Peter Wallstein of the Los Angeles Times writes an excellent review of Barack Obama's association with Palestinian advocates and the difficulties this is creating for his outreach to voters who are friends of Israel. Clearly, Obama is able to meet with groups of Palestinians and convince them he is most sympathetic to their views and cause. But equally clearly, he has been able to meet with pro-Israel groups and convince at least some that he is on their side too.
There are some excellent interviews and quotes lifted from a videotaped speech Obama gave to a gathering honoring Palestinian advocate Rashid Khalidi, Obama's friend and former neighbor.
Some might argue that the ability to be friendly with both sides shows a master of diplomacy. But of course Obama is not achieving any compromises, only vacuuming up support for his poplitical career. When push comes to shove, and generalities must yield to specifics, the story is different.
Hat tip: Ed Lasky
Update - Clarice Feldman writes:
Tom Maguire comments on the Wallstein article: The LA Times reports on yet another friend of Obama, this time a Palestinian supporter. Yet again we are exhorted to remember that this says nothing about Obama's actual views and only demonstrates his vast ability to reach out to a wide range of viewpoints, all leftwing. The day is yet to come when we get the news that Obama has close friends in the NRA or the Federalist Society.
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