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Israeli Labor voters opt for the new guy

Newly elected Israeli Labor Chairman Avi Gabbay has little political experience to offer the party. Applauded by former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, he invites all veterans to join forces.
Avi Gabbai, the new leader of Israel's centre-left Labour party, gestures as he delivers his victory speech after winning the Labour party primary runoff, at an event in Tel Aviv, Israel July 10, 2017. REUTERS/Amir Cohen     TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTX3AWT4
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In August 2008, Defense Minister Ehud Barak prepared himself for the possibility of early elections. As the Labor Party's candidate for prime minister, his campaign focused on his proven experience in statesmanship and security matters as a former chief of staff, minister and prime minister. It was designed to impede the rising popularity of Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who was running a campaign to head the Kadima Party and ultimately run for prime minister herself.

One of the most memorable slogans of that campaign was, "Who is apt to pick up the [emergency] phone at 3 a.m.?" Barak used rallies, parlor meetings and interviews to explain that a country faced with the complex problems of Israel does not have the privilege of letting someone lacking basic experience to stand at its helm. "This is not some episode of the ‘X Factor,’ ‘Dancing with the Stars’ or ‘Survivor.’ We are a ship cast about on a stormy sea, and we need someone to guide us to safe shores. … In situations such as these, a thoughtful people does not start to experiment. … If there really is a tempest at sea, you choose an experienced captain."

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