And, as Ben Smith of Politico notes, the Obama campaign’s press release states up high that “both are respected leaders in the American Jewish community.”

Ron Kampeas has the story: “Obama, Democrats slam Bush on his speech to the Knesset.”

Here’s what Goldberg had to say:

Mr. Boehner, I’m sure, is a terribly busy man, with many burdensome responsibilities, so I have to assume that he simply didn’t have time to read the entire Obama interview, or even the entire paragraph, or even a single clause. If he had, of course, he would have seen that Obama was clearly calling the Middle East conflict, and not Israel, a sore. Why, there’s no one who would disagree that the Middle East conflict is a “sore,” is there?

I have no doubt that Mr. Boehner will issue a correction to his press release in which he states the obvious, which is that Obama expressed — in twelve different ways — his support for Israel to me.

Goldberg’s fellow Atlantic blogger, Andrew Sullivan was harsher: “Republican operatives can’t let go of old politics. Boehner and Cantor just flat out lie about Obama’s interview about Israel. Yes: flat out lie.” [UPDATE: Jake Tapper of ABC News also took issue with the the Republican comments.]

And, yes, it’s predictable, but still… if you’re keeping score, you might want to know what the National Jewish Democratic Council had to say:

NJDC Lashes Out at Boehner Comments Against Obama

Washington, D.C. – Following a press release by House Minority Leader John Boehner which falsely questioned Senator Barack Obama’s position on Israel, the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) released the following statement from Executive Director Ira N. Forman:

House Minority Leader John Boehner comments were outrageous assertions and it is disappointing Boehner would stoop to this level.

John McCain and his conservative allies, like Boehner, continue to propagate a smear campaign against Obama and this is just the latest effort to spread blatant lies.

I have one question for Boehner, do you actually read the press releases that organizations like “The Freedom Project” release in your name? No rational American with a reading ability at or above the sixth grade level could possible read Jeffrey Goldberg’s, recent interview in the Atlantic with Obama and come to the conclusion that Obama does not deeply support the state of Israel let alone that he believes that Israel is a constant sore that infects American foreign policy.

Numerous journalists have recently reported on the spreading panic that is infecting the House GOP caucus as a result of one electoral setback after another. Small wonder that the GOP now finds itself in such dire straits when their House Minority Leader has to resort to such shameless misrepresentations of Obama’s record of support for Israel.

A few interesting points…

You may remember last year when Bob Kerrey, the Clinton backer and former Nebraska senator, drew a bunch of criticism from the Obama camp over this quote:

“It’s probably not something that appeals to him, but I like the fact that his name is Barack Hussein Obama, and that his father was a Muslim and that his paternal grandmother is a Muslim. There’s a billion people on the planet that are Muslims and I think that experience is a big deal.”

Well, here’s Obama in his own words (is there any difference?):

It’s conceivable that there are those in the Arab world who say to themselves, “This is a guy who spent some time in the Muslim world, has a middle name of Hussein, and appears more worldly and has called for talks with people, and so he’s not going to be engaging in the same sort of cowboy diplomacy as George Bush,” and that’s something they’re hopeful about. I think that’s a perfectly legitimate perception as long as they’re not confused about my unyielding support for Israel’s security.

Now let’s take a look at the politics-as-usual on the other side.

In this 2,300-word interview, Obama time and again expresses strong support and admiration for Israel, defends the policy of boycotting Hamas, strongly condemns former President Carter’s use of the word apartheid, and basically talks about how wonderful Jews are.

But Jewish Republicans have already managed to ignore all of that, in the hopes of mining some sort of “gotcha” quote out of what is best described as a Valentine to Israel and the Jews. The passage in question:

JG: Do you think that Israel is a drag on America’s reputation overseas?

BO: No, no, no. But what I think is that this constant wound, that this constant sore, does infect all of our foreign policy. The lack of a resolution to this problem provides an excuse for anti-American militant jihadists to engage in inexcusable actions, and so we have a national-security interest in solving this, and I also believe that Israel has a security interest in solving this because I believe that the status quo is unsustainable.

Well, here’s what the Republican Jewish Coalition had to say:

Washington, D.C. (May 12, 2008) — In response to Sen. Barack Obama’s interview in the most recent issue of The Atlantic, the Republican Jewish Coalition released the following statement today:

“Once again, Senator Obama demonstrates his questionable grasp of America’s foreign policy. Senator Obama manages to excuse the inexcusable actions of anti-American militant jihadists by putting the blame for their actions on America’s foreign policy. America stands with Israel because it is one of our strongest allies and the only democracy in the Middle East. Senator Obama naively believes that solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will solve the global scourge of radical Islamic extremism. Yet Senator Obama never says how he will rein in Hamas’ daily onslaught on Israel or Iran’s scurrilous condemnations of Israel. Is it any wonder Hamas has endorsed him for president?”

It’s more than a stretch to suggest that Obama was attempting to blame American policy for Islamic terrorism. And he certainly didn’t say that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would “solve the global scourge of radical Islamic extremism.” And, while we’re on the topic of this press release, it seems a little chutzpadik for the RJC to charge Obama with having no plan on how to reign in Hamas’ daily onslaught on Israel, when in fact his position is essentially the same as John McCain’s and President Bush’s. It is true that Obama parts ways with Bush/McCain on whether to talk directly to the Iranians, but if the measure of success is whether a U.S. president succeeds in stopping Iran’s scurrilous condemnations of Israel, well, then, the Bush administration’s approach has failed.

The House’s only Jewish Republican member, Eric Cantor of Virginia, also came out with a statement slamming Obama’s comments:

“It is truly disappointing that Senator Obama called Israel a ‘constant wound,’ ‘constant sore,’ and that it ‘infect[s] all of our foreign policy.’ These sorts of words and characterizations are the words of a politician with a deep misunderstanding of the Middle East and an innate distrust of Israel,” said Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA-07). …

“I hope Senator Obama corrects his remarks as I believe most Americans believe that a strong and secure Israel is without a doubt an advantage for America,” concluded Cantor.

As misleading as the RJC statement is, Cantor’s is worse. Obama was referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict — not to Israel. And he has repeatedly stressed the need for America to safeguard Israel’s security.

Here’s the rest of the Obama quote (and it’s worth reading the entire interview):

I want to solve the problem, and so my job in being a friend to Israel is partly to hold up a mirror and tell the truth and say if Israel is building settlements without any regard to the effects that this has on the peace process, then we’re going to be stuck in the same status quo that we’ve been stuck in for decades now, and that won’t lift that existential dread that David Grossman described in your article.

The notion that a vibrant, successful society with incredible economic growth and incredible cultural vitality is still plagued by this notion that this could all end at any moment — you know, I don’t know what that feels like, but I can use my imagination to understand it. I would not want to raise my children in those circumstances. I want to make sure that the people of Israel, when they kiss their kids and put them on that bus, feel at least no more existential dread than any parent does whenever their kids leave their sight. So that then becomes the question: is settlement policy conducive to relieving that over the long term, or is it just making the situation worse? That’s the question that has to be asked.

UPDATE: Forgot to mention that in addition to Cantor’s statement, the Republican National Committee is circulating this one from House Majority Leader John Boehner:

“Israel is a critical American ally and a beacon of democracy in the Middle East, not a ‘constant sore’ as Barack Obama claims. Obama’s latest remark, and his commitment to ‘opening a dialogue’ with sponsors of terrorism, echoes past statements by Jimmy Carter who once called Israel an ‘apartheid state.’ It’s another sign that Obama is part of the broken Washington Americans are rejecting.”

As mentioned above, Obama did not call Israel a “constant sore,” and he did strongly rejected Carter’s use of the word apartheid in connection to Israel.

Here are the respective Israeli Independence Day and Holocaust Remembrance Day statements put out by Obama and Hillary Clinton (wonder what William Kristol will make of them)…

Obama on Holocaust Remembrance Day:

Today, we remember the light that was brought into the world by each of the six million Jews who lost their lives in the Holocaust, as well as the terrible darkness of the Nazi genocide. We also renew our commitment to combat the scourge of anti-Semitism everywhere, and to stand up against extremism and prejudice of any form.

Let us resolve to confront genocide and work to prevent mass atrocities, beginning with greater action to stop the killing in Darfur. And let us stand with the Jewish State of Israel, a strong and resilient democracy that emerged out of the shadow of the Holocaust, but which still has enemies that threaten its destruction.

The years may pass, but our memory of the Holocaust will never fade. Instead, it guides our commitment to honor those who were lost, recall the crimes that were committed, and work for a more just, peaceful, and hopeful future for all people.

Clinton on Holocaust Remembrance Day:

“This week, we remember the millions of men, women, and children who perished during the Holocaust; and as we do, we ask, ‘What must we do to ensure that this kind of destruction will never happen again?’

“We reflect on the lives that were lost, the courage of those who stood up to the Nazis, like the heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising; and those of all faiths who risked everything to save lives. On this somber day, I am also reminded of the Holocaust survivors that came to this country, and who have greatly enriched our nation with their talent, energy, and dreams. Their stories and their willingness to share them will guarantee that future generations will never forget.

“The lessons of the Holocaust call us to act. As my friend, Elie Wiesel, said, ‘…to remain silent and indifferent is the greatest sin of all…’ Let us today renew our pledge that we will not be indifferent to moral injustice in the world; that we will not remain silent; and that we will speak out against crimes against humanity, threats of extermination, and genocide, such as that now being perpetuated in Darfur. We must act so that we may truly say to the world, ‘Never again.’”

Obama on Independence Day:

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the fulfillment of a dream — the independence of the State of Israel. Throughout many centuries, Jews held fast to the hope of returning as free people to the land of their ancestors. Blessed with visionary leaders like Theodore Herzl and David Ben-Gurion, in the 20th century they began to take the practical steps necessary to build a modern state. Against all odds, and overcoming obstacles from international indifference, to hostile opposition in the region, to the murderous crimes of the Nazis, the leaders of the Zionist movement declared the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948. In their moment of triumph, they were immediately plunged into a war for their new nation’s very survival. Because of the courage and commitment of its people, Israel did survive. While threats to its existence have endured, Israelis have built their nation into a strong, vibrant democracy, with a prosperous economy, a rich cultural life, and a deep friendship with the United States that benefits both our peoples in so many ways. Even in hard times, Israelis have so much to be proud of. As the Jewish State continues to grow and prosper, the United States will always stand with Israel to ensure it can defend itself against threat of terrorism and violence, from as close as Gaza and as far as Tehran. We must never waver in our unshakeable commitment help Israel achieve its goal of true security through lasting peace with its neighbors.

On this happy occasion, I send congratulations and warm wishes to President Peres, Prime Minister Olmert, and the Israeli people, and I join with Jews and friends of Israel everywhere in celebrating Israel’s 60th Independence Day.

Clinton on Independence Day:

I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Israel on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment as a state and homeland for the Jewish people, and I join all the friends of Israel who celebrate today with joy and pride.

Emerging after the tragedy of the Holocaust, the Jewish State was reborn after two thousand years, fulfilling the biblical prophecy of a return to Zion. Since then, in just three score years, Israel has welcomed Jewish exiles from Europe, the Arab world, Africa, and the former Soviet Union.

From my first trip to Israel in 1982 to my most recent visit in 2005, I have seen for myself Israel’s achievements – and its challenges. The people of Israel, proud and free and always triumphing in the face of adversity, have built a strong and vibrant democracy, a diverse and rich society, and an innovative and thriving economy.

Yet today, even as we celebrate all that Israel has achieved, we know that the Jewish state is still not safe. In every generation, Israel faces serious challenges to its security and threats to its existence. And just as the United States recognized Israel at birth, and has always stood by Israel when its survival and well-being were challenged, so too do the American people stand by Israel today, united by shared values and strong bonds of friendship.

As President of the United States, I will be proud to continue and strengthen these bonds, so that the State of Israel will continue to grow, from generation to generation, in security and peace.

Am Yisrael Chai! (the people of Israel live!)

McCain’s campaign responded with this memo:

To: Interested Parties
From: Mark Salter, Senior Advisor
Date: May 8, 2008
Re: Senator Obama’s Attack Today

First, let us be clear about the nature of Senator Obama’s attack today: He used the words ‘losing his bearings’ intentionally, a not particularly clever way of raising John McCain’s age as an issue. This is typical of the Obama style of campaigning.

We have all become familiar with Senator Obama’s new brand of politics. First, you demand civility from your opponent, then you attack him, distort his record and send out surrogates to question his integrity. It is called hypocrisy, and it is the oldest kind of politics there is.

It is important to focus on what Senator Obama is attempting to do here: He is trying desperately to delegitimize the discussion of issues that raise legitimate questions about his judgment and preparedness to be President of the United States.

Through their actions and words, Senator Obama and his supporters have made clear that ANY criticism on ANY issue — from his desire to raise taxes on millions of small investors to his radical plans to sit down face-to-face with Iranian President Ahmadinejad – constitute negative, personal attacks.

Senator Obama is hopeful that the media will continue to form a protective barrier around him, declaring serious limits to the questions, discussion and debate in this race.

Senator Obama has good reason to think this plan will succeed, as serious journalists have written of the need for ‘de-tox’ to cure ’swooning’ over Senator Obama, and others have admitted to losing their objectivity while with him on the campaign trail.

Today, Senator Obama is complaining about comments John McCain made about a senior Hamas advisor stating that Hamas would welcome Senator Obama’s election as president. Indeed, on April 13th, senior Hamas political advisor Ahmed Yousef said, ‘We don’t mind – actually we like Mr. Obama. We hope he will (win) the election and I do believe he is like John Kennedy, great man with great principle, and he has a vision to change America to make it in a position to lead the world community but not with domination and arrogance.’

The McCain campaign has never suggested that Senator Obama supports Hamas’ agenda, but it is more than fair to raise this quote about Senator Obama because it speaks to the policy implications of his judgment.

Just today, the president of Iran, whom Senator Obama wants to meet with unconditionally, called the state of Israel a ’stinking corpse.’ Iran is the paymaster and state sponsor of Hamas.

In his victory speech this week, Senator Obama stated that ‘wisdom’ is meeting with our enemies, including Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, North Korea’s Kim Jong Il, Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and Cuba’s Raul Castro. John McCain couldn’t disagree more. Rather than giving tyrants and dictators the prestige of meeting with an American president, John McCain will instead meet with the champions of human freedom around the world and opposition leaders fighting for liberty .

We understand why Senator Obama doesn’t want to engage in a debate over leadership and judgment with John McCain, but the American people demand that debate take place.

These are serious times that call for a serious debate on the profound issues facing our future. John McCain is ready for that debate and we hope Senator Obama will one day get serious and join it.

And then the Obama camp returns the volley.