All of us need to look for opportunities to create the conditions for progress including by taking positive actions that can rebuild trust…. But at the same time, all of us must condemn actions that set back the cause of peace. Terrorism should never be encouraged or celebrated, and children should not be taught to hate in schools. That poisons the future. Everyone has to do their part by avoiding damaging actions, including with respect to settlements. Now, America has an important role to play in supporting peace efforts. And as president, I would continue the pursuit of direct negotiations. And let me be clear – I would vigorously oppose any attempt by outside parties will impose a solution, including by the UN Security Council.
The bottom line is that if the AIPAC speeches come to be a blueprint for journalists to further pursue these issues with the candidates, they will serve an important purpose. More likely, however, they’ve already been forgotten.