Obama Asks Jewish Voters to Judge Him on His Policies

[JimGinPA]

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Senator Barack Obama sought to assure Jewish voters here on Thursday of his commitment to the security of Israel and implored them to disregard the false stories and rumors about his beliefs, background and foreign policy views toward the Middle East.

“We must not negotiate with a terrorist group that’s intent on Israel’s destruction,” said Mr. Obama, of Illinois. “We should only sit down with Hamas if they renounce terror, recognize Israel’s right to exist and abide by past agreements.”

For nearly two hours, Mr. Obama tried to work through a deep-seated skepticism of his candidacy by some Jews. He was welcomed by warm applause that seemed to grow throughout the afternoon session at a synagogue.

Mr. Obama had sharp words for his Republican critics, singling out President Bush and Senator John McCain of Arizona as “counting on fear” and what he called a distortion of his stance on Israel and his plan to meet with foreign leaders. He said he would not negotiate with Hamas or Hezbollah unless they renounced ties to terrorism.

More at link

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/23/us/politics/23obama.html?ref=us

The more people get to know him, the more they like him.

[Fredda Weinberg]

1. That's Boca. I'd like to see him in Crown Heights, where we just had 2 bias

incidents. I haven't seen this kind of violence in decades.

[NotThisTime]

3. Would his policies change between Boca & Crown Heights? He wants people to vote his policies. I'm

sorry for the incidents you have had as of late, in Crown Heights

[Fredda Weinberg]

4. I'd like to see him address the Black Jews, who preach violence

in the streets. Sorry for the incidents? Heck, he could do something about it. Instead, my people are demonstrating for the first time since my childhood.

I saw this coming ... I'll be getting back in touch w/my precinct's commanding officers. But not during silly season - I wouldn't be safe.

No, it's not a Crown Heights issue. But just as I was a victim in Crown Heights yeshiva's playground ... a school, btw, which is no longer in Crown Heights ... others are suffering needlessly now.

[NotThisTime]

5. You know, I think he WOULD address them.... this is something he feels passionately about

Why not trying to alert his campaign? I'm not familiar with the area you speak, but incidents of any kind are unacceptable. Whether it's gangs, preacher rantings, children gone awry, whatever you call it, it is STILL not okay. My heart goes out to you during these troubled and very tough times.

[Fredda Weinberg]

7. Alert? There's been demonstrations on the evening news in NYC

But why are you surprised? They call themselves the true Israelites and we're devils. Now, this may sound racist to you, but I had to pass it on DeKalb Avenue if I wanted to use the Fulton Mall.

I could pass 'em by before, but now? These times are troubled in a way they don't have to be. I attended a business meeting today ... you can't imagine what a female CTO does for a young African American, female receptionist. I didn't speak, though she knew to address me first. Instead, all I had to do was smile and, on the way out, wink. She knows she'll have her opportunity.

I don't need Barry, thank you. My people have learned not to accept intolerable behavior, despite DU's policy that violence in our community is somehow irrelevant to the political season.

[ecstatic]

8. wtf?

What exactly are you trying to get across in your posts?

That you're having a problem with black jews and that you can't vote for Obama for that reason?

Your posts are full of racism and hate. You are a part of the problem!

[Fredda Weinberg]

9. The Black Israelites have a problem w/me. I'll consider 'em Jews

No, I'm not full of anything. You're just silly, as you don't know what I've done in the African American community.

[TornadoTN]

15. Wow, just wow

Such an air of self-importance.

[cali]

14. LOL!

typical fredda. It's always all about you.

:rofl:

[jakem]

16. it pains me to see that i can not call Jews "my people"

The vitriol that has spilled from self-identified Jewish members of DU is astonishing to me.

My own Jewishness I have always identified with ideals of tolerance, with compassion, with community. But here in DU I see another face of the Jewish community, and I have to say it brings me feelings of shame.

I know well that no religion has cornered the market on ass-holishness or righteousness, but damn, people.

Can we not try to limit the influence of religion to human-kinds more noble traits?

[foo_bar]

18. nu, you hold Obama responsible for the "God was an African" preachers on Fulton?

I don't need Barry, thank you. My people have learned not to accept intolerable behavior, despite DU's policy that violence in our community is somehow irrelevant to the political season.

Are you boycotting Penn Station as well? Don't conflate your (xeno)phobias with what's proverbially good for the Jews; it's a shanda, and it makes the 61% of us who aren't meshugina look like yahoos by nominally sharing a religion with you end-timin' tinhorn foil hatters.

I'd like to see him address the Black Jews, who preach violence in the streets.

What makes you think they were "Black Jews", do you believe everything the Jews for Jesus say about themselves? There is a lost African tribe but they don't advocate violence against Jews, since they consider themselves Jews (unlike the "13th tribe of Judaea" jokers by subway entrances). Anyway, what do you want Obama to do, use his secret black power salute to mollify every crazy person in New York? Should Hillary tell West Virginia to tone down the domestic violence?

"That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn."

[mrreowwr_kittty]

2. I think he did well in a tough situation.

I'm not totally happy with his rhetoric on Israel and Palestine but I realize he's in a difficult position in that arena. He definitely redeemed himself and put concerns stemming from rumors and innuendo to rest.

[Cha]

6. Obama's got that ability to communicate

the way he sees it that makes you want to give him a chance to change our country around.

Like he says ..it's not about him or his opponents but our country and after the 8 year nightmare it's the perfect storm for someone like him to come along and lead us. Are we fortunate or what?

[VotesForWomen]

10. they'll judge him, alright, as will the rest of the country, and we will decide that we don't trust

him.

[quantass]

12. Hillary's trustworthiness is equal to BUSH -- America cant trust her

[NotThisTime]

13. Then you'll be voting for McCain - you can trust him, really, you can.

[quantass]

11. He did a FANTASTIC Job today! All of America needs him!

[JimGinPA]

17. Has Anyone Ever Seen A Clinton Town Hall Where The Questioners Weren't Plants?