National Security Adviser Susan Rice faced a tough crowd at her Wednesday evening speech to AIPAC, but she managed to get two standing ovations.
Rice supports negotiations with Iran to halt the country’s nuclear enrichment program.
Only hours before, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the same crowd. Rice has criticized Netanyahu’s planned speech to a joint meeting of Congress — scheduled for today—saying it could destroy “the fabric of the America-Israel relationship.”
Rice said, “We cannot let a totally unachievable ideal stand in the way of a good deal.”
Her next sentence brought the house to its feet. “I know that some of you will be urging Congress to insist that Iran forgo its enrichment capacity entirely.”
Then she continued, “But as desirable as that would be, it is neither realistic nor achievable.
“If that is our goal, our partners will abandon us and undermine the very sanctions we have imposed so effectively together. Simply put, that is not a viable negotiating position.”
The reaction: a golf clap.
But when Rice said, “I know some would argue we should just impose sanctions and walk away,” the crowd once again erupted into a standing ovation.
The audience’s reaction clearly supported Rice’s remarks, but only when they advocated the opposite of her policies.
Rice’s next statement, “My friends, let’s remember that sanctions, unfortunately, have never stopped Iran from advancing its program,” raises a question: if sanctions don’t work, why should we trust Iran to keep its word in negotiations?
Twitter users savored the irony.
Hi, I’m Susan Rice, and I am giving the worst speech ever delivered.
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) March 2, 2015
Susan Rice suffers from a chronic case of clue deficit disorder. Comic By: Steve Kelley – Creators Syndicate pic.twitter.com/TeTo1suaHN
— High Horse Strong (@LINDNLD) February 27, 2015
Yikes @daveweigel: Before Susan Rice got up to speak at AIPAC, the video screens played friendly reminders not to boo anybody.
— SalenaZito (@SalenaZitoTrib) March 2, 2015
Well that should smooth things over MT @OrenKessler: WH sending natsec adviser Rice & UN Amb Power to speak at AIPAC http://t.co/vJh6mGZIKN
— Omri Ceren (@cerenomri) February 26, 2015
So without a deal, Rice is saying, Iran will build a bomb. Also, with a deal, Iran will build a bomb. This is really astounding.
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) March 2, 2015
Susan Rice lies again: “Today, @IAEAorg is verifying #Iran is meeting its commitments.” IAEA head says can’t verify! http://t.co/Yio04KamEs
— Anne Bayefsky (@AnneBayefsky) March 3, 2015
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