The Republican Jewish Coalition and the National Jewish Democratic Council are clashing over Barack Obama’s AIPAC speech.
First, the RJC issued this statement accusing Obama of attempting to rewrite his Iran policy:
Obama Tries to Rewrite His Iran Policy
Washington, D.C. (June 4, 2008) – The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) issued the following statement today:
“Today before the pro-Israel community at AIPAC, Senator Obama tried to run from his Iran policy. In September 2007, a bipartisan effort in the Senate passed the Kyl-Lieberman resolution designating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. At the time, Obama vehemently opposed this effort and used the opportunity as a political diversion to attack Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Now that he has the Democratic nomination, Obama is attempting to rewrite his history and pretend his opposition to Kyl-Lieberman never happened. But in truth, when given the opportunity to demonstrate principled leadership and judgment, Obama instead worked against the bipartisan effort to increase the economic pressure on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.”
And, right on schedule, the NJDC fired back (though it failed to address the actual claim made by Jewish Republicans) [UPDATE: The NJDC does have a more direct response up on its blog. Below is the non-response response.]
More Fear and Smear from RJC and Other McCain Supporters
WASHINGTON, DC – Ira N. Forman, Executive Director of the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC), released the following statement:
This is just more of the same fear and smear that we hear from RJC and other Sen. John McCain supporters. It is clear from Senator Barack Obama’s speech yesterday to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) that he will continue to be a great friend of Israel from the White House.
I urge you to listen to his speech where he explains:
“My strong commitment to make sure that the bond between the United States and Israel is unbreakable today, unbreakable tomorrow, unbreakable forever….That the bond between Israel and the United States is rooted in more than our shared national interests. It’s rooted in the shared values and shared stories of our people. And, as president, I will work with you to ensure that it is this bond that is strengthened.” (AIPAC Speech 6/4/08)With regards to Iran Senator Obama said unequivocally that, “Finally, let there be no doubt: I will always keep the threat of military action [against Iran] on the table to defend our security and our ally, Israel. Do not be confused.” (AIPAC Speech 6/4/08)
These words are supported by a perfect pro-Israel voting record, a deep passion for Israel and an impeccable understanding of the policies that will succeed where Bush/McCain policies have failed.
