VERSUS THEIR LOYALTY TO THE UNITED STATES: The Hill: Iran Nuclear Deal Tests Democrat Loyalty To Obama.

Off a contentious trade debate that highlighted Democratic divisions and infuriated Obama’s liberal base, even the Democrats most critical of the Iran deal are walking a fine line.

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), for instance, has emerged as the leading Democratic critic in the upper chamber, warning that the agreement “legitimizes” Iran’s nuclear program and sets the stage for Iran to reap billions of dollars in financial relief it could use to bolster its stock of conventional weapons.

But Menendez has stopped short of saying he’ll join Republicans in a vote to disapprove the deal, saying he wants first to examine the agreement more closely, both on the Foreign Relations panel and in briefings with administration officials.

“It’s premature for some people to say they’re definitely against it and for others to say they’re definitely for it,” he said. “Let’s have the vetting.”

The issue is tough for Democrats because it represents Obama’s top foreign policy goal in his second term, but is strongly opposed by Israel’s government.

Also, it’s a lousy deal.