Obama's Crucial AIPAC Speech

[oberliner]

Finally triumphant but battle-scared, it's hard to believe that Obama's real race is only now beginning. Hillary and Rev. Wright certainly stripped him of all that shiny Teflon that armored him through the first half of the nomination battle, but in the long run they both did him a great favor. No one can forever remain on a pedestal and now that he has been humanized he can make mistakes without breaking a million hearts.

And with John McCain now in his sights the AIPAC speech is the perfect opportunity for Obama to lay out a compelling, transformative roadmap for the future of American foreign policy. He's spoken with AIPAC before and his speech back in March of last year hit all the right notes. He didn't shy away from the centerpiece of his difference with McCain and Bush -- tough-minded, direct engagement with Iran instead of childishly and self-defeatingly giving them the silent treatment.

What I hope he delivers tomorrow however is something more. I hope he builds on what he did when addressing Cuban-Americans last month, straight talk instead of talking points to another group that at least initially eyed him with considerable skepticism.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/trey-ellis/obamas-crucial-aipac-spee_b_104912.html

[mike_c]

1. I hope he puts AIPAC on notice that their influence over American policy...

...is waning, but I suppose that's too much to hope for.

[notfullofit]

2. No change of policy

from Obama...

'The Illinois senator, provided assurances of traditional positions on relations with Israel, promising an "unshakable commitment" to its security, praising the bond between the U.S. and Israel and declaring he would not negotiate with Hamas and Hezbollah, groups the U.S. considers to be terrorist organizations.'

Chicago Tribune

[ProgressiveMuslim]

3. It must be a bitter pill having to bend over for AIPAC. nt

[oberliner]

5. "Bend over" for AIPAC?

I am not sure what you are implying exactly with that imagery, however, it seems to me that accepting the fact that Obama is a strong supporter of Israel is the bitter pill for some.

From the Obama website's Israel Fact Sheet:

Barack Obama strongly supports the U.S.-Israel relationship, a mutually beneficial bond strengthened by common values, histories, and dedication to democracy. Obama believes that our first and incontrovertible commitment in the Middle East must be to the security of Israel, America’s strongest ally in the Middle East.

[Vegasaurus]

4. NO American president

will give up on Israel.

[Scurrilous]

6. GD: P thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6267666

[oberliner]

7. Full Text of Obama's remarks

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2008/06/04/remarks_by_sen_obama_at_aipac_meeting/4884/