The Israei Factor: Ranking the Presidential Candidates
By Shmuel Rosner
February 05, 2008

Republican John McCain The Arizona Senator believes America must give Israel whatever equipment and technology it needs for defense. LAST MONTH'S SCORE: 7.12 Independent Michael Bloomberg Backed Israel in the 2006 war; said Israel 'continues to defend itself from unprovoked attacks on innocent civilians.' LAST MONTH' S SCORE: 7.25 Democrat Hillary Clinton The Senator for New York and former First Lady supports moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. LAST MONTH'S SCORE: 7.62 Republican Mitt Romney Opposed Khatami's recent U.S. trip, saying taxpayers shouldn't fund a man 'who supports the destruction of Israel.' LAST MONTH'S SCORE: 6.5 Republican Mike Huckabee The Governor of Arkansas has made nine visits to Israel, including a trip to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. LAST MONTH'S SCORE: 6 Democrat Barack Obama The Senator for Illinois made his first visit to Israel in January 2006, where he visited the north and toured the fence. LAST MONTH'S SCORE: 5 Republican Rudy Giuliani The former New York mayor returned a $10 million donation from a Saudi prince after 9/following negative comments about Israel. FINAL SCORE: 8.37 Republican Fred Thompson The former senator condemned Hamas for children's website of 'hateful fanaticism', favors aiding Iranians overthrow their government. FINAL SCORE: 6.5 Democrat John Edwards The former senator and 2004 Democratic vice presidential nominee said that Iran poses an enormous threat to Israel and Israelis. FINAL SCORE: 6.5 Democrat Bill Richardson The Governor of New Mexico maintains that American commitment to the security of Israel is not an issue that is up for negotiation. FINAL SCORE: 6.75 Democrat Joseph Biden The Delaware Senator says cannot expect Jerusalem to negotiate with Hamas, which is calling for Israel's destruction. FINAL SCORE: 5.62 Democrat Christopher Dodd The Senator for Connecticut addressed AIPAC in March 2006 on the issues of a nuclear Iran and the Hamas government. FINAL SCORE: 5.62 Republican Sam Brownback The Kansas Senator believes Israel has the right to self-defense and to 'aggressively seek' Shalit's release. FINAL SCORE: 6.625 Democrat Al Gore The former vice president and senator attended the celebrations in Jerusalem to mark the State of Israel's 50th anniversary. FINAL SCORE: 6.875 Republican Newt Gingrich The former Speaker of the House says Syria, Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas form an alliance that cannot be dealt with in isolation. FINAL SCORE: 8 Republican Chuck Hagel The Senator for Nebraska believes that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is central to bringing about Middle East peace. FINAL SCORE: 3.5 Democrat Wesley Clark The retired four-star U.S. army general has called Hezbollah 'the reach of Iran toward a Mediterranean beach head.' FINAL SCORE: 5 Republican George Pataki The Governor of New York State says there has been a clear pattern of Israeli concession followed by Palestinian terror. LAST MONTH'S SCORE: 6.38 Democrat Tom Vilsack In May 2006, the Governor for Iowa took part in a week-long visit to Israel, organized by AIPAC, to meet with Israeli leaders. FINAL SCORE: 4.86 Republican Condoleezza Rice The Secretary of State urged Israel to help create conditions for a Palestinian state to emerge and has acted as mediator in talks. FINAL SCORE: 5.38 Democrat John Kerry The Democrat's 2004 presidential candidate has called Hamas a 'brutal organization' that refuses to take part in a peaceful process. FINAL SCORE: 4.88 Democrat Evan Bayh The Senator for Indiana called for economic sanctions to deter Iran from plans to develop its nuclear weapons program. FINAL SCORE: 6.25 Republican Bill Frist Tennessee's Senator says Israel clearly has the right to defend itself and calls for continued American support for Israel. LAST SCORE: 5.38 Democrat Russ Feingold The Jewish Senator for Wisconsin sponsored an act calling for the American embassy to be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. LAST SCORE: 5 Republican George Allen Senator for Virginia made a bipartisan call with Senator Joseph Lieberman for the EU to add Hezbollah to its terror group list. LAST SCORE: 6.38 Democrat Mark Warner The former Virginia Governor backs unilateral Israeli moves, on the grounds that Hamas is not currently a suitable partner. LAST SCORE: 6.25

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