Biden, in Florida, stresses commitment to Israel
By Sue Pleming
JUPITER, Fla. (Reuters) - Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden sought on Wednesday to reassure Jewish voters of his and Barack Obama's commitment to Israel.
"I have worked with every prime minister of Israel from Golda Meir right through to the present prime minister," Biden, underscoring his foreign policy credentials, told about 2,000 people at the rally in Jupiter, Florida.
Florida is a key battleground state with many older voters who could favor Republican presidential candidate John McCain in the Nov. 4 election, along with Jewish voters who are normally Democratic leaning but have been uncertain of Obama's commitment to Israel.
With less than a week to go until Election Day, Obama and McCain are in a tug-of-war over the state's crucial 27 electoral votes and both are to campaign there on Wednesday.
Last July, Obama visited Jerusalem and personally assured both Israel and U.S. Jewish voters that he was a friend of the Jewish state who would not press for concessions in peace talks with Palestinians that would compromise its security.
Biden, who chairs the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, told voters an improved U.S. standing in the world -- which he predicted would arrive with an Obama presidency -- would also strengthen the security of the Jewish state.
"That's why Barack and I know what the Israelis and all our friends know -- that is, the greater the respect for America, the stronger America is in the world, the more secure Israel and the rest of our friends are in the world," Biden said to applause.
"This is a direct connection. It is about establishing once again, America's respect in the world and people being willing around the world to follow us."
With many retirees living in Florida, Biden also promised an Obama presidency would eliminate taxes for seniors earning under $50,000 a year and that Social Security would not be privatized.
"The real question, and which Barack and I are focusing on like a laser beam, is who is going to make us better off four years from now than we are today. That is the question? Folks, I am mildly prejudiced but I think that choice is clear -- it is Barack Obama."
(Reporting by Sue Pleming; editing by Jackie Frank)
