I’m more cynical about Obama. I think he’s cold and calculating and never commits to a thing. Great ear, great platitudes. I’m an enthusiastic supporter, don’t get me wrong. But when a friend said recently that had he been in the Senate, Obama would have supported the Iraq war, I’m inclined to agree (though Dan Swanson, who is over the moon for Obama, has pointed out to me that the New Republic did a story on Obama’s Illinois senate days, showing that he was resolutely against the war in ’02, when he knew it could hurt his future…).
Another friend offers me the following report from the Jews for Obama rally in Washington Saturday night:
Big turnout. Mostly young (under 40 and probably under 35 or 30). I was very comfortable with what Rabbi Fred Dobb said. He took care not to distinguish between Jews and the Other. But the congressional voices that came after [Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) ] all stressed Israeli security. At most there were passing references to the peace process. The literature was hardline…starting with a quote of Obama’s to AIPAC.
But Shira Robinson made a brilliant statement during the first and only question (nobody asked a second when given the opportunity). My memory is she talked about how inspiring Obama is, but not on this issue. She called on him to end the occupation and was greeted by loud applause. I walked away at the end of the evening wondering how big the gap is between congressional defenders of Israeli actions and grassroots Jewish community activists who are, in general, young.
I was very impressed with Shira Robinson. It wasn’t just her comment, but her ability to step to the middle of the room and articulate her thoughts in a way that brought such rousing applause. I think the congresswoman was a bit thrown by it.
I’m with Robinson. And I wonder whether Obama is bought and paid for…
