An American-style presidential debate was held in Jerusalem.
Hundreds of U.S. citizens living in Israel attended the debate Saturday night between representatives of the presidential candidates as they spelled out their respective campaigns’ policies on issues of interest to the Israel-based voter as well as American domestic issues. The American Israeli Action Coalition sponsored the program.
U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the Republican presidential nominee, was represented by Marc Zell, the co-chair of Republicans Abroad-Israel. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), the Democratic presidential nominee, was represented by Sheldon Schorer, counsel to Democrats Abroad-Israel.
Among the issues discussed were the Iran threat, peace between Israel and its neighbors, the status of Jerusalem, granting a pardon to Jonathan Pollard, the U.S. economic crisis, energy policy and health care.
The representatives also spoke on why each of the candidates would make the best president and vice president.
“The American citizens in Israel are very politically sophisticated,” said Harvey Schwartz, chairman of the American Israeli Action Coalition. “An overwhelming majority of those eligible to vote will do so. They are acutely aware that in what everyone thinks will be an extremely close election, their votes will carry great weight in determining the final outcome. They are convinced that their actions will be of material assistance to Israel and American society as a whole.”
The event was co-sponsored by VotefromIsrael.org, which signed up audience members to register for an absentee ballot.
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