Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump didn’t do himself any favors during his address to the Republican Jewish Coalition this past week, where he was booed over his remarks about Israel’s past of negotiating, and when he hedge on stating that Jerusalem was the true capital of Israel, and not Tel Aviv.
Here is what Trump said when asked about moving the U.S. consulate to Jerusalem:“You know what I want to do? I want to wait till I meet with Bibi (Netanyahu), you know, I’m leaving for Israel in a very short period of time.”
Trump then responded to the boos with by saying this:
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Completing this poll grants you access to Shark Tank updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.“Who’s the wise guy?…Do me a favor, just relax, okay? You’ll like me very much, believe me.”
He added:
“You’re not gonna support me because I don’t want your money. You want to control your politicians, that’s fine. Five months ago I was with you…I do want your support, but I don’t want your money.”
Trump finished his speech well, but remember, this group is considered to be very pro-Rubio, so some pushback against Trump and anyone else was expected.
Still, Trump should have stated what all of the other candidates have said in that Jerusalem is the true capital of Israel.
Even though Ted Cruz held his own, speaking off the cuff, and without a teleprompter or notes about his support of Israel, Marco Rubio, who came off as scripted as he read from a prepared statement, seemed to have edged out Cruz.
Because he read from prepared notes, Rubio pushed all the right buttons, and touched all the bases regarding U.S.-Israel relations, and was able to effectively express what he would do as president to preserve the long-standing relationship with Israel.
Still, both Rubio and Cruz walked away with support from the group.Does being scripted matter?
Despite Rubio’s efforts to score points, some audience members came away from the morning more impressed with Cruz and his more casual but compelling presentation.
Valerie Greenfeld, an RJC member from Rockville, Md., decided to commit to Cruz after hearing his speech Thursday. “He believes what he says, he doesn’t read from a piece of paper,” she said. “He comes across very strongly, and it’s not just words—it’s his analysis, his ideology.”
She likes Rubio, she said, but added that she was “disappointed” in what struck her as an overly scripted performance. “Get rid of his speech, speak from the heart, be himself,” she said, adding that he was much better in the question-and-answer session than while he delivered his prepared remarks.
Bobby Epstein, an RJC member from Rockville, Md., said he was also impressed by Cruz, but that he now favors Rubio, who he views as more electable than Cruz. “He was on point with his message, he doesn’t change his views, he believes what he believes, and we need someone with moral clarity,” he said.-Politico