Obama or McCain:
Who’s good for the Jews?

November 4 2008 will see the most exciting and arguably most important US election for a generation. A couple of weeks before America goes to the polls, Opinion Soup asks which candidate will be best for Israel – and for Jews around the world.
 
Barack Obama is committed to dialogue with America’s enemies – including Iran – whilst John McCain promises more of the robust hawkishness of the last eight years.
 
Publicly both insist that they will stand firmly by Israel. Nevertheless, many commentators see a difference between Obama’s commitment to reviving US-led diplomatic efforts and McCain’s unconditional support for the Jewish state.
 
Daily Mail commentator Melanie Phillips has warned that it will be a grave mistake if American Jews back Obama, while invited speaker Jonathan Freedland, Guardian columnist, insist that Obama is the best hope for America - and the world.
 
BBC News presenter Jon Sopel chairs this compelling discussion on the greatest contest of 2008.