Intel: J Street endorsement sets up battle with AIPAC for Biden’s ear

Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, accepted a major endorsement from the lobbying group J Street today, setting up a battle for the former vice president’s ear with the left-leaning organization’s main rival, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

“J Street has been a powerful voice to advance social justice here at home and to advocate for a two-state solution that advances Middle East peace,” Biden said in a statement. “I share with J Street's membership an unyielding dedication to the survival and security of Israel, and an equal commitment to creating a future of peace and opportunity for Israeli and Palestinian children alike.”

This is the first time J Street has ever endorsed a candidate for president. The increasingly influential lobby group first announced that it would endorse the eventual Democratic nominee in January.

“At a time when the threats to our core values both at home and abroad have never been more serious, all of us in the pro-Israel, pro-peace community know that the path to a better future begins with defeating Donald Trump at the polls,” said J Street president Jeremy Ben-Ami.