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Obama is good for Israel
Obama is good for Israel
The outcome of the elections will be determined by the voters' decision as to which of the two candidates is good for America. But if any of them are vacillating in their vote over whether Obama has been a good president for Israel, the answer is yes.
Haaretz Editorial | Nov.02, 2012 | 4:21 AM | 26
Netanyahu and Obama during a meeting at the White House. Photo by Avi Ohayon
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In CNN op-eds, U.S. presidential candidates describe their visions for America
By Haaretz | Nov.02,2012 | 4:21 AM
Tens of millions of Americans will go to the polls on Tuesday to vote for a president and vice president. It will be an important day for American democracy. This will be the Americans' day, but the outcome of the elections will impact the entire world.
For Americans in general, and American Jews in particular, the United States' attitude toward Israel is just one of many factors to consider - among internal and foreign affairs, the economy and defense - when casting their vote.
But for various reasons, Republican candidate Mitt Romney has made incumbent President Barack Obama's policy toward Israel a hot-button issue in the campaign. One of those reasons is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's open support for Romney, who like him enjoys the patronage of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson. Obama has been accused of taking a cool and hostile stance in relation to Israel on several issues, from Iran to Palestine. Romney promises a warmer, more supportive approach.
Indeed, one would hope the realization of Romney's wishes would further advance Washington-Jerusalem relations, in the tradition of all recent U.S. administrations, both Republican and Democrat. But a deeper examination of the core issues comprising the two countries' relations - devoid of political and personal interests - reveals no grounds for portraying Obama in a negative light.
Obama's predecessor, George W. Bush, assisted Israel's defense by toppling Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq and deterring, albeit for a limited period, Iran's accelerated progress toward attaining nuclear weapons. Bush contributed to Israel's peace, even if partially, by being the first president to adopt the two-state solution. His support even enabled the evacuation of settlements from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank.
Obama continued this two-way track vis-a-vis Iran and the issue of Palestinian statehood. Under his pressure, Israel suspended for the first time - for a while - construction in the settlements. Relations between the two countries' armed forces have never been so close. Obama's challenge in his second term, if he wins the elections, is to lead the region to a stable arrangement of peace and security.
The outcome of the elections will be determined by the voters' decision as to which of the two candidates is good for America. But if any of them are vacillating in their vote over whether Obama has been a good president for Israel, the answer is yes.
http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/obama-is-good-for-israel-1.473888
The outcome of the elections will be determined by the voters' decision as to which of the two candidates is good for America. But if any of them are vacillating in their vote over whether Obama has been a good president for Israel, the answer is yes.
Haaretz Editorial | Nov.02, 2012 | 4:21 AM | 26
Netanyahu and Obama during a meeting at the White House. Photo by Avi Ohayon
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THIS STORY IS BY
Haaretz Editorial
RELATED TAGS
opinion
RELATED ARTICLES
In CNN op-eds, U.S. presidential candidates describe their visions for America
By Haaretz | Nov.02,2012 | 4:21 AM
Tens of millions of Americans will go to the polls on Tuesday to vote for a president and vice president. It will be an important day for American democracy. This will be the Americans' day, but the outcome of the elections will impact the entire world.
For Americans in general, and American Jews in particular, the United States' attitude toward Israel is just one of many factors to consider - among internal and foreign affairs, the economy and defense - when casting their vote.
But for various reasons, Republican candidate Mitt Romney has made incumbent President Barack Obama's policy toward Israel a hot-button issue in the campaign. One of those reasons is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's open support for Romney, who like him enjoys the patronage of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson. Obama has been accused of taking a cool and hostile stance in relation to Israel on several issues, from Iran to Palestine. Romney promises a warmer, more supportive approach.
Indeed, one would hope the realization of Romney's wishes would further advance Washington-Jerusalem relations, in the tradition of all recent U.S. administrations, both Republican and Democrat. But a deeper examination of the core issues comprising the two countries' relations - devoid of political and personal interests - reveals no grounds for portraying Obama in a negative light.
Obama's predecessor, George W. Bush, assisted Israel's defense by toppling Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq and deterring, albeit for a limited period, Iran's accelerated progress toward attaining nuclear weapons. Bush contributed to Israel's peace, even if partially, by being the first president to adopt the two-state solution. His support even enabled the evacuation of settlements from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank.
Obama continued this two-way track vis-a-vis Iran and the issue of Palestinian statehood. Under his pressure, Israel suspended for the first time - for a while - construction in the settlements. Relations between the two countries' armed forces have never been so close. Obama's challenge in his second term, if he wins the elections, is to lead the region to a stable arrangement of peace and security.
The outcome of the elections will be determined by the voters' decision as to which of the two candidates is good for America. But if any of them are vacillating in their vote over whether Obama has been a good president for Israel, the answer is yes.
http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/obama-is-good-for-israel-1.473888
Actually, makes PERFECT sense, now that you explained it the way you did.
My granny visited Israel several times, and she was pretty strict Roman-Catholic.
Hadn't looked at it in that way.
My granny visited Israel several times, and she was pretty strict Roman-Catholic.
Hadn't looked at it in that way.
I understand your confusion...
There are a lot of American Jews who live in Israel.Among the more religious of that group, they are for Romney.
Contrary to what my son (who voted for him) thinks, Romney is not about being a friend to Israel but more about attracting the vote of the Christian right. It is just like the abortion issue, I know fundamentalist Christians who will vote for Romney solely on the abortion issue.
It is part of the political game.
There are a lot of American Jews who live in Israel.Among the more religious of that group, they are for Romney.
Contrary to what my son (who voted for him) thinks, Romney is not about being a friend to Israel but more about attracting the vote of the Christian right. It is just like the abortion issue, I know fundamentalist Christians who will vote for Romney solely on the abortion issue.
It is part of the political game.
Ooopsy.... I must have been off topic or something.
Evangelical Christians are very strong supporters of Israel. They donate a lot of money to Israel and I believe that their groups visit Israel in greater numbers than do Jewish groups. Proclamations by a candidate of unequivocal support for Israel translate into support from Evangelical Christians.
It's not a liberal thing.
Well informed thinking people of both sides of the political spectrum get it easily. You can look to Scriptures to get a better understanding of why the State of Israel is so important to Evangelical Christians.
It's not a liberal thing.
Well informed thinking people of both sides of the political spectrum get it easily. You can look to Scriptures to get a better understanding of why the State of Israel is so important to Evangelical Christians.
I'm confused...
How is Romney's support of Israel about Christians, and not Jews?
I read both the items you posted, above, and I'm just not clear on the logic Nate Silver used.
Maybe I'm missing something?
How is Romney's support of Israel about Christians, and not Jews?
I read both the items you posted, above, and I'm just not clear on the logic Nate Silver used.
Maybe I'm missing something?
The Peace Index Poll, commissioned by Tel Aviv University and the Israel Democracy Institute, found that Romney was favored 2-to-1 by Israelis back in August.
Such pro-Romney sentiment is rare outside the U.S. A recent BBC poll of 21 countries found Obama favored in 20, with Romney taking only Pakistan.
Israel was not included in that survey, though, and Israelis are long used to being a prominent — if not the dominant — foreign policy topic in U.S. presidential campaigns.
In Monday's foreign policy debate between Obama and Romney, Israel was mentioned more than 30 times — far more than Europe, Afghanistan or the Arab Spring, let alone Africa or Latin America.
The only country mentioned more often than Israel was the one the Israeli government keeps trying to draw the world's attention to — Iran.
Obama has what is widely seen as a cool relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and many Israelis have never warmed to the American president.
Romney has repeatedly accused Obama of not being supportive enough of Israel, accusing the president of having "thrown allies like Israel under the bus."
The Obama administration has denied this, saying the security relationship between the countries has never been stronger.
Israeli conservatives have long advocated closer ties with the GOP.
But former Mossad spy chief Ephraim Halevy, this past week in The New York Times, noted that "whenever the United States has put serious, sustained pressure on Israel's leaders — from the 1950s on — it has come from Republican presidents, not Democratic ones."
Nevertheless, the verdict seems clear: If the race were up to Israelis to decide, Mitt Romney would be the next president.
There are many American citizens living in Israel who will cast ballots, and get-out-the-vote activities are under way.
One purportedly nonpartisan organization, iVoteIsrael, has come under fire for allegedly favoring Romney, a charge the group denies. Whomever they're voting for, there are indications that more Americans in Israel are voting this year than in past contests.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/10/27/163727292/among-israelis-romney-appears-the-favorite
Such pro-Romney sentiment is rare outside the U.S. A recent BBC poll of 21 countries found Obama favored in 20, with Romney taking only Pakistan.
Israel was not included in that survey, though, and Israelis are long used to being a prominent — if not the dominant — foreign policy topic in U.S. presidential campaigns.
In Monday's foreign policy debate between Obama and Romney, Israel was mentioned more than 30 times — far more than Europe, Afghanistan or the Arab Spring, let alone Africa or Latin America.
The only country mentioned more often than Israel was the one the Israeli government keeps trying to draw the world's attention to — Iran.
Obama has what is widely seen as a cool relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and many Israelis have never warmed to the American president.
Romney has repeatedly accused Obama of not being supportive enough of Israel, accusing the president of having "thrown allies like Israel under the bus."
The Obama administration has denied this, saying the security relationship between the countries has never been stronger.
Israeli conservatives have long advocated closer ties with the GOP.
But former Mossad spy chief Ephraim Halevy, this past week in The New York Times, noted that "whenever the United States has put serious, sustained pressure on Israel's leaders — from the 1950s on — it has come from Republican presidents, not Democratic ones."
Nevertheless, the verdict seems clear: If the race were up to Israelis to decide, Mitt Romney would be the next president.
There are many American citizens living in Israel who will cast ballots, and get-out-the-vote activities are under way.
One purportedly nonpartisan organization, iVoteIsrael, has come under fire for allegedly favoring Romney, a charge the group denies. Whomever they're voting for, there are indications that more Americans in Israel are voting this year than in past contests.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/10/27/163727292/among-israelis-romney-appears-the-favorite
Nate Silver: Romney on Israel is About Winning Christians; Not Jews
October 11, 2012 7:37 AM Leave a comment (0) Go to comments
Collum Borchers Writes: Nate Silver, author of the New York Times’s FiveThirtyEight blog said despite the popular narrative that Jewish voters are heavily influenced by candidates’ positions on Israel, Jews are not single-issue voters and, in fact, tend to rate the economy as a higher priority in the presidential election than Israel.
“The media likes to stereotype voting groups,” Silver said. “So Hispanics are about immigration. Jews are about Israel.” In truth, Silver argued, Romney’s strongly worded support for Israel “is not to win the Jewish vote. It’s actually more about winning over Christian conservatives.”
http://gestetnerupdates.com/2012/10/11/nate-silver-romney-on-israel-is-about-winning-christians-not-jews/
From the looks of this discussion it appears that Romney's strategy is working well.
October 11, 2012 7:37 AM Leave a comment (0) Go to comments
Collum Borchers Writes: Nate Silver, author of the New York Times’s FiveThirtyEight blog said despite the popular narrative that Jewish voters are heavily influenced by candidates’ positions on Israel, Jews are not single-issue voters and, in fact, tend to rate the economy as a higher priority in the presidential election than Israel.
“The media likes to stereotype voting groups,” Silver said. “So Hispanics are about immigration. Jews are about Israel.” In truth, Silver argued, Romney’s strongly worded support for Israel “is not to win the Jewish vote. It’s actually more about winning over Christian conservatives.”
http://gestetnerupdates.com/2012/10/11/nate-silver-romney-on-israel-is-about-winning-christians-not-jews/
From the looks of this discussion it appears that Romney's strategy is working well.
Oh shame on me for posting an endorsement from the oldest newspaper in the region. Shame Shame Shame!
I can honestly say I don't know who they support, nor do I care?
Good Morning! Now off to work I go! rofl
I can honestly say I don't know who they support, nor do I care?
Good Morning! Now off to work I go! rofl
I'm kind of old for these types of games.
Sigh~ here ya go:
I said, "I don't care who anyone outside the country is supporting, whether it's the pm or Israel or Egypt. .
You said "You should, especially in these areas of interest."
* * *
Good night.
Sigh~ here ya go:
I said, "I don't care who anyone outside the country is supporting, whether it's the pm or Israel or Egypt. .
You said "You should, especially in these areas of interest."
* * *
Good night.
When did I say anything about what the REST of the world thinks? We were discussing Israelis.
I was taking issue with this comment:
"However most nonreligious Israeli Jews are for Obama."
I've read a lot that states basically the opposite. I don't think Obama is very popular among Israelis. Not ALL Israelis, but a good bit of them.
I was taking issue with this comment:
"However most nonreligious Israeli Jews are for Obama."
I've read a lot that states basically the opposite. I don't think Obama is very popular among Israelis. Not ALL Israelis, but a good bit of them.
I heard on the radio that Israel actually supports Obama. However they said it was from the survey by BBC and I couldn't find Israel on it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20008687
NG ~ If you think it's so important to consider what the rest of the world thinks, you might be interested in knowing that only Pakistan prefers Romney in this poll.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20008687
NG ~ If you think it's so important to consider what the rest of the world thinks, you might be interested in knowing that only Pakistan prefers Romney in this poll.
Sorry, but outside of your family and friends, I think he has more foes than friends.
Lol My son and his family support Romney...and I still adore him.(My son that is)
I was speaking of the other people in Israel that I already mentioned in the other post.
Anyway, I am done with this topic. Just wanted to explain once my vision cleared :)
I don't say that I am right and no one else is, Brice. You know me well enough to know that I quickly admit my errors. Please be the nice guy I know you are. I amnot your enemy.
I will try to breathe deeply and readdress NG. I most def. got my back up a few minutes ago.
The polls may show a preference for Romney but I will try to explain as best I can how I understand that.
This is coming from a person who lived as an Orthodox Jew for decades and who loves the community and knows how beautiful they are.
However, they are not unlike many fundamentalist Christians or Muslims in that they are indoctrinated (I cringe, my son would be horrified by these words, but I see it as a truth) They do not do anything without the okay of their Rabbis who are very conservative.
They also live in a place surrounded by hostile countries who would like to wipe them out. That fear makes them very wary. President Obama has tried to show a fair mindedness in order not to alienate the Arabs and Palestinians and many of the more fundamentalist ppl living there interpret that as being anti Israel. I was offended by his behavior at times myself though I cannot stand Netanyahu.
The intelligentsia and the more open-minded ppl in Israel favor Obama. In numbers it may not be as many as the conservatives but in terms of political clout they go pretty far in the policy making. and influence.
So I did overact-I really don't want to discuss religion or Israel on this forum so I am going to shut up now.
I will try to breathe deeply and readdress NG. I most def. got my back up a few minutes ago.
The polls may show a preference for Romney but I will try to explain as best I can how I understand that.
This is coming from a person who lived as an Orthodox Jew for decades and who loves the community and knows how beautiful they are.
However, they are not unlike many fundamentalist Christians or Muslims in that they are indoctrinated (I cringe, my son would be horrified by these words, but I see it as a truth) They do not do anything without the okay of their Rabbis who are very conservative.
They also live in a place surrounded by hostile countries who would like to wipe them out. That fear makes them very wary. President Obama has tried to show a fair mindedness in order not to alienate the Arabs and Palestinians and many of the more fundamentalist ppl living there interpret that as being anti Israel. I was offended by his behavior at times myself though I cannot stand Netanyahu.
The intelligentsia and the more open-minded ppl in Israel favor Obama. In numbers it may not be as many as the conservatives but in terms of political clout they go pretty far in the policy making. and influence.
So I did overact-I really don't want to discuss religion or Israel on this forum so I am going to shut up now.
Nope... you've heard it from the authority and the left is always right. You didn't get the memo, did you?
This is kind of silly. There's got to be Jews for and against Obama just like there are Christians for and against.
Have you guys seen that silly commercial, for Maker's Mark whiskey ?
It says why don't we all join a party we can agree on? Join the cocktail party.
Okay, I don't drink but think it's a clever ad :)
Have you guys seen that silly commercial, for Maker's Mark whiskey ?
It says why don't we all join a party we can agree on? Join the cocktail party.
Okay, I don't drink but think it's a clever ad :)
LOL
You're right...Israelis, I misspoke. Yes, I beg to differ, with you!
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/246006
http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/JewishFeatures/Article.aspx?id=255097
http://mondoweiss.net/2012/10/adelson-says-obama-dislikes-israel-and-will-act-on-his-true-feelings-in-a-second-term.html
Most of the above are from a couple years ago, while Obama was in the midst of his term, befpre Romney was in the picture. There are countless more like these ones.
Sorry, but outside of your family and friends, I think he has more foes than friends.
You're right...Israelis, I misspoke. Yes, I beg to differ, with you!
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/246006
http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/JewishFeatures/Article.aspx?id=255097
http://mondoweiss.net/2012/10/adelson-says-obama-dislikes-israel-and-will-act-on-his-true-feelings-in-a-second-term.html
Most of the above are from a couple years ago, while Obama was in the midst of his term, befpre Romney was in the picture. There are countless more like these ones.
Sorry, but outside of your family and friends, I think he has more foes than friends.
Now I don't even want to google that because I'm afraid if I do I will have curses placed on me and right now I have enough problems but that is a funny title to a website!!
I couldn't resist sharing something sent to me by a Jewish friend:
http://www.yiddishcursesforrepublicanjews.com/
http://www.yiddishcursesforrepublicanjews.com/
And because you lived there, and because you have family there you are right and nobody else is allowed to have an opinion, including other people that live there.... We know.... We know the drill.
Well, I lived there over a decade and have family and friends there as well as staying up on Israeli politics so I really cannot imagine who you are talking to.
There are the religious and the very nationalistic pro Bebe people who want Romney because they think he is closer to them.
There are also many more modern orthodox and rather liberal nationalists like myself who support President Obama as well as the secular Israelis.
Beg to differ? With me?
BTW- WE ARE NOT ISRAELITE S
There are the religious and the very nationalistic pro Bebe people who want Romney because they think he is closer to them.
There are also many more modern orthodox and rather liberal nationalists like myself who support President Obama as well as the secular Israelis.
Beg to differ? With me?
BTW- WE ARE NOT ISRAELITE S
Ive heard the same thing, a few times, that he would prefer Romney. Ive heard Israelites aren't very fond with Obama, as a whole.
I don't care who anyone outside the country is supporting, whether it's the pm or Israel or Egypt. .
You should, especially in these areas of interest. If we elect a pres these people aren't fond of, it may mean difficut issues ahead. Our relationships with some of these countries are paramount to security, and for resources/trade.
However most nonreligious Israeli Jews are for Obama.
I beg to differ!
I don't care who anyone outside the country is supporting, whether it's the pm or Israel or Egypt. .
You should, especially in these areas of interest. If we elect a pres these people aren't fond of, it may mean difficut issues ahead. Our relationships with some of these countries are paramount to security, and for resources/trade.
However most nonreligious Israeli Jews are for Obama.
I beg to differ!
I don't care who anyone outside the country is supporting, whether it's the pm or Israel or Egypt.
Apparently it was an old clip that ABC radio news used this morning.
You are too clever!!! Got me back. My right wing son in Israel did indeed vote for the gov. However most nonreligious Israeli Jews are for Obama. We actually had a sweet conversation about it. He will never disrespect me but he sure doesn't like my choice!
Obama is good for all the peoples imo. P
Obama is good for all the peoples imo. P
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