Question:
We have to bring back the gleam to America. A vote for Barack Obama is a vote for America
and Israel
.I'll let another question go ... since that wasn't really a question.
Question (from an "ultra-Republican," my friend says):
Iranians can't wait for another president as good as Jimmy Carter ... because they want to be able to do whatever they want. So what would you tell Ahmedinejad about that, and what about the meeting at Teheran University to discuss the elimination of Israel?
First, I would never do anything to jeopardize the security of Israel. But I would introduce direct diplomacy with Iran, because the policy of not talking with our enemies has not worked. Over the last eight years, Iran has gotten stronger. If you think about it, when Bush took office, Iran was weakened, Iraq was a buffer, Hamas and Hezbollah were threats but not like they are now. Over the last eight years, Iran has become more powerful and has pursued nuclear weapons even more ... Hamas and Hezbollah are stronger, too. "How is it that the Bush-Cheney-McCain policy been good for Israel? I don't see it."
What I would say to any Iranian leader is to have them stop funding nuclear weapons and threatening Israel, and in turn we can help you economically -- there are things we can do ... Iran has to import gasoline ... they are not members of the WTO or in the international economy that would allow them to prosper like, say, India and China have. But if we've initiated direct diplomacy, we have the moral high ground and can enforce sanctions among our allies.
Appeasers?! Israel is talking with Turkey, Egypt, etc ... are they appeasing? No, they are making practical decisions on how to be most secure. The notion that we would operate differently is part of the fear-mongering that has been taking place for the last eight years. If we keep going, we will be isolated and unable to help Israel.
"I've been in a contest with Bill -- with Hillary Clinton ..." [laughter] But the good thing is how Bill Clinton used diplomacy to protect Israel and our other allies. I intend to do the same thing as president of the United States.
At this point I must stop -- I regret having to do so, but I am nearly out of battery power and am nowhere near a convenient outlet. I will continue to take pictures and notes and complete the posting later today. Thanks for being here ...
Labels: Barack Obama, Boca Raton, Obama liveblogging, personal