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Front-Runner Kerry on Israel Roller Coaster

Senator John Kerry, the front-runner in the race for the Democratic nomination for president, spent the day before the New Hampshire primary searching for the right formula to promote concerning Israel.

He had previously aroused concern on the part of the pro-Israel community when he said he would appoint a Middle Eastern envoy, naming Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and James Baker as possible choices.

On Monday, he told a crowd that the Israeli government is lacking someone who can “deliver the goods” in negotiations with the Palestinians.

Hours later he backtracked, telling a Salem, New Hampshire, crowd that, “I believe Ariel Sharon is willing to make peace, I really believe it.”

Although Israel-based issues are not considered to be key elements in the New Hampshire race, it is a national forum and Howard Dean’s opponents have used his comments on Israel and the Middle East to discredit the former leader in the polls.