Watch Live: Congressional Hearing on IRS Scandal

Live BlazeCast at 2pm ET: All the fireworks from the IRS Hearing!

Politics

Obama on the Defensive: I’m Not First President ‘Unable’ to Visit Israel ‘in Their First Term’

Mar. 6, 2012 2:57pm Billy Hallowell

There was an intriguing moment during President Barack Obama’s press conference today (a number of them, actually). Of particular note was a question by Fox’s Ed Henry. The reporter asked the president why he hasn’t visited Israel during his first term.

Obama responded by saying he isn’t the first president not to visit Israel during his first term. Additionally, he reiterated his support for and devotion to the Jewish state.

Obama Defends Not Visiting Israel in His First Term

“I am not the first president who has been unable, because of a whole range of issues, not to visit Israel as president in their first term,” he said. “I visited Israel twice as senator — once right before I became president.”

While critics will likely go digging to disprove Obama’s claims, the president is telling the truth. It isn’t uncommon for individuals to say that the Obama administration hasn’t been as supportive of Israel as many would like. Regardless, his predecessor — George W. Bush — did not visit the nation during his first term either. The Jewish Forward reports:

President George W. Bush, hailed by Israelis as a great friend of the Jewish state, visited Israel twice, but both events took place deep in his second term. Bush first visited Israel in January 2008, a year before leaving the White House and then once again in May of 2008, to mark Israel’s 60th anniversary.

His Father, President George H.W. Bush served only one term and never got around to visiting Israel. Bush’s relations with the Shamir government in Israel were strained and ended on a sour note as the Israeli government refused to freeze settlement as demanded by the Bush administration.

After explaining this, Obama went on to discuss his commitment to the Middle Eastern nation (his comments come just one day after he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pledge a “rock solid” commitment to Israel).

“The measure of my commitment to Israel is not measured by a single visit,” the president proclaimed during today’s press conference. “The measure of my commitment to Israel is seen in the actions I’ve taken as president of the United States. And it is indisputable that I’ve had Israel’s back over the last three years.”

But the president did take time to sharply criticized his opponents who have taken to tough talk about Iran.

“This is not a game and there is nothing casual about it,” Obama told reporters. “When you actually ask them what they would do, it turns out they repeat the things we’ve been doing over the last three years. It indicates to me that that’s more about politics than actually trying to solve a difficult problem.”

He said that if any of the Republican candidates truly believe it is time to start a war, they should explain their positions to the American people. “Everything else is just talk,” he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (118)

Paul
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:56pm
Was it 90 rounds of golf at last count ? Liar.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- 83plus
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:00pm
  Yeah, what’s stopping him besides his next golf game or vacation?
  
  Report this comment
- TeaPartyForRomney
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:11pm
  We need to put harder sanctions on Iran, such as stopping their financial transactions. This would hurt the government and not the people as much. Then if they don’t cease, we need to keep military action on the table to back up Israel. That is what you do with allies, you back them up and their actions, unlike Obama wants, he wants more diplomacy and weaker sanctions that are more harmful to the people.
  
  Romney and Santorum will stand with Israel. They gave great speeches at AIPAC, almost constant standing ovations. Here is Romney’s speech: http://url2it.com/lscf
  
  Report this comment
- MCDAVE
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:43pm
  This is a must see,,our leaders are working towards the end of the American dream..UN AGENDA 21 http://my.brainshark.com/Agenda-21-for-Public-Officials-472185383?mid=5560
  
  Report this comment
- AvengerK
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:04pm
  Hmmmm maybe it’s the tons of vacations and record number of golf games that prevented him from visiting? I do recall him visiting Israel as a candidate…when the rumours were flying that his pals are anti-Israeli…Rev Wright for instance.
  
  Report this comment
- TheBurningTruth
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:23pm
  Don’t forget about those campaign trips that are oh so vital to both our and Israel’s national security. He needs all those billions of “dinner-dollars” from Hollywood celebs and big liberals for our own good.
  
  Report this comment
- Grey Eagle
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 6:11pm
  Yes he is the only President who has not gone to Israel back beyond Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter.
  
  Report this comment
- db321
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 7:19pm
  Obama – we heard your speech yesterday – “America is rock solid in support of Israel” and “don’t underestimated America resolve” – We as Americans already knows that we support Israel- the question is were do you stand.
  
  You double talking knucklehead!
  
  Report this comment
- sparkspeaks
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 8:54pm
  I agree….He’s a liar. Just like that serpent in the very beginning…. twisting the truth, and tempting others to follow his lead….
  
  Report this comment
- burdenedsoul
  Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:26pm
  Damn, I hope that’s just a bad picture because that expression is showing not only anger but rage and a little bit of “IF I WANT TO KEEP MY POSITION AS PRESIDENT I CAN’T LOP OFF YOU’RE LEGS AND FEED YOU TO MY DOGS BUT I REALLY REALLY WISH THAT WASN’T TRUE!”………..”Change CHANGE cHANge Change change change……………”
  
  Report this comment
SpankDaMonkey
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:55pm
.
I‘m Not First President ’Unable‘ to Visit Israel ’in Their First Term’

I’m just the frist one to refuse to go to Israel……..

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- walkintruth
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:59pm
  I guess he means that you need to vote me in again so I can go.
  
  Report this comment
- mercenary4freedom
  Posted on March 7, 2012 at 12:52am
  He’s already got ads out on youtube “Obama Stands with Isreal”. Damage control working diligently to keep the fleece job in full swing.
  
  Report this comment
- IIIcorp
  Posted on March 7, 2012 at 4:55pm
  Read his statement and it’s Bushes fault. Both father and son. What a loser.
  
  Report this comment
RightUnite
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:48pm
If that’s what he calls having their back, I’d tell Israel to run as fast as they can!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- TerryDo
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 7:25pm
  I would tell Israel to pay attention to this truth posted by http://www.hillaryis44.org/
  And which I concur with…
  
  “Obama simply cannot be trusted.
  Obama cannot be trusted on any issue.
  Obama cannot be trusted by his friends.
  Obama cannot be trusted by his enemies.
  Obama cannot be trusted.”
  
  Report this comment
- hallkbrdz
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 11:32pm
  He is at their back – with a knife in his hand.
  
  Give up your buffer zone so you can’t defend yourselves – or else… Just the kind of person you want at your back – NOT.
  
  Report this comment
wboehmer
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:42pm
The two-faced Worst-President-Ever Obama here admits he favors lower gasoline prices PRIMARILY BECAUSE HE WANTS TO BE RE-ELECTED!

So. this hypocrite has no problem setting aside his ideological agenda to deceive the electorate so he can be re-elected. Who can respect a guy like this?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Tri-ox
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:38pm
As a sworn enemy of Israel, obama is not welcome there, and he knows it.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
geonj
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:36pm
spin, obaby, spin.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Conservative New Yorker
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:33pm
You guys are so unfair! I mean, really, it would cut into his golfing,vacations, basketball playing.

Priorities people, priorities… (where’s the eye roll icon??)

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- TeaPartyForRomney
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:41pm
  Romney and Santorum railed into Obama on his ‘inactivity to defend Israel,’ the council were almost at standing ovation the whole time they spoke. Here is Santorum’s speech: http://url2it.com/lscc
  
  Report this comment
- Razorhunters
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:50pm
  romney and santorum just parroted exactly what barry is doing…exactly what bush did…etc
  
  i call bs.
  
  israel can defend itself .
  
  Report this comment
- TeaPartyForRomney
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:05pm
  Obama has done nothing for israel, much like Ron Paul says, Ron Paul wants to decrease sanctions and use diplomacy, sounds like Obama.
  
  Santorum and Romney want to back up an ally, sounds nothing like Obama.
  
  Report this comment
jungle J
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:33pm
only the sane know waht was truly said.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
AllAmericanGirl22
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:31pm
MmmmmHmmmm….so I’m wondering: what Middle Eastern countries HAS he been to as President? Just wondering cuz I’m sure he has. And we all know he doesn’t like Israel, so he can just say so, oh wait…I forgot, he doesn’t like to tell the truth, my bad. I feel bad for Netanyahu having to put up with him.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- JP4JOY
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:56pm
  First foreign speech he gave was in Egypt, wasn’t it?
  
  Report this comment
Vickie Dhaene
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:30pm
I don’t care what “other” Presidents have done or not done with Israel. Ed Henry asked WHY he hasn’t and Obummbler never answered the question.
Saying that, I wouldn’t believe a word he had to say about the subject anyway.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
progressiveslayer
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:28pm
The sulfur emissions from the Marxist POS must violate some regulation from EPA,and our long national nightmare will be over in November.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
JP4JOY
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:26pm
They only have 3 golf courses in Israel.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
docmacs411
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:21pm
“And it is indisputable that I‘ve had Israel’s back over the last three years.” Sorry for this, but my first thought was of bummer in a sexual position with Israel….that is basically what he has done to them for 3 years.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
aChameleon
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:18pm
O-blah-blah did find time to bow down to a saudi king, and give the arab spring his full blessing.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- CatB
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:22pm
  No time … you know … it would have gotten in the way of his golf, basketball, parties and vacations!
  
  Report this comment
- GeorgieJo
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:43pm
  and call Sandra Fluke-it.
  
  Report this comment
Diablo4965
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:17pm
I understand BO not enough time with all the vacations and stuff.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
JP4JOY
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:13pm
If that first picture of Obammer isn’t that of Lucifer himself wanting to explode out of his visage I can’t imagine a more telling one.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- aChameleon
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:21pm
  Kinda looks like Adam Sandler in Water Boy when capt. insano laughed at him or when “mama” told his girlfriend he wets the bed.
  
  Report this comment
- Gonzo
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:51pm
  Don’t worry, he’s not Satan. Satan is a lot smarter than that clown.
  
  Report this comment
- walkintruth
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:01pm
  Wow! I was thinking the same thing. That photo is creepy.
  
  Report this comment
- burdenedsoul
  Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:35pm
  Damn, I hope that’s just a bad picture because that expression is showing not only anger but rage and a little bit of “IF I WANT TO KEEP MY POSITION AS PRESIDENT I CAN‘T LOP OFF YOU’RE LEGS AND FEED YOU TO MY DOGS BUT I REALLY REALLY WISH THAT WASN’T TRUE!”………..”Change CHANGE cHANge Change change change……………”
  
  sorry for the double post but I just noticed that people are talking about the photo
  all the
  W-
  -
  -
  -
  -
  A
  -
  -
  -
  -
  -
  -
  -DowN HerE-
  
  Report this comment
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:11pm
Obama will not visit Israel as that will destroy his alliances with the Radical Extremists of his such as the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, Iran and so many others. Remember, as the nation of Israel was created from the old British holding of Palestine, Obama declares it a mistake that needs to be driven into the sea; Trumans recognition of the nation also adds insult to injury in Obama’s eyes.

The only way he will travel to Israel is after the nation is destroyed.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Razorhunters
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:38pm
  you are correct ma’am.
  
  Report this comment
- walkintruth
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:03pm
  I also fear you are right. We need to pray for Israel now. I feel they are being set up.
  
  Report this comment
Slowman101
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:10pm
His schedule really has been to full for him to have time to visit Israel. Numerous vacations, parties, concerts, theater, travel, golf, private time with Moochelle and the kids, private time with Rahm. Plus he doesn’t like Israel. No Obama 2012!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- bpodlesnik
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:19pm
  Unable?! You have got to be kidding me. Seriously, how many vacations did he have to go on, or games of golf did he have to play, to where he was unable to make a visit to the country he so-called pledges allegiance with. Lying right through his teeth.
  
  Report this comment
TeaPartyForRomney
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:10pm
The GOP candidate really ripped Obama in their AIPAC speech, that is except for Ron Paul who almost backed Obama’s rhetoric. They ripped Obama and reminded the councel about O’s his past ‘lack of support’ for Israel. The people there were almost at a constant standing ovation during the three speeches.

Here is Romney’s speech at AIPAC: http://url2it.com/lsca

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Razorhunters
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:20pm
  bs …everyone said they would do exactly what barry is doing now.
  
  ron paul said to let isreal defend itself.
  
  israel would have already taken care of this problem.
  
  we wouldnt have been dealing with this bs for 50 years.
  
  Report this comment
- TeaPartyForRomney
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:39pm
  b.s. about your b.s. Obama is talking about diplomacy still and has not done anything that efficient when it comes to sanctions. Romney and Santorum both spoke about making sure Iran knew they would do whatever was necessary to get the job done, even military action. Obama has been inefficient to do anything and has emboldened Iran with inactivity.
  
  Ron Paul said let them do it themselves but that is not working with an ally, he even fought against hard sanctions saying today that it would push Iran into building their nukes.
  
  Romney and Santorum are talking about working with Israel and helping them, Obama goes back to diplomacy which has failed, Paul says the same thing.
  
  Report this comment
- Razorhunters
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:54pm
  barry is talking diplomacy while moving the military.
  
  same thing romney and the other sobs.
  
  they said they would surround iran…barry has iran surrounded.
  
  check yourself.
  
  Report this comment
- Razorhunters
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:57pm
  and sanctions just hurt the people.
  you want to hurt govt…stop the money .
  
  Report this comment
- Razorhunters
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:59pm
  how many decades have we had sanctions on iran…?
  
  same bs policies rolled over again and again.
  
  Report this comment
- TeaPartyForRomney
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:07pm
  Sanctions can be effective and stop the money. Such as sanctions on the Bank and Transaction Bank. If you put sanctions on all their financial transactions, like the GOP has talked about then you will make a difference, but if the keep going we need to keep military action on the table.
  
  Nothing like Obama wants. Ron Paul’s diplomacy and ‘let Iran have a nuke’ is not working and will be a disaster.
  
  Report this comment
AJAYW
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:09pm
Yep time for golf I guess

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
blackyb
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:09pm
If our votes count then I guess the Prez will get a chance to go to Israel.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
cemerius
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:08pm
Having “one’s bacK’ means he can throw them off the cliff easier!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
blackyb
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:06pm
Well Prez, I guess you wont get to go then, will you? ‘Cause you will not have a second chance.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Gonzo
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:04pm
He had a lot of good reasons he didn’t have time to go to Israel in his first term: golf, vacations, parties at the White House, campaign fund raising…and oh yea, he hates them.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Razorhunters
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:14pm
  dam straight.
  
  Report this comment
- CatB
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:23pm
  Right ON!
  
  Report this comment
- Gonzo
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:29pm
  Oops, I forgot basketball games with his pals. Those eat up a lot of time.
  
  Report this comment
- GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 8:10pm
  Thinking new ways to screw your country….the guy is kind of a slow thinker, so he needs a looooot of time to think…
  
  Report this comment
ModerationIsBest
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:01pm
Sadly for conservatives(and yes I count myself one fiscally), Obama is picking back up steam. The GOP needs to get behind Romney already and end this primary. 40% of people asked by NBC-Wall Street journal said that this Republican primary is weakening their view of the Republican party.

I urge the GOP to pull back the reigns before there is a pox on the Republican party and people throw the good ideas of conservatism out with the bad.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Gonzo
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:14pm
  So, we should vote for Romney because a left leaning NBC poll says a minority of the people asked, think the primary is weakening our candidates? I have heard some really bad arguments for supporting Romney but, that takes the prize.
  
  Report this comment
- My Two Cents
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:20pm
  40% of the people NBC talks to couldn’t even pick a Republican candidate out of a lineup.
  
  Report this comment
- ModerationIsBest
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:35pm
  The Wall Street journal is left leaning? Since when?
  
  Report this comment
- ModerationIsBest
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:36pm
  And if you can’t see that this process is hurting the Republican brand you aren’t watching the same race as everyone else is.
  
  Report this comment
- Gonzo
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:39pm
  Did you miss the NBC part? If you base your decisions on 40% of the people you lose BTW.
  
  Report this comment
- ModerationIsBest
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:51pm
  @GONZO
  
  No obviously I didn’t miss the “NBC” part because……I typed out the sentence.
  
  It’s okay, continue to ignore the obvious. For some reason that seems like the conservative agenda. Watch as the Republican party continues to lose more and more potential voters because they feel you are out of touch with reality.
  
  Why do you think almost every establishment Republican has come out in support of Romney? They want someone who can win, and they don’t think Santorum, Gingrich or Paul have the chance. Romney is the best shot, unfortunately he’s had to go so far to the right to win the nomination, he likely alienated independents.
  
  Report this comment
- dmerwin
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:04pm
  Gonzo
  This was one of your better responses. “I got you in a stranglehold baby.”
  Whack em and Stack em.
  
  Report this comment
- dmerwin
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:08pm
  ModerationIsBest
  Most conservatives DO NOT think that THEREPUBLICANESTABLISHMENTISBEST. You state you are a fiscal conservative the establishment is not. They provided enough votes to allow record spending.
  
  Report this comment
- ModerationIsBest
  Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:34pm
  @DMERWIN
  
  I agree, which is why I say that Conservatives have lost their way. Let’s get one thing clear though, none of these candidates except Ron Paul is a true fiscal conservative.
  
  Fiscal conservatives have to find a way to still be fiscally sound and solvent, without attacking the social programs we currently have. There are ways to reduce things over time. Simpson Bowles came out with a good idea that both parties liked and this President flat out rejected it.
  
  The reason I voted for Romney is because while he may not be completely fiscally conservative, I can hope that he will at least be a little bit more fiscally conservative then Obama.
  
  Santorum has made too many outlandish remarks to get independent, moderates and disenfranchised Democratic voters.
  
  Gingrich has too much baggage
  
  No one takes Ron Paul seriously.
  
  Therefore I think Romney will be the best chance to kind of pull the reigns back on the GOP on social issues and will hopefully be fiscally conservative.
  
  That being said, I still think they’re all going to lose to Obama. To me, the Republicans would be much better served by finding a younger, fiscally conservative individual, with strong new ideas on Immigration, foreign policy and the economy and stays away from social issues for 2016. Not saying give up on this election, I just don’t think it’s going to turn out good and I worry the GOP will go even further to the right then Santorum.
  
  Report this comment

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.