10:19 Introduced by supporter and AIPAC board member Lee Rosenberg… as the “presumptive Democratic nominee.”
10:21 He raises the anti-Obama e-mails. “Let me know if you see this guy named Barack Obama, because he seems kind of scary.”
10:22 When I visit AIPAC I am among friends, true friends.
10:22 Obama praises AIPAC’s bottom-up approach, no doubt an allusion to his own philosophy.
10:24 Echoing his comments to Jeffrey Goldberg about his early admiration for Israel and Zionism.
10:24 Bringing up his great uncle.
10:25 Gets it right this time.
10:26 Expanding on the Holocaust theme, recalling Ike’s commitment to making sure there was evidence of the Shoah.
10:27 “We must mean what we say when we speak the words ‘Never Again.'” Standing O.
10:27 Another big applause line: “As president I will never compromise when it comes to Israel’s security.”
10:28 JTA’s Uri Heilman notes that plenty of people are staying seated during the standing Os.
10:29 “John McCain and I” share bipartisan commitment to Israel.
10:30 Making the case that U.S. foreign policy in recent years has hurt Israel. He rejects the approach of those who would “intensify failed status quo” or blame Israel for the problems in the Middle East.
10:32 “Those who threaten Israel, threaten us.”
10:32 Will maintain Israel’s qualitative edge. Promises to “deepen” the commitment to Israel’s security.
10:34 “Israelis across the political spectrum” understand that security will only come with lasting peace.
10:36 “As president I will help Israel work to achieve the goal of two states… I won’t wait till the waning days of my presidency.” Promises to tkae an “active role from the start of my administration.” Strong applause. More than any speaker has gotten for plugging two-state solution.
“No room at the negotiating table for terrorist organizations. That’s why I opposed Palestinian elections in 2006 with Hamas on the ballot. The Israelis and the Palestinian Authority warned us against holding these elections. But this administration pressed ahead.” The result: Missiles from Gaza. [Sounds like Liz Cheney.]
Egypt should cut arms smuggling to Gaza. Israel, when security situation allows, should stop some settlement expansion and roadblocks.
10:37 Israel must remain Jewish state and have clear, secure borders.
10:38 “Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel.” I think he then said “and must remain undivided,” but hard to hear over the applause.
10:39 We must never force Israeli leaders to negotiating table, but never block them.
10:41 Iranian “threat” was “ignored” because of Iraq war.
10:42 Just stumbled on Ahmadinejad’s name.
10:42 Iranian threat has increased due to Iraq war. “I refuse to continue a policy that has made the United States and Israel less secure.”
10:43 “I will do everything in my power to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. I will do everything in my power to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Everything.” Big applause.
10:45 Starts with “aggressive diplomacy.”
10:45 “With appropriate Iranian leaders” … “At time and place of my choosing” … when it’s in America’s interest.
10:46 Give up support for terrorism, nuclear program and threats to Israel.
10:47 Talking with Iran will help get China and Russia on board.
10:47 Iranian Revolutionary Guard a “terrorist organization.”
10:48 Why won’t John McCain back my bipartisan divestment bill?
10:49 Must free ourselves from “tyranny of oil.” Bush policies have “driven up the price of oil” and more “dependent” on foreign oil. Plugs U.S.-srael
10:50 “I will always keep the threat of military action on the table” to protect Israel.” Applause.
10:51 “if we must use military once we are more likely to succeed and will have more support at home and abroad if we have exhausted our diplomatic efforts.” Applause.
10:51 Ode to Israel.
10:52 Ode to American Jews. Jewish commitment to “freedom, fairness, social justice and tikkun olam.”
10:53 Jews and Afrincan-Americans marched together, “they bled together.” Standing applause for strengthening black-Jewish relations, renewing commitment to justice, fighting prejudice. “That work must include a shared commitment to Israel,”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
