Obama Speaks at AIPAC Policy Conference

The timing is fortuitous for Obama. The day after he clinches the Democratic Party nomination, he speaks before the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Washington. This is a constituency Obama needs and he knows it. So he knew not to say anything controversial. I was struck, however, by this set of remarks:

But 60 years later, we know that we cannot relent, we cannot yield, and as President I will never compromise when it comes to Israel's security.

Not when there are still voices that deny the Holocaust. Not when there are terrorist groups and political leaders committed to Israel's destruction. Not when there are maps across the Middle East that don't even acknowledge Israel's existence, and government-funded textbooks filled with hatred towards Jews. Not when there are rockets raining down on Sderot, and Israeli children have to take a deep breath and summon uncommon courage every time they board a bus or walk to school. (http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/04/prepared-remarks-obama-at-aipac-policy-conference/)

That's all very nice. Yet Obama insists on speaking with those who would deny the Holocaust. Obama insists on speaking with political leaders committed to Israel's destruction. Obama insists on speaking with political leaders who don't acknowledge Israel's existence. Obama insists on speaking with political leaders who are responsible for the rockets that rain down on Sderot.

I am curious to find out what kind of reception Obama received. I would not be surprised if it was a merely polite one.