Bernie Sanders smashes the Israel status quo
Sanders refused to back down Thursday night from his claim that Israel in 2014 used "disproportionate" force to respond to Hamas rocket fire from Gaza while calling for the United States to stop being "one-sided" in the conflict there.
In doing so, he upended a long-standing tenet of American politics: that unflinching support for Israel is non-negotiable
However, it is far from clear what political costs, if any, Sanders will face from his outspokenness, which also included him stating that "we are going to have to treat the Palestinian people with respect and dignity" and "we are going to have to say that Netanyahu is not right all of the time."
CNN political commentator Van Jones, a former Obama political aide, said Thursday night that Sanders' focus on Palestinian rights during the debate was "extraordinary."
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However, it is far from clear what political costs, if any, Sanders will face from his outspokenness, which also included him stating that "we are going to have to treat the Palestinian people with respect and dignity" and "we are going to have to say that Netanyahu is not right all of the time."
Clinton, for her part, diligently asserted the traditional pro-Israel views that have helped make her a favorite of Israel advocates and Jewish leaders in New York.
In doing so, he upended a long-standing tenet of American politics: that unflinching support for Israel is non-negotiable.
What I find especially interesting is his timing-- right before the N.Y. State primary.
It's not just that the New York area has so many Jewish residents, but the annual Gallup Poll usually puts Americans support for Israel in the neighbourhood of 70% and their support of the Palestinians at around 20%. Is he actually looking for votes or not? I think I'd vote for Trump before I voted for him. Well, actually, I'd never vote for Trump.
Personally I found his remarks amazingly refreshing. They were long over due and reflect the views of many American, including myself. They didn't make me "Feel the Bern", but his comments made me a lot more comfortable voting for him if he beats Hillary and becomes the Democratic nominee for President.
Hillary would never visit Gaza because she is practical that way . She recognizes her person would be endangered from such a trip . By contrast Sanders is a complete hypocrite . Would he visit Gaza to demonstrate "respect & dignity" ? Of course not . He's all talk ...