Why I support Barack Obama for president, By STUART E. EIZENSTAT

[Ian David]

Oct 28, 2008 20:09 | Updated Oct 29, 2008 3:03
Why I support Barack Obama for president
By STUART E. EIZENSTAT

I have spent much of my adult life serving in our government to promote America's interests at home and abroad; I have made it a special calling to help Jews around the world, including Holocaust victims, and to strengthen the US-Israel relationship. It is with great pride that I support Senator Barack Obama to be our next president.


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His sound judgment has been shown by understanding, against the prevailing opinion from both parties at the time, that the invasion of Iraq was a profound mistake, built on erroneous assumptions, that would distract our attention and deplete our military resources from crushing the Taliban and destroying al-Qaeda in Afghanistan - the real sources of 9/11 and worldwide terrorism, and that would strengthen Israel's greatest enemy Iran.

It has been shown by his opposition to putting Hamas on the ballot in the Palestinian elections, when it was dedicated to Israel's destruction, as part of the administration's ill-fated attempt to democratize the Middle East overnight. And of supreme importance, his judgment has been shown by the most important decision a presidential candidate can make for the nation - choosing a Vice Presidential running mate - Senator Joe Biden, who is ready to become the President on day one if the need arises.

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He is committed to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of Iran, which threaten America's security interests, but especially Israel's, through a new combination of strengthened sanctions, including his bill encouraging divestment from companies doing business with Iran, along with incentives, while leaving the military option on the table.

He is a lifelong, devoted supporter of Israel, who relishes its accomplishments, shares its pain, is committed to maintain Israel's military superiority; who opposes negotiations with Hizbullah and Hamas, and the Palestinian demands for a return of refugees; and who will pursue peace negotiations with a passionate commitment for Israel's security.

He supported Israel's response in Lebanon to the kidnapping of its troops because he believes that Israel has a right to defend itself.

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The writer was Chief Domestic Policy Adviser to President Jimmy Carter. In the Clinton Administration he was US Ambassador to the European Union, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs, and Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.