Obama Queried about Support for Israel When ‘Push Comes to Shove’

— -- Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., found himself defending his support for Israel Tuesday while answering a question from a Jewish Democrat from Florida who was concerned about the Illinois Democrat's support among Muslims and Arab-Americans as well as a pro-Palestinian comment that Obama made last month.

"We are obviously friends with all of them," Robert Seidemann of West Palm Beach, Fla. told Obama at a conference sponsored by the National Jewish Democratic Council. "However, when it comes to Israel and push comes to shove, how can you make us, as Jews, totally comfortable in addressing the issues in Israel and moving toward what no president has been able to do and that is establish a peace?"

On the issue of Israel's security, Obama said he hasn't just "talked the talk." He argued that he has also "walked the walk."

He also cited the years he spent in Indonesia as a child as preparing him for the diplomatic challenges awaiting the next president.

"If I go to Jakarta and address the largest Muslim country on earth, I can say, 'Apa kabar,' - you know, 'How are you doing?' - and they can recognize that I understand their common humanity," Obama said. "That is a strength, and it allows me to say things to them that other presidents might not be able to say. And that's part of what's promising, I think, about this presidency."

Obama also challenged the premise of Seidemann's question and pointed to support his presidential campaign has received from the Jewish community. He noted, however, that he also welcomes and is actively seeking support from Muslim Americans.

Seidemann told ABC News that his question was prompted by Obama saying in Iowa last month that "nobody is suffering more than the Palestinian people."

"The Jewish people have suffered," said Seidemann. "Other people have suffered as many years if not more."

While answering Seidemann's question, Obama did not reiterate his support for loosening restrictions on aid to Palestinians if the Palestinian government renounces terrorism. Obama's omission of that position was a bit concerning to Seidemann. He added, however, that he has not yet made up his mind about whom to support for president in 2008 and he likes the fact that Obama can speak to people in Indonesia in their own language.