Time slipping for Obama Israel trip

[oberliner]

Former President George W. Bush waited until his eighth year in office to touch down in Israel. His father, George H.W. Bush, didn’t go at all. Neither did Ronald Reagan.

But for President Barack Obama, the call of Israel has always been more urgent.

Jewish leaders have been pressing Obama since he took office to carve out time for Israel, arguing that a trip is needed to repair missteps in the relationship with the key U.S. ally. But the window — and the expectations — for a visit are quickly diminishing, leaving a potential missed opportunity for a president who has been dogged by questions about his commitment to Israel.

“It is an error,” said former New York Mayor Ed Koch, who made peace with Obama in September after being sharply critical of his record on Israel and agreed to support his reelection. “If he didn’t go this year and he didn’t go next year, it would result in an even greater reduction in Jewish support.”

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/67296.html

[Arctic Dave]

1. Nutty Yahoo is a douchebag, Obama shouldn't waste his time with him.

He should only talk to his opposition and wait until he is out of office to go there.

[Whisp]

2. agreed!

*goes to check my temperature.

[oberliner]

3. Obama has already met with him several times

He's been invited to the White House and all that jazz.

If Obama goes to Israel, he could reach out to the opposition leaders and to the Israeli people themselves - as well as the Palestinians.

[Arctic Dave]

4. Why give nutty the attention he doesn't deserve.

Obama could address any of the groups with out going there.

[oberliner]

6. J Street suggests it could be a good opportunity for him to lay out his vision for peace

Perhaps more sustained US involvement could help reinvigorate the peace process.

[Arctic Dave]

7. Nutty is not interested any peace process.

That is why Obama should ignore him and go to his opposition to start the process with them.

[oberliner]

8. Not to Netanyahu, but directly to the Israeli people

Seems like it could even be a diplomatic slap in the face to Netanyahu if Obama was interested in that sort of thing (which I don't think he is).

[Enrique]

5. 20% of our Congress went to Israel over the summer

they're probably sick of American politicians.

[Pirate Smile]

10. Our Congress is a huge part of the problem with our Israel policy.

[Pirate Smile]

9. He shouldn't go.

[FrenchieCat]

11. Between Politico and Firedoglake.....

I don't know which attack dog works best on a Democratic President,
but they appear to be trying to find out. :eyes: