howard friedman and executive director, incoming president bob cullen, incoming chairman, outgoing chairman lee rosenberg, and ambassador danchapiro. i know where our ambassadors are. [applause] let me tell you, it is really an enormous pleasure for me to be able to be here, it is a privilege. it is good to see so many friends, 14,000 of you. it is frightening to see me on such large screens here. last time i spoke to aipac i joined your national summit in napa valley, by way of satellite, and you were in the vineyards, i was overseas, a different kind of figure. today i am getting the better end of the deal because i'm here with you in person, and your wine selection is limited this time. [laughter] i had the pleasure of speaking to aipac back in the 1990's, a great honor, and every time i come here, when i get a chance to talk to a smaller session this is a remarkably inspiring gathering. people from every corner of the country coming together to demonstrate our deep support as americans for a strong u.s.-israel relationship. [applause] and it is no exaggeration, not just words, to say every single one of you brings here