NBC’s First Read has the story (hatip hotair)
From NBC/NJ’s Matthew E. Berger
MINNEAPOLIS — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin today met with the board of directors of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, NBC/NJ has confirmed.The meeting took place inside Palin’s hotel, sources said. A campaign official would not say who asked for the meeting, but said it was geared towards putting the American Jewish community at ease over her understanding of US-Middle East relations.
“That’s obviously going to be an issue,” the aide said. “It’s not like being the senator from New York, obviously. But these aren’t issues that are off her radar.” Palin, joined by Sen. Joe Lieberman, expressed her “heartfelt support for Israel” and spoke of the threats it faces from Iran and others, the campaign official said.
“We had a good productive discussion on the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship, and we were pleased that Gov. Palin expressed her deep, personal, and lifelong commitment to the safety and well-being of Israel,” AIPAC spokesman Josh Block said. “Like Sen. McCain, the vice presidential nominee understands and believes in the special friendship between the two democracies and would work to expand and deepen the strategic partnership in a McCain/Palin Administration.”
If Joe’s ok with it, I’m, ok with it.. But seriously (actually that’s true), it looks like glowing words from all parties and that’s a hearty thumbs up from our American friends at AIPAC, good news as now both campaigns are committed to maintaining a strong relationship.
Biden was out in Florida stumping to Jewish voters today shoring up Obama support in the swing vote. As an Israeli these two have a long way to go to convince me they’d be a better fit with Israel overall in the US foreign policy department. Things like cuts to US Missile Defense (I live in a missile war zone, so I know how tasty missile defense is) and Iran leave something to be desired in the Democratic ticket. Joe Lieberman will be appearing tonight at the GOP convention to make a bi-partisan case for John McCain’s Presidency, no wonder Biden was in Florida today.. Fox says Joe may be a favorite for a McCain cabinet position, unlikely in an Obama administration I’d say.. Another glowing endorsement of Obama on foreign policy, Israel, and Bi-Partisanship.
Update: Obama took the day off today according to FNC, to receive his 1st comprehensive intelligence briefing from FBI headquarters, a special privilege for both nominees vaulting their security class up and getting them up to speed if needed.