President Donald Trump’s Israel envoy will get at least some Democratic backing in the committee set to vote on his nomination, according to a top lawmaker who spoke to THE WEEKLY STANDARD, though several Democrats say they are still troubled by many of his past remarks and positions.
Ambassador-designate David Friedman is expected to be approved by the Foreign Relations Committee, where Republicans hold a one-seat advantage, regardless. But whether Friedman garners any support from Democrats hinges on the extent to which they believe his remarks Thursday expressing regret for past rhetoric were sincere.
“He will receive bipartisan support out of the committee,” Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker told TWS.
Friedman reversed some of his previously held positions during the hearing, conforming to the Trump administration’s measured openness to a two-state solution and warnings about settlement expansion. He also was contrite about inflammatory remarks that he made in months prior.
“He’s obviously recanting a great deal of statements and feelings that he’s had in the past, and it’s very pervasive, but he obviously wants to do this job,” Corker said. “I didn’t sense insincerity in his recanting of these things.”
But some Democrats did not feel the same, suggesting to TWS that they will not forgive Friedman for derogatory remarks he has made about Jewish groups and political officials.
“It’s hard to understand how somebody renounces so many controversial positions and statements on the eve of their [committee] vote,” Connecticut senator Chris Murphy said after the hearing. “I appreciate his contrition, but the volume of his over-the-top statements are still hard to ignore.”
“I’m not sure that he’s a figure that can unite Congress around support for Israel,” he added.
New Jersey senator Cory Booker, who harped on atonement and apology in the committee room, indicated it would be difficult for him to accept Friedman’s regrets.
“Clearly, he hurt many more people than he’s even aware of,” Booker said. “Those remarks—the depth, breadth, the extreme nature of them, the degrading aspects of them, I think … are very, very hurtful and penetrating and resonating, and he is now up to be an ambassador, and that’s problematic.”
Delaware senator Chris Coons reiterated concerns that he raised during the hearing over Friedman’s past provocative remarks.
“Mr. Friedman, although a very skilled and talented lawyer, has also demonstrated his inclination to make intemperate, even insulting remarks, in the course of the Trump campaign,” Coons said. “It’s legitimate for the Foreign Relations Committee to ask if a man of Friedman’s temperament is the right choice.”
Ranking Member Ben Cardin said he was weighing how Friedman’s personal opinions would play into his role as ambassador.
“I believe he’s sincere that he will follow directions, but then in the end he says he expects to be a major player in developing the policy for strengthening U.S.-Israel relations,” Cardin said. “His personal views are important.”
“The question is, how does he go about his responsibilities if confirmed as ambassador?” he continued. “I think that’s something we’re all trying to evaluate.”
Friedman said Thursday that a two-state solution “would bring tremendous benefits” if achieved, and he rejected the Israeli expansion of homes into new territories. Both views are in line with suggestions President Trump has made.
