Obama could have earned respect by doing this change in policy of the last 40-plus years if he had done it before he was elected or before he was re-elected or even four years ago after he was re-elected. 

Instead, his desire to get elected, re-elected and for other Democrats to get elected or re-elected is why he didn't have the guts to do it.  

Pure political expediency drove his 'policy' for seven years and eleven months.  

Not an entry for a "Profiles in Courage" book.  Pandering to the Israeli lobby, absolutely!