Why is this such a difficult question?

[Anonymous]

Has Carney never walked over to the Map Room?

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/carney-unable-say-capital-israel_649019.html

[jsteele]

It's difficult because it is not a geography question. Israel claims that its capital is Jerusalem. The US and most other countries do not recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Instead, we maintain our embassy in Tel Aviv.

If Carney said that the capital was Jerusalem, it would be a change of US policy and upset many of our allies. If he had said Tel Aviv, it would upset the Israelis and many of their US allies.

It will be interesting to see how Mitt handles this question. Traditionally, candidates pander and say that when they are president, they will recognize Jerusalem as the capital. Knowing Mitt, he will name several cites as the capital, depending on time and day of the question.

[Anonymous]

another obama fail

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:another obama fail

OMG you are an idiot. Find me a Republican president who recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Find one. Please.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:It's difficult because it is not a geography question. Israel claims that its capital is Jerusalem. The US and most other countries do not recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Instead, we maintain our embassy in Tel Aviv.

If Carney said that the capital was Jerusalem, it would be a change of US policy and upset many of our allies. If he had said Tel Aviv, it would upset the Israelis and many of their US allies.

It will be interesting to see how Mitt handles this question. Traditionally, candidates pander and say that when they are president, they will recognize Jerusalem as the capital. Knowing Mitt, he will name several cites as the capital, depending on time and day of the question.

Why are US politicians so afraid of upsetting Israel? I really don't understand why such a small country has such power over the US. It also seems that some US congressman and senators are more concerned with Israels well being than that of the US.

[Anonymous]

The minute we stop supporting Israel, it ceases to exist. Most likely under a mushroom cloud.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The minute we stop supporting Israel, it ceases to exist. Most likely under a mushroom cloud.

Doesn't Israel have nukes?

[Anonymous]

Ok, so they take out Syria and Iran in the process. Won't save them from being annhilated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:It's difficult because it is not a geography question. Israel claims that its capital is Jerusalem. The US and most other countries do not recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Instead, we maintain our embassy in Tel Aviv.

If Carney said that the capital was Jerusalem, it would be a change of US policy and upset many of our allies. If he had said Tel Aviv, it would upset the Israelis and many of their US allies.

It will be interesting to see how Mitt handles this question. Traditionally, candidates pander and say that when they are president, they will recognize Jerusalem as the capital. Knowing Mitt, he will name several cites as the capital, depending on time and day of the question.

Why are US politicians so afraid of upsetting Israel? I really don't understand why such a small country has such power over the US. It also seems that some US congressman and senators are more concerned with Israels well being than that of the US.

AIPAC

[takoma]

Although I dislike Netanyahu and much of Israel's policy, it seems to me sensible that we do not commit ourselves one way or the other in a lose-lose situation. Exactly what is there to gain by pissing off either the Palestinians or the Israelis?

It seems to me as naive to call for diplomacy to be carried out in the straightforward honest way you'd ideally deal with your neighbors as it is to expect the nation to handle its finances like you handle your family's.

[Anonymous]

American Presidents pander to Israel for American Jewish $'ss and vots, not out of love of the Zionist state