So with the GOP candidates attacking Obama over Israel, Jon Stewart looked at what Obama actually has to say about Israel.
With ten states up for grabs in the highly contested Republican primary, the top three candidates paid special attention to apparently the most important state, Israel. That's right, each one took time out today from the biggest primary yet to address the American Israeli Political Action Committee. They love Israel, not like that other guy they're running to replace.
LIZ CHENEY (12/11/2011): President Obama has got the worst relationship with the state of Israel that any President has had.
RICK SANTORUM (2/22/2012): He's afraid to stand up to Iran.
MICHELE BACHMANN (11/12/2011): Israel looks at President Obama, and they do not see a friend.
MITT ROMNEY (6/2/2011): That's why people like myself believe he threw Israel under the bus.
"Whereas I, Mitt Romney, will gladly retrieve Israel from under that bus, and posthumously baptize it." (shocked audience laughter) Thus saving Israel's eternal soul.
Yeah, that Obama hates Israel. Even Mel Gibson and John Galliano are like, "Whoa, Obama, take it down."
That's why it was kind of surprising that Barack Obama also appeared at AIPAC. I guess he's gonna tear them a new one. This could get ugly!
BARACK OBAMA (3/4/2012): Israel's security is sacrosanct. It is non-negotiable. That belief has guided my actions as President.
Oh shit, "sacrosanct"! That shit is.... oh wait. Oh, that means... OK, forget it. That actually sounds pretty nice. Well, this is going to be more positive than I thought. (takes out bagel)
BARACK OBAMA (3/4/2012): My administration's commitment to Israel's security has been unprecedented. ... We will do what it takes to preserve Israel's qualitative military edge. ... There will be no lasting peace unless Israel's security concerns are met. ... When the chips are down, I have Israel's back.
BARACK OBAMA (1/20/2012): ♫ I'm so in love with you. ♫
Get a sukkah, you two. Sukkah's a free-standing structure to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot, which commemorates the ritual harvest, so... the reference would've killed at AIPAC. Anyway, my point is this. I interrupted the President.
BARACK OBAMA (3/4/2012): I said that when it comes to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, I will take no options off the table. And I mean what I say. ... That includes all elements of American power, ... a political effort ... a diplomatic effort ... an economic effort.
Is he gonna say it?
BARACK OBAMA (3/4/2012): And yes, a military effort to be prepared for any contingency.
There you have it. That's the guy who hates Israel. Basically, the parameters for debate in the United States range all the way from "I unequivocally support them, and might bomb Iran", to "I unequivocally support them, and will definitely bomb Iran".
Although to be fair, there are some prominent politicians willing to criticize the Israeli government. Even willing to say stuff like:
Israel is not about to be destroyed ... with his crazy analogies, the Prime Minister is diverting attention from Iran to his fearmongering.
Or:
[Netanyahu's words on Iran] sound like a calculated preparation for a reckless adventure.
Or:
Israel is making a mistake in its unwillingness to recognize a Palestinian state.
Oh man, I'd love to play soundbites of those quotes for you, but they're in Hebrew, 'cause they were said by members of the Israeli Knesset. 'Cause apparently in Israel, you are allowed to criticize Israel, and still hold public office. We'll be right back.
Videos below the fold.
Jon also had some
stern words for both Israel and Iran for their own warmongering as well. Did you know both of them are holding elections as well in their countries? It's all political rhetoric designed to stir up their respective bases, people!!
Meanwhile, Stephen couldn't report on Super Tuesday just yet, but he did have the news that
Putin won re-election in Russia.
He then had a Wørd segment
blasting Eric Holder for saying when the U.S. could kill an American citizen.
He then looked at the
idea of a second breakfast.
Jon talked with Julianne Moore about her role as Sarah Palin in the upcoming movie Game Change, and Stephen talked with author Jonathan Safran Foer.