several other sources that he will not participate in this patriotic ritual. Whatk’s his reason?
Re: “he appeared on stage with several other primary candidates, who placed their hand over their hearts and said the pledge, but he did not do so, nor did he say the Pledge of Allegiance but stood there and remained silent.”
They weren’t saying the Pledge of Allegiance, they were listening to the National Anthem. Obama failed to show respect for the National Anthem, not the Pledge of Allegiance.
Re: Bill Levinson’s response to my inquiry about Barack Obama’s failure to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag or participate in showing the proper respect during the singing of the National Anthem during the Iowa caucus Democratic rally which was shown nationwide on TV, is an insuffiecient answer to my inquiry. I still want to know Obama’s reason for not doing so. Your answer that he failed to show respect only to the National Anthem does not answer the question as to what his reason is for keeping his hands at his side when everyone else held their hand over their heart. I believe there is an underlying motive to this behavior, the true nature of which should be made public so we can understand how he feels about this and possibly other things of a similar nature. His wife Michelle also recently made a controversial remark, after he won several primaries, that she is beginning to have faith in America. Does this mean she had no faith in America until her husband won some primaries?
Let’s delve deeper into Obama’s motivation and aspirations about his intentions in dealing with the country’s problems and where his loyalty lies.
Walter, Bill is clearly shilling for Republicans, as you can tell from his comment. So let me answer your question directly.
Please don’t assume Obama has some deep “reason” for failing on one occasion (but not on most others) to put his hand over his heart while listening to the national anthem.
Can you safely say that everytime you’ve heard the national anthem in your entire life (including every sports event), you’ve unfailingly put your hand over your heart?
If not, what was your “reason” for doing so? I myself almost always stand for the national anthem, but I can’t say that every single time I’ve heard it I’ve put my right hand over my heart, even when I’m singing along. Sometimes I just stand at attention.
To suggest that this is somehow anti-American or stems from some deep-seated “reason” is, in my view, beyond foolishness.
Mark Levin your reply rationalising Obama’s deliberate behavior at the Democratic Iowa Caucus where he kept his hands at his side when everyone else on the platform had their hand over their heart during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, smacks of the same partisanship for Obama that you accuse Bill Levinson of having in his disseratation for McCain. If Obama wanted to show his deliberate disdain for our country’s patriotic rituals, where better than at the occasion under discussion to do so? In the past few days Obama’s patriotism is being questioned by a number of sources, e.g. an article on MSNBC’s website on Sat. outlining several doubts in regard to Obama and his wife’s actions and words questioning their patriotism. I also question his judgment in not doing what the other primary candidates did on the platform that day which created such a fire storm for him. If he doesn’t come forth and explain his behavior to the satisfaction of the American people do we want him for President?
Walter Rand is obviously of the ilk that respects the wearing of flag pins by those who really don’t give a damn about their country (i.e., Bush & Cheney). Who cares if he sings the song? I don’t. I am sick of decades of Republicans using empty symbolism to hide behind while letting the country slide into an infrastructural and economic morass. Willy Horton? Swift boating? Gay marriage? Does hiding behind these empty issues help to build schools, hospitals, roads and bridges? Do they pay for our seniors’ health care? No, they do not. So Walter, why don’t you criticize Obama for something substantive if you must, but please shut up when it comes to these empty wedge issues.
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