Mar 3, 2015 Watch Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's full speech to Congress

By Carl Hulse and Jeremy W. Peters
Jan. 29, 2015

Netanyahu Is Talking to Leading Democrats to Little Effect So Far

(snip)

Ms. Pelosi said late Wednesday that when she spoke with the prime minister, she had stressed that the speech “could send the wrong message in terms of giving diplomacy a chance.”

There have been partisan recriminations in Washington and Israel over the speech, with accusations that Speaker John A. Boehner, who extended the invitation, and Mr. Netanyahu were exploiting the situation for political gain. Mr. Netanyahu faces voters on March 17 in a contest in which national security and Iran could be significant factors. Democrats in Congress have said Mr. Boehner is trying to undermine Mr. Obama and weaken his ability to govern, a charge that Mr. Boehner disputes.

Democrats have generally condemned Mr. Netanyahu’s decision to address Congress as undiplomatic and reckless, but they have conflicting interests: They want to back up the president without angering the powerful pro-Israeli interests in the United States or Jewish voters.

Evidence of the difficulties surfaced Thursday when the Senate Banking Committee approved a bill to impose new sanctions on Iran if an accord on Tehran’s disputed nuclear program is not reached by March 24. The measure passed 18 to 4, with 6 Democrats voting in favor. The White House opposes the legislation.

(snip)

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/30/us/politics/benjamin-netanyahu-is-talking-to-harry-reid-and-leading-democrats-to-little-effect-so-far.html



For all you young people out there, back in the old days, it took a lot more to be considered a "banana republic" than to be given constructive criticism and good faith advice.