senator barack obama

In his first speech as the presumptive Democratic nominee, Barack Obama reaffirmed his commitment to Israel and said America's foreign policy has put more pressure on the Jewish state, not less. Attempting to establish his bona fides on international policy, Obama said he believes diplomacy is necessary but not intended to take military options off the table. He has been criticized for saying he would meet with leaders of nations including Iran but explained today that those talks would be to explain the U.S. position and build support at home and abroad. "I have no intention of sitting down with our adversaries just for the sake of talking," he said. He said a safe Palestinian state is needed but terrorists must be beaten back and Israel's security is and always will be paramount. Obama closed out the primary season Tuesday with enough delegates to claim the Democratic nomination against presumptive GOP nominee John McCain. Hillary Clinton, Obama's rival in the race, has not yet conceded and spoke today to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's policy conference in Washington following Obama. Both made strong statements about blocking Iran's nuclear ambitions and their belief that American foreign policy in the Middle East has emboldened America's enemies, not brought them to heel. Both Democrats had kind words for each other as well, though Clinton still did not signal she was ready to leave the race. But she did acknowledge the prospect of Obama being president, saying a Democrat must be elected. "I know Sen. Obama understands what's at stake here," she said. "I know Sen. Obama will be a good friend to Isra

» View the original video «

YouTube | June 4, 2008

Tags:. .explain. .understands. .east. .attempting. .position