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Obama reassures Jewish voters
25/04/2007 09:14 - (SA)
Washington - US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Tuesday tried to reassure Jewish voters concerned about his Muslim ties that he has "unwavering" commitment to Israel's security.
Speaking to the National Jewish Democratic Council, Obama said his experience living in Indonesia for four years as a child could make him a better president.
"If I go to Jakarta and address the largest Muslim country on earth, I can say 'Apa kabar' - you know, 'How are you doing?' - and they can recognise that I understand their common humanity," Obama said.
"That is a strength, and it allows me to say things to them that other presidents might not be able to say. And that's part of what's promising, I think, about this presidency."
Obama's stepfather was Indonesian, and the future senator lived in the country from ages six to 10.
Obama was one of six Democratic presidential candidates to speak to the council over their three-day conference at the Almas Temple in downtown Washington.
Muslim and Arab American support
His comments came after an audience member, Robert Seidemann asked Obama about his fast rise to prominence and his support among Muslim and Arab Americans.
"We are obviously friends with all of them," Seidemann said. "However, when it comes to Israel and push comes to shove, how can you make us, as Jews, totally comfortable in addressing the issues in Israel and moving toward what no president has been able to do and that is establish a peace?"
Obama said he has probably gotten more support from Jewish donors, although he actively seeks support from Muslim Americans as well. But he said those Jews who have known him the longest would testify "that I haven't just talked the talk, I've walked the walk when it comes to Israel's security".
Obama said while he is committed to protecting Israel's security, he would also reach out to Arab leaders who are committed to recognising Israel and renouncing violence.
He did not repeat the position he took last month while campaigning in Iowa - that he supports relaxing restrictions on aid to the Palestinian people because "nobody is suffering more than the Palestinian people".
When a reporter who followed Obama out of the building asked him about his previous statement, Obama did not answer but closed the door of the car he was getting into to head back to Congress.
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