Campaign Advisers Stress Israel's Security

Despite the charged nature of American foreign policy in the Middle East, last night’s debate at Harvard Hillel proved to be a “spirit of conversation” between representatives of each presidential nominee, according to Harvard Hillel’s executive director Bernie Steinberg.

Kerry M. Healy ‘82, former lieutenant governor of Massachusetts and senior adviser to W. Mitt Romney’s unsuccessful presidential campaign, spoke on behalf of John McCain while Steven Grossman, former national chairman of the Democratic National Committee, represented Barack Obama on issues ranging from Iran to the domestic politics of Israel.

Both speakers emphasized their respective candidates’ commitment to the security and welfare of Israel. Healy criticized Obama’s willingness to meet directly with an outspoken enemy of the U.S. ally.

“McCain will not sit down with Ahmadinejad without preconditions,” she said, referring to the controversial president of Iran. She added that the Republican candidate would be willing to “go beyond the United Nations” if necessary in dealing with Iran.

Grossman responded by saying that “No president takes any option off the table,” He spoke of Obama’s focus on using “every tool of diplomacy” when dealing with hostile nations. “You negotiate peace with enemies, not friends.”

Grossman also praised Obama’s work on the proposed Iran Sanctions Enabling Act, a bill that would allow for the divestment of state and local governments in Iran’s oil and gas industry.

Healey said that McCain also supported negotiations, but argued that such talks would have to begin with lower level diplomats such as the secretary of state.

At times, the speakers were unsure of their candidates’ stances on certain issues and were hesitant to put words in their nominees’ mouths. When asked by an audience member about the Golan Heights—a piece of land disputed by Israel and Syria—Healey declined to answer.

“I haven’t read up on McCain’s position,” she said.

Grossman also did not speak on Obama’s take on the issue.

Jason W. Schnier ’11 of the Progressive Jewish Alliance, the undergraduate organization that sponsored the event, deemed the talk a success.

“It was a fruitful discussion. There is a lack of discussion on Middle East policy,” he said.

Matthew P. Cavedon ’11 said he enjoyed the event but had some reservations. “I would have liked a more comprehensive view on the Middle East, maybe more on Iraq or stability in countries like Jordan,” he said of the debate’s focus on Israel.

Despite disagreements over Obama’s experience and McCain’s judgment, the two speakers did not talk about the campaign itself.

“I didn’t come here tonight to antagonize anyone,” Healey said.

—Staff writer Hyung W. Kim can be reached at kim27@fas.harvard.edu.