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United States

Christian Wrong

Republicans are once again arguing that American Jews will abandon the Democratic Party. But it won’t happen, because Jews recoil from the GOP’s overt Christianity, even when it comes with staunch pro-Israel views.

By Michelle Goldberg|July 25, 2011 7:00 AM|340comments

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(Romney: Amos BenGershom/GPO via Getty Images; Beck: Gali Tibbon/AFP/Getty Images; Huckabee: Lior Mizrahi /Getty Images; Palin: Uriel Sinai/Getty Images)

The notion that Jews are on the verge of deserting the Democratic Party is one of the perennial canards of American political commentary. It comes up every few years, spurred by the wishful thinking and manipulative polling of Republican operatives and the depressing credulity of campaign reporters. And now, for the umpteenth time, it’s returned. “Obama’s policies in the Middle East are alienating Jewish voters,” Dick Morris, the right-wing operative behind a widely touted new survey of American Jews, told Fox News earlier this month. The Washington Times made the same point in a story citing a poll by the conservative group Secure America Now. Obama’s “ambivalence toward Israel leaves an opening for the GOP,” read the subhead.

A close look at these polls reveals how flawed they are, but pointing that out is unlikely to stop pundits from recycling the underlying narrative of an imminent Jewish realignment. It’s a story that won’t die, no matter how often it’s proven wrong. This latest iteration is part of a long history of nonsense, built on a constant, almost willful overestimation of the commonality of interest between American Jews and evangelical Christians. Both of these groups care a lot about Israel. Both see anti-Semitism as a profound evil and a worldwide threat. But American evangelicals and Jews have very different ideas about Israel’s future. Besides, lots of evidence suggests that when it comes to identity politics, American Jews are most concerned with the place of Jews in America. They don’t trust people who want to turn their country into a Christian nation, even if those people swear to protect the Jewish state.

The last time a Republican presidential candidate won a plurality of the Jewish vote was in 1920, when Warren Harding won a landslide victory over James Cox. Even then, Harding didn’t get a majority—38 percent of Jews supported Socialist Eugene Debs; 43 percent went for Harding. But in the election of 1980, Jewish support for the Democrats reached a contemporary nadir: According to the book Jews in American Politics, Jimmy Carter, an evangelical who who was widely seen as unfriendly to Israel, got only 45 percent of the Jewish vote. Reagan received 39, and John Anderson 15 percent.

Not surprisingly, many people saw this as the beginning of a long-term shift in Jewish voting patterns, one they expected to continue in 1984. In that re-election year, Mort Kondrake wrote in the New Republic that “Jews are pulling loose from their traditional Democratic moorings.” The Reagan Administration, he reported, was trying to convince the American Jewish community that Walter Mondale would be weak on Israel, caving in “to Jesse Jackson and confirmed Arabisants from the Carter State Department.” (At the time, Jackson’s derisive reference to New York as “Hymietown” was very much in the news.) For the first time in 60 years, wrote Kondrake, “it’s not clear which party will receive a majority of the Jewish vote.”

That November, despite one of the worst showings in modern presidential campaign history, Mondale carried 67 percent of the Jewish electorate. Reagan got less of the Jewish vote in 1984 than Nixon did in 1972, despite the latter’s long reputation for anti-Semitism.

What happened? An important part of the answer lay in the growing association between the Republican Party and Christian fundamentalism. Reagan’s empowerment of the religious right was a significant issue in 1984. Endorsing Mondale, the New York Times concluded: “Mr. Reagan’s opponent talks about church and state with a care that verges on eloquence. [T]hat, alone, would be reason on Tuesday to vote for Walter Mondale.” Concerns about religion in politics did not sway the electorate at large, but Jews took them seriously. As a Commentary article said, “It seems that Reagan’s increasingly vocal embrace of the New—specifically, the Christian—Right scared Jews more than anything said by either Jackson or [Louis] Farrakhan.” Indeed, exit polls showed that Jews had a significantly more unfavorable opinion of Jerry Falwell—a man who’d been awarded the Jabotinsky Prize by Menachem Begin—than of Jesse Jackson.

Fast forward to the first George W. Bush campaign. Once again, Republicans had a candidate whose fierce Zionism derived from his evangelical convictions. And once again, Republican strategists thought they had a shot with American Jews. “Two issues stand in the way of Republicans gaining a significant percentage of the Jewish vote: abortion and the ‘religious right,’ ” GOP pollster Frank Luntz said at a Republican Jewish Coalition forum. “But here we have an answer. The magic word is ‘Israel.’ ” A Jewish Telegraphic Agency story asked, “Can George W. Bush Win the Jewish Vote?”

The answer, of course, was no—Al Gore won 79 percent of the Jewish electorate. Yet four years later, predictions of a Jewish swing to the right started up again. After all, Gore was a special case—he’d chosen a Jewish running mate. Besides, Sept. 11 had made the Middle East paramount in American politics. The Republican Jewish Coalition conducted a survey that, it said, showed a growing Jewish tilt to the GOP. “We are seeing a major shift in American political-party alliances,” the RJC’s Matt Brooks told the right-wing website WorldNetDaily. “We expect these realignment trends to continue.” There was no trend. Kerry won 76 percent of Jewish votes.

Nevertheless, in 2008, journalists and pundits once again speculated about a potential rightward lurch among Jews. After all, the Democratic candidate was named Barack Hussein Obama. He counted among his friends the Palestinian intellectual Rashid Khalidi. “Some Jews are incapable of deluding themselves that Obama would be the most resolute candidate in defending Israel,” the conservative Jennifer Rubin wrote in a Jerusalem Post piece titled “Why more Jews won’t be voting Democrat this year.” There were even Jews, she promised, with “a lifetime of Democratic voting” who would realize that “some things rank higher than even the top items on the liberal political agenda.” Perhaps there were, but not very many. Obama ended up getting 78 percent of the Jewish vote.

Now we’re once again hearing about a Jewish realignment. “Has Obama lost the support of some Jews—and their funding?” asked a Jerusalem Post story in June. Morris purported to show widespread Jewish disaffection with Obama, claiming that if the election were held today, the president would get just 56 percent of the Jewish vote. Then came the Secure America Now poll that seemed to show that only 43 percent of Jews planned to vote to re-elect Obama. Once again, the conservative media exulted.

Both polls, though, were sketchy. The website of the American Association of Public Opinion Research offers a guide to deciding whether a poll can be trusted; one of the most important things to consider, it says, is whether a pollster discloses his or her methodology. Morris does not. Meanwhile, what we know of Secure America Now’s methodology reveals the poll to be, as Adam Serwer wrote in the Washington Post, “laughably bogus.” It began with a conservative sample—only 64 percent of its respondents voted for Obama in 2008—and then posed a series of questions designed to turn them against the president. “Considering what President Obama has proposed for Israel just over a year before his 2012 re-election campaign—a return to the 1967 borders, dividing Jerusalem, and allowing the right of return for Palestinian Arabs to Israel—how concerned would you be about President Obama’s policies towards Israel if he were re-elected and did not have to worry about another election?” asked one. Finally, it asked whether the respondent would “consider” voting for someone else. Forty-three percent pronounced themselves unwilling to even entertain the idea. From that, the pollsters concluded that Obama’s support had dwindled to just that number.

That fact is, many American Jews might consider voting for “someone else,” but only a fraction would consider voting for the type of person that the GOP is likely to nominate. American Jews have shown, again and again, that they care more about social justice and a defense of American pluralism than a zealous defense of Israeli maximalism. They might get anxious about liberal criticism of Israel, but this anxiety tends to pale beside their abhorrence of the Christian right.

There actually was a moment in the summer of 2008 when Obama’s Jewish support looked relatively weak. “We did polling in the summer of 2008,” says Ira Forman, the former CEO of the National Jewish Coalition. “Obama was getting anywhere from 59 to 61 percent of the Jewish vote and McCain was at about 30. According to Gallup the numbers started shifting in August and they really jumped in September and October.” There is a simple, two-word explanation for this: Sarah Palin.

Jewish aversion to Palin has been clear to observers across the political spectrum. Rubin, author of the Jerusalem Post piece predicting a Jewish defection from the Democrats, acknowledged it in a Commentary article titled “Why Jews Hate Palin.” The piece would have read as vaguely anti-Semitic if a gentile had written it—among other things, she suggested that Jewish women were turned off by Palin’s decision to give birth to a baby with Down Syndrome because they “couldn’t imagine making a similar choice.” But Rubin had a point when she wrote, “If one were to invent a political leader designed to drive liberal, largely secular, urban, highly educated Jews to distraction, one would be hard pressed to come up with a more effective figure than Palin.”

At least, she had a point at the time, because since then, just such a leader has emerged—Michele Bachmann. Bachmann is even more rooted in the evangelical right than Palin is. Indeed, while at Oral Roberts University, she was the research assistant on a book by John Eidsmoe titled Christianity and the Constitution, which argued that the United States was founded as a Christian theocracy and that it should become one again. “The church and the state have separate spheres of authority, but both derive authority from God,” Eidsmoe wrote. “In that sense America, like [Old Testament] Israel, is a theocracy.”

Bachmann, like many evangelicals, believes in the scriptural imperative to restore the entire biblical land of Israel to Jewish control. She first went to Israel after high school, on a trip sponsored by the evangelical group Young Life, and she talks about Israel in the language of premillenial dispensationalism, the influential theology that holds that the second coming of Christ depends on the return of the Jews to their homeland. “If we reject Israel, then there is a curse that comes into play,” she told the Republican Jewish Coalition last year. “And my husband and I are both Christians, and we believe very strongly the verse from Genesis, we believe very strongly that nations also receive blessings as they bless Israel.”

This sort of thing has endeared her to some Jewish conservatives, but if history is any guide, it will not sway the community at large. (Her mispronunciation of “chutzpah” won’t help.) American Jews are savvy enough to realize that evangelical support for Israel does not necessarily imply concern with Jewish safety. After all, the dispensationalist scenario culminates in a third world war in the Middle East and the consignment of unconverted Jews to hell before the messiah returns. For those who truly see Israeli politics in terms of evangelical prophesy, an apocalyptic battle on Israeli soil is not something to be avoided at all costs. Instead, it’s the portal to paradise.

Yet this chiliastic theology is only a small part of the reason that Jews will likely remain wary of the Christian right. In the end, American Jews care most about America. They are unwilling to assume a role in their own country that’s in any way analogous to that of Arab citizens of Israel—a people with legal equality who are nonetheless excluded from their nation’s raison d’être. Jews know they can never be full citizens of a Christian nation.

And Republican politics have never been so fully Christianized. The Tea Party was initially mischaracterized as a libertarian movement, but it is deeply imbued with religious fundamentalism, and polls show that a majority of its members believe that the United States is a Christian nation. It’s no accident that, upon taking over statehouses nationwide, Republicans elected with Tea Party support enacted a record number of abortion restrictions—80 in the first six months of 2011, compared to 23 for all of 2010.

Of the serious Republican presidential candidates, the only one who is not entirely aligned with the Christian right is Mitt Romney. Indeed, his campaign has gone out of its way to point out how, as a fellow member of a religious minority, he understands Jewish concerns. Yet he is running for the nomination of a party dominated by religious literalists; the majority of Republicans, for example, don’t believe in evolution, and more than half of them believe that humans were created in their present form less than 10,000 years ago. In his desire to appeal to the GOP base, he has already forsworn his earlier pro-choice position and now opposes not just legal abortion but also stem-cell research. Should he win the nomination, he will almost certainly do what McCain did and choose a running mate meant to energize the Republican base. Some consultants are already speculating about a Romney-Bachmann ticket.

Whoever is ultimately the nominee, we can be sure that he or she will reiterate Romney’s accusation that Obama has “thrown Israel under a bus.” We can be sure that he or she will support the religious right’s agenda in domestic politics. And we can be relatively certain of what will matter most to Jewish voters.

CORRECTION, July 26: It was Adam Serwer, writing on Greg Sargent’s Washington Post blog, and not Sargent himself, who called the Secure America Now’s poll methodology “laughably bogus.” The error has been corrected.

Michelle Goldberg is a senior writer for Newsweek/The Daily Beast and the author of The Means of Reproduction: Sex, Power, and the Future of the World. Her Twitter feed is at @michelleinbklyn.

Punchy

When Amir Khan and Zab Judah enter the boxing ring Saturday night, Harold Lederman will be judging the bout for HBO Sports. With his distinctive Bronx honk, he’s the sport’s most essential analyst.

By Marc Tracy

Reuvain

Orthodox Jews tend to vote Republican and the more liberal Democratic. The real issue is not Christian fundamentalism. Liberal Jews are not comfortable with people of faith, be they Orthodox Jews or religious Christians.
steve

Michelle Goldberg is hardly an objective journalist. She has a left wing agenda so it’s not really an appropriate topic for her to write about if Tablet is serious about voter tendencies among American Jews. In a sense, she is right for the wrong reasons in this article. Finally, as for her comment,”Jews know they can never be full citizens of a Christian nation.” She might be right but from her pen? That’s just silly. Like Jews feel comfortable in Syria, Saudi Arabia et.al.? And the one country yep just one Jewish state in the world, Israel, you have to read Goldberg’s comments elswhere to appreciate how little she values the concept of a secure, defensible Jewish state.
Charles

The author has the premise of this article backwards; Jews are not leaving the Democratic Party…the Democratic Party is leaving them.
We have the titular head of the party belittling Israel and its security needs,while embracing economic principals which are leading to catastrophe for our grandchildren.

As far as the Chritian Right; I have exponentially more faith they will be steadfast in their support of Israel than the “progressive” (why not throw Israel under the bus” left.
http://warrenadler.com Warren Adler

Wishful thinking, my friend. If Obama, who for twenty years listened to his pastor malign Jews without protest, threw Israel under the bus, the Jews would dump the democratic party in droves. By far, the largest group of zionist’s in America are devout christians. Your writer insults their passionate friendship and support of Israel. Whatever party deserts support of Israel will lose Jewish votes.
Jason

I read the two comments above and wonder if people read articles anymore or if articles are just an excuse to engage in a discussion with straw men.

It’s a terrific article, and heartening to us liberal Jews who continue to vote Democratic for exactly the reasons Goldberg mentions. I find it deeply troubling that conservative Jews are willing to support an evangelical Christian narrative on Israel and the Jews where we disappear in the second act!
sam

If I have a choice between a Democrat-in-name-only, who caves in to every demand to cut the social safety net, doesn’t raise taxes on the wealthy, increases troops in Afghanistan, AND doesn’t support Israel, versus a moderate Republican like Romney who supports Israel, who knows what we’ll do?
Gerald Gregory

Now I am begining to see. The Jew will never admit that Jesus has come and was nail to the cross, buried and rose on the 3rd day and went to heaven. They are waiting on red hefier, temple and the coming of the great imitatior and peace, peace, peace. SO sad—- so very sad.
babawawa

Traditionally, in galus, choosing political sides meant Jews walking a tightrope between destruction and survival. But here in America, liberal Jews have made the democratic party their religion. The last democrat I voted for was Gore – when those planes brought down the towers on 9/11, I switched camps. I’m not a proud republican, nor am I ashamed to have been a democrat. But it became clear to me then that the liberals, embodied by the democratic party, want my people gone.
Arik

Jason,

Then I suggest that you not disappear in the second act and when an “evil Christian” tries to convert you simply say no. In this country that’s really all that it takes.
eli

Traditional Jews find the extreme left politics of people like Michelle Goldberg abhorrent and in conflict with much of Judaism as they know it. Obama, with his anti-Israel actions, further reinforces this.

Whether they will vote for the Republicans or not is another matter, but Orthodox Jews value those who value their own religious tradition as long as it does not attack halachic Judaism or Jews – note the alliances on issues such as abortion and school vouchers.
Jay A Friedman

To Gerald Gregory (Jul 25, 2011 at 10:41 AM)

The subject matter of ther article is quite serious.

Please don’t joke around.
http://thedivaworld.blogspot.com/ Debrah

This column is overwrought and astonishingly tendentious.

Beyond mention, really.
Asherz

Michelle Goldberg reflects the liberal American Jewish point of view. She is right that Jews will again vote for Obama but not primarily for the reason she cites, the fear of fundamental Christianity. The fact is that tragically most of American Jewry is on the long term road to assimilation.
Israel is just not that high up on their agenda in terms of importance. The environment, abortion, gay rights,etc. occupies a higher priority than the welfare of a Jewish State.The kind embrace of an acceptant nation is having the same effect on Jewish continuity as did the harsher environment of the pogroms, exiles and inquisitions. Goldberg just misses the reasons why the Jewish vote for Obama will go from 78% to somewhere in the high 60′s but is correct that it will still remain overwhelmingly Democratic.
http://tablet phylis steiner

Repeating what the Washington Times prints? Completely biased & untrustworthy!
ekaresky

Yea Gregory, like Jesus showing up led to peace, understanding, tolerance(sic), swords being beaten into plowshares, and lambs and lions resting together.
SO sad, so very sad. Your comment had NOTHING to do with the article and neither does mine. This is a well written, well thought out artcle. Stick to the subject matter and so will I.
Reuvain

Michelle Goldberg is not just fearful of Christianity she is fearful of anyone whose life is based on religious principle instead of liberal political values. Instead of being opened minded enough to see how religious principles can enhance ones life, she is fearful and insecure.

Liberals lack the intellectual courage and the willingness to explore ideas beyond their narrow ideological orbit. It seems Liberals fear real intellectual debate with people outside of their mindset. And then they have the Chutzpa to tell us “they represent the Jewish community”. In truth the values they espouse are outside the mainstream of Jewish thought and tradition.
Michael

“…38 percent of Jews supported Socialist Eugene Debs”

I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same. (Voting for a Socialist in 1920… and 2008.)

But Obama will get nowhere near the support he got from the Jewish community in 2008. There’s no question that he’ll be losing Jewish votes: the question is “how many?”
http://thedivaworld.blogspot.com/ Debrah

“But Obama will get nowhere near the support he got from the Jewish community in 2008. There’s no question that he’ll be losing Jewish votes: the question is ‘how many?’ ”
**************************************************************

Along with untold millions in campaign contributions that will not be forthcoming from Jewish voters.
Jason

Yes, Arik, I understand that. I am also not interested in the scenario where all the world’s Jews move back to Israel and where an epic world war is fomented, and I or any member of my family is forced to make that choice. The latter part is facetious – I don’t expect their Biblical story to play out the way they tell it – but they are very much interested in there being a violent conflict in Israel, and for us to be the center of it.
Sarah

you got a little mistake here:
What is Zionism? It’s a simple sentence: “Next year in Jerusalem.”

there’s nothing wrong with being pro -israel and zionist (like tere is nothing wrong with being pro- palestine and pro- hamas for some of us). the question is what you do with it!!!
@@
In an op-ed she wrote for an israeli newspaper Madonna claimed to be zionist.
i see a huge difference between madonna and the killer.
It’s not that his views are wrong. it is what that he does with his views that is so wrong!!!!
Sarah

and i don’t hold the same opinions as the killer.
just saying…
Pat

Any Jew who knows our history knows that the end for Jews in America will be because of the end of separation of church and state. What happened a very few years ago in Germany will happen in the US if this ever becomes a “christian nation”. Jews are not stupid. They will never embrace the christian right no matter how much it supports Israel, because without a strong, free, nonreligious America, Israel is doomed.
Mark S. Devenow Esq.

This little piece of idiocy from Michelle Goldberg ranks up alongside the dumbest statements ever to appear in print or ether: American Jews are savvy enough to realize that evangelical support for Israel does not necessarily imply concern with Jewish safety.

Well, just whose safety is inextricably wrapped up with the State of Israel – American Indians??? Get real!!!! The sovereign State of Israel is the embodiment of the miracle of modern Jewish survival and achievement. To discard this fact amounts to embracing a fundamental confusion for the sake of experiencing vertigo.
Yishai

This article should be titled, “My Naive, Biased View of All Jews Voting Democrat.” This article proves that the majority of Democrats vote Democrat regardless if the candidate is worth his salt. Carter, Gore Obama . . . come on! The core of the issue should be, “Why Do the Majority of American Jews Vote Democrat?” They do so, because–however far removed it is–they (we) are a tribal people; thus, we care for social issues that fall more inline with the Democrats than Republicans. However, ignorance can no longer be bliss! To trust in a government to care for “social concerns” is like trusting your dog to guard your char-broiled New York steak while you relieve yourself. We are also theocratic people! Regardless of the amount of observance families or people have, theocracy is at the core of the Jewish heart; however, it has been replaced through man-ocracy (trusting a bunch of meshuganas to make decisions for us).

Christians and Jews have the commonality of caring for the sick, homeless, helpless, etc; however, attention seems to be drawn away from personal responsibility to government–”Let the government take care of them; I’m to busy to be concerned.” When a country or society begins trusting the government to care for our families, than we are simply sheep being led to the slaughter.

Ms. Goldberg slashes the religious right because they apparently believe in creation and not evolution. Wow! The last time I looked, they got this from the Tanakh. Many Jews as well believe in creation and Adonai. To make general observations about Christians and Jews reveals how little Goldberg knows about people, religion, and the influence of cultural norms.

Have the American Jews accommodated secularism and American anti-religious views over personal responsibility to walk according the ways of Adonai and righteous halakhah? Embracing the Democratic party forsakes personal responsibility and believing that government is capable of maturely making proper decisions for all.
http://anastasiastoryteller.blogspot.com/ Director

You sure got the essence right as far as I am concerned! Regardless of anything that you got wrong here as noted by the other comments. Thanks so much for backing up the truth of my heart with wonderful resources.

It has taken me years of careful observation and interpretation to sort out my Jewish identity. And, get it clear and solid for myself from the inside out. Am I a Jewish/American or an American/Jew sat right at the core of my various conflicts?

Evangelical Christians trying to convert me as I made my way through one moral, ethical and spiritual question after another brought me to my right mind. They are, as a group, as a far as I have experienced devious!

I love being of Jewish heritage. My heritage and Israel’s place in the world, no matter how I choose to think about them and/or express myself about them in today’s world are my Constitutional rights as an American. That’s is the freedom my immigrant grandparents sacrificed to give me which includes the freedom to change my mind and vote how I choose, Democrat or Republican or anything else.

Anybody who thinks or tries to encourage that embracing my heritage is my path to Hell does not in any way, shape or form get my sypport or vote. And, in fact, is someone for me to keep at arm’s length while I go on respecting their rights too.
Sarah Bar

Just passing by. As an Israeli, I want to thank you for your understanding. Israel and Zionism is not based on hatred but of love and longing for Zion. And although it seems to you like that Israel does support right-wing views of Glenn Beck or Sarah Palin we really don’t!!!
We all know what the real purpose of evangelicals.

It’s very difficult for me to read other news sites this weekend. Especially since so many comments accusing Jews and Israelis of the murder.
I feel something like what my grandparents felt in 1933, only safer. cause this is happening far away and I have my own place under the sun here in Israel.

Thanks again:)
http://israelmag.net Jerry Waxman

Jews would do well to not align too closely with either political party. This article points out some reasons why. The author of this article makes the same error that politicians and pundits make in speaking of Jewish Americans as a special interest group. It is true that the Jewish vote has avoided the fundamentalist Christian sway over the Republican Party. But religion is not the only issue. Neither is the State of Israel. When Jewish Americans go to the polls, I doubt that they vote as Jews and not as Americans. At least I hope so. When we vote in American elections we should consider mainly what is best for the U.S.
Clearly the Republican party does not offer what is best for America. Neither does the Democratic party, but it has proven itself to be the far lesser of the evils, especially in recent years, and most especially in recent weeks. I don’t think that Jews are turned off by Palin’s or Bachman’s religious views as much as by their incompetence.
I suspect Obama will get the Jewish vote again, and I hope he does because the Republicans have really been screwing things up lately. In the same vein, I hope the Republicans choose a viable candidate, and not a Palin or Bachman or another Bush, because as the election of 2004 showed us, there is a danger that another Bush could be elected. And that would be bad for America and its citizens, non-Jews as well as Jews.
Arik

Jason,

Being devoted to an eschatological outcome is like hoping for a lottery ticket. It doesn’t mean you give up your day job on a hope. For evangelicals, their day job is backing Israel.
Arik

Pat,

The stupidity is in using the past as a cookie cutter for the future. If you had any sense you’d learn a little bit about their religion before saying such nonsense. To look at today’s evangelicals as modern day Crusaders, Inquisitioners or Nazis is not only to misread history, it is to demonize the guy living down the street whose faith is simple and is devoted to his family.
Avigdor

We need this like we need a hole in the head. This is not worth the time it takes to read it.
Jay Kanter

Mostly all the Jewish people we know are so tired of Obama and the Democratic party with their class warfare,dislike for Israel,and how they are unable to solve most problems of our nation.I am on Social Security and Obama and the Democratic’s have not given us any increases since they were elected and they keep telling us their is no inflation to merit an increase.Every thing has gone up in price;fruits,vegetables,meats,electric,gas,transportation.etc.We will not support Obama.
Britt

“Of the serious Republican presidential candidates, the only one who is not entirely aligned with the Christian right is Mitt Romney.”
What about Ron Paul? Is it possible that this sort of demagoguery — dismissing Paul fromthe ranks of “srrious” candidtes — tends to ensure that right wing nuts will sure enough get the nomination?
Ruth Ross

I find it interesting that most posters are more concerned about the 2012 Presidential candidates’ support for Israel than for Jews living in this country. While I support Israel (mostly), as a Jewish American I distrust fundamentalists of any stripe, Christian, Jewish, Muslim. My worry is that these evangelical Christians have taken over the Republican party. They misread the Constitution (if they read it at all) and believe that the Founding Fathers were Christian (they were not; they were Deists). They know nothing about U.S. history unless it conforms to their world view. And when Michelle Bachmann et al speak, they use code words and phrases to alert their followers to the purity of their Christian point of view. The United States was NOT FOUNDED AS A CHRISTIAN COUNTRY. Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, atheists, agnostics all have as much right to live here as do Christians. Get over it! I will never defect to the Republicans, despite my disappointment with this crop of Democrats, because they are small-minded people with no compassion for the poor, women and anyone else who is not rich. Why middle class Republicans vote against their own best interests beats me. And as for Israel, don’t believe the lie that Pres. Obama “hates” Israel. Perhaps he just wants the leaders to act like grown-ups.
Beatrix

These articles tend to be written by liberals and the posters tend to be conservative, but I agree with the poster who says Obama will get about 60-65% of the Jewish vote. I probably won’t be one of them. I want better leadership than Obama’s supplied and I haven’t the slightest concern that the Republicans are going to change America to a Christian theocracy.

The economic indicator for Social Security’s COLA is inflation, as noted, and the reason everything has gone up and we still (technically) don’t have inflation is because housing is factored in the equation, and housing prices are going down. It a shame because as soon as I get my COLA, I’m going out and buying a mansion.
Gabriel

“Michelle Goldberg reflects the liberal American Jewish point of view.”

Yes, and that is most people. Most Jews are liberal. Most care about Israel but are not Likudniks. The right wants to pain any criticism of Israel as anti-Israel, but it clearly isn’t.
http://www.LefcourtArchitect.com Richard Lefcourt

Forget party allegiance. Every election boils down to choosing the lesser of two evils. Now that we’ve seen the “Community Organizer” in action, Jews and Gentiles alike realize how amateurish and incompetent he really is. Surely any Republican should win the next election. If not, kiss America as we’ve known it goodbye.
david

The question is what are we arguing about.

If it’s a philosophical debate about the political affiliation of Jews that’s one thing, but if it’s whether enough Jews will vote against Obama for him to lose, then that’s something else completely.

If the race is close, then a switch of 20-25% of Jewish voters in only a couple of key states such as New York or Florida could change the election results, which is certainly possible.

Michelle’s article ignores this question, which will be critical for Obama’s reelection hopes. All the rest is just political philosophy.

All
louis

As others have posted here, the more observant the Jew, the more likely he is to vote Republican. For liberal,secular Jews, their Jewish identity consists solely of not being Christian. That’s why they fervently opppose any mention of Christmas during the season and revile Evangelicals. They feel at home in the Democratic perty precisely because it doesn’t stand for anything.
Jason

Arik: That’s why I said that part was facetious. The problem is that evangelicals are *not just waiting*. They are creating conditions that will lead to a violent scenario for Israel and Jews, even if it doesn’t have anything to do with their messianic prophesy. Why can’t you understand that their “day job” is not limited to supporting Israel?

Read Sarah Bar’s comment above: Israelis are not in the dark about what evangelical “support” really means.
Murdock

I am a Mormon and (surprise) a Republican and a supporter of (surprise again) Mitt Romney. After reading this article, I have a few questions that I would like to ask the author and other readers.

1. If Romney is the Republican nominee, and his vice presidential running mate is not Bachmann or Palin (perhaps Marco Rubio), would a majority of Jewish voters be willing to seriously consider voting for him or would the fact that so much of the rest of the Republican Party is associated with the “Christian Right” keep them from giving serious consideration to switching from President Obama?

2. Do most Jewish voters know that those Protestants espousing the “Christian Nation” ideology generally do not consider Mormons to be “Christian” and that, to put it mildly, Mormons do not share the notion of a “Christian Nation”?

3. Do most Jewish voters realize that Mormons in general do support Israel, but that Mormons do not subscribe to the “Armageddon scenario” that is associated with some Protestants’ support for Israel?

4. The Mormon Church teaches that abortion is wrong except when necessary to save the life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest. Romney has flip-flopped on abortion but, generally speaking, a Mormon candidate is almost certainly going to be pro-life. Is abortion a deal-breaker? Would most Jewish voters seriously consider voting for a pro-life candidate if that candidate’s positions were otherwise attractive?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Murdock
Scott Rose

Political Evangelists in the United States vociferate that only their specific manner of supporting Israel can possibly be the best means of supporting Israel. The claim is fraudulent. Bush was one of their heroes. His unprovoked Shock and Awe attack on Iraq resulted in Iraq firing missiles into Israel. Obama’s approach to foreign policy has resulted in so comparable military attack into Israel. Fundamentalists and their political colleagues in the US need to get a grip.
Arel

Well, Am I pleasantly surprised at the number of comments that I agree with. I thought that the headline should have read: “American Liberal non-religious Jews will not abandon the Democratic Party”. I have to say that I hardly ever read the Tablet because I am sure that it is going to be a bunch of left wing demagoguery–and it usually is-so when I read this article I was prepared for the usual scatter-shot of vitriol against religious, Torah observant Jews. Maybe I’ll pay a little more attention to
Tablet in the future.
Rami A

Why on earth should a Jewish state even exist? A state that protects everyone and is inclusive of everyone is much more aligned with democracy. Accepting Israel as a Jewish state is just as racist and stupid as Iran is(being an Islamic State). At least Iran knows its not a democratic state. Israel, on the other hand, continues to describe itself as democratic. The same goes for the USA which for some reason, the GOP always describes as being a Christian State. Hence,as the article states, the GOP will always lose out on the Jewish vote.
http://home.sandiego.edu/~baber H. E. Baber

I’d like to see that “Jewish vote” disaggregated–by education, occupation, location and income.

Individuals who self-identify as “Jewish” are richer and more highly educated than the population, more likely to be “knowledge workers” and more likely to be urban-coastal. That is to say, by these demographics they’re more likely to be politically liberal and to vote Democratic. There is no “Jewish vote”: there is an upper-middle class urban professional vote.

So now we’re ready for an analysis of the Episcopalian vote and the College Professor vote. And let’s see, how about the environmentalist vote and the Whole Foods customer vote and the middle-aged bike-rider’s vote.(Yes! I’m a middle-aged, bike-riding Episcopalian college professor and I vote Democratic)
Rocky

Murdock:

I won’t vote for any candidate that does not support the repeal of DOMA. It reminds me too much of the Nuremberg Laws of Nazi Germany, but applied to gays instead of Jews. That pretty much rules out any Republican.
RACHEL B

Shame, shame, shame on TABLET for posting this atrocious, hateful, abhorrent article. It is Christophobic, racist, offensive to the max. And not to mention obnoxious, with Michelle Goldberg assuming all Jews agree with her and “recoil from Christianity”.

Shame, shame, shame on Tablet for running with this garbage. It is hateful. It is an outrage. It is completely reprehensible.

I demand an apology from the Publisher of TABLET.
Avrum Fine

Jewish liberal lemmings are pathetic. Thank G-d they don’t hold sway in Israel.
Pat

Arik:

You are obviously not a student of history. Jews have been expelled or pogromed or ghettoized in England 1290, France 1390, Spain, Portugal the Americas 1492 etc, Russia, Poland, all of eastern Europe, ghettoized by popes, ousted by blood libels in Syria, slaughtered by the millions by Germans and their Polish catholic antisemite buddies. Their property and and businesses stolen in Egypt, Morocco, Palestine etc. Do you think this will not happen in America? It will. If we are not vigilant about protecting our constitution, the greatest document in history which separates church and state. All it takes is a bad economy and a right wing court and watch out!
Harvey S. MIshner MD

Excuse me! But I left the Democratic Party over 30 years ago and would never consider voting for lefties again. Sure, the extreme right has their own agenda, but they seem to be more pro Israel then most Jews.
Even my 94 year old father voted Republican for the first time 2 years ago.
Rabbi Tony Jutner

As the leader of New Judaism, which represents 80% of American Jews, I confidently predict that Pres Obama will not lose a single Jewish vote over his treatment of the zionist entity. On the contrary, American Jews, who fully embrace my agenda of Social Justice, Economic Justice, and Right of Return of Endogenous Inhabitants, are ready for a second term Obama to dump the zionist entity and seek peace with Iran and Syria. We are tired of being embarassed by zionist antics and having to explain ourselves to progressives. San Francisco is my Jerusalem
Floyd

The extreme right sure does have its own agenda. It’s called the Rapture.
Ain’t that wonderful: his 94 year old father voted Republican for the first time. Are any “Jews for Jesus” Jewish?
Meagan

While I do agree that the Christian right might detour Jews away from voting Republican, I think it has less to do with the religious aspect and more to do with Republican policies. Barack Obama is a Christian man, yet he is a favorite among Jewish voters. I see both sides of the argument, but I believe that while religion plays a part, it is more about policies that parties stand beside in election time.
Randy

As one born & raised as a Christian in America, I agree with Ms Goldberg on most points. Smart & wise. However, Gov Huckabee was the more moderate, sensible choice of many Pro-israel conservatives. As a member of one of the founding churches in the Christians United for Israel, I realize that that group is pro-Israel, but not Israel’s type of Israel nor American Jew’s type of Israel. Pro-Israel to them does not mean pro-Jewish (right-wing or liberal), except for their type of Jew (Jesus newly re-designed as “Yeshua”). But “pagan” Jesus is what they are really working for; they “like” the Jewish people, but they know they can’t convert all of you overnight, so they will “love” & take their time you until “you see their light”. But, reject their money & their “future vision” for you & Israel and you will be see their wrath. Pro-Israel is not pro-Jewish and definitely not pro-Judaism.
ben

As an Israeli who represents the right-wing majority, I say that contrary to what “Sarah Bar” says – we in Israel fully knows that Obama is our enemy and that Republicans support Israel. We are very happy that influent people like Glenn Beck support us even if we don’t share the same worldview and beliefs.

According to polls, Israel in 2004 and 2008 was almost the only country that would have voted for the Republican candidate if they could. That says a lot.

What does it say about American Jews: well, in Israel we see them as weirdos. We love them as our brothers but we are having a hard time even understanding them and feeling connected to them. They seem to define Jewishness as something that has nothing Jewish. They are more Americans than Jews. Only the American haredim are a bright light – not because they are haredim but because they could be a model for our own haredim – haredim who work and learn and do not try to impose themselves on others and live from public money.
Barry

“Barack Obama is a Christian man” Huh?

20 years in the pews of “former” Muslim Rev. Jeremiah Wright listening to the good pastor’s spittle-flecked rants about why we should all hate Jews, hate Israel, love Qaddafy, Saddam, and Farrakhan and pray that “G-d Damn America!”.

That’s a “Christian” to you? When did Barack last attend church? When did he last Pray? To what G-d? Does Barack accept that Mohammed was a prophet? Does Barack accept that Allah is Akbar and that Mohammed was Rassul’Allah?
redmanrt

But Rubin had a point when she wrote, “If one were to invent a political leader designed to drive liberal, largely secular, urban, highly educated Jews to distraction, one would be hard pressed to come up with a more effective figure than Palin.”

The secular Jews have shown themselves to be suicidal before. The burden of being of the chosen people is too much for many of them.
REally?

So your position is that most Jews aren’t comfortable with, or are fearful of Christian political advocacy therefore they will continue to be influential advocates for a Jewish agenda in the Democratic party?

If this anti-Christian attitude of the Jewish community does exist, it is ugly and not keeping with the broad minded attitude of the Jewish individuals I am pleased to associate with
daveugber

obviously, the author is intelligent, well-spoken, and completely a democrat…personally, i cannot fathom why any Jew who loves their country (Israel/US) would ever vote to reelect BHObama… his rhetoric and posturing during the Mavi Marmara fiasco was dangerous and did little to show support of Israel…President Obama continually praises Islam and then insults Israel’s prime minister, while excusing the behaviors and aggressive language of Palestinians…how any Jew could vote to re-elect BHObama is beyond me…

hey, if the article were titled ‘Jews vote democrat, but not Obama’ i think i’d understand… it will be truly sad if the US Jews vote for mr Obama…he has no love of Israel as has been displayed on many occasions through his words and his deeds…as well, i find it interesting that the US Jews harbor so much resentment for Christians when their staunchest supporter worldwide for the last 65 years has been the United States, which is teeming with them… i also find it interesting that Jews would side with a man who spent 20 years going to a church where the lead pastor has no hesitation to express his disgust and dislike for Israel…

dear Jewish people, please vote your consciences, but understand that voting to re-elect President Obama will not be to Israel’s advantage…
Jeremy

I would think that jewish americans would care about things like individual liberty, freedom of enterprise, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to bear arms. Don’t they?
jb

The only Jews who are afraid of Christianity are non-observant or barely practicing. The fear of evangelicals arises from the fact they lack firm grounding in their own jewish faith and ignorance of christianity. Voting for Obama again will not only be bad for Israel, it will be disastrous for America.
Sonya

Any American, Jewish or not, who loves the USA and supports Israel and plans to vote for Obama, does not have brains. Nobody hurt the USA more than Obama during last three years and if he wins the second term, he will become unhinged. Forget about Israel. Of course it will not survive another four years of Obama, so who voted for him is essentally votes for new Holocaust, but the real question is whether the United States can survive Obama.
Kevin Putt

I think the comment of Reuvain above captures the essence. Liberal Jews are threatened by any deep religious commitment. Michelle seems to be clearly more concerned about her own life here in the US and seems not to be terribly concerned about threats to Israel’s future. The irony is and will be when Republicans and conservatives are the strong bastion of defense for the State of Israel, while Michelle bows to the liberal idols and assumes there is no threat. Her concern about Evangelicals, of which I am one, is typically focused on fears of our wanting to convert Jews. Christians believe in the Old Testament just as much in the New, and God intended there to be Israel. The further irony is just how far liberal Jews have gone in abondoning their faith. Michelle is a great example of that.
Randy

Make no mistake, but American Jews are very pro-Israel & pro-Zionist, more so than the “Christian Zionists” who have a different view of Zion (which is neither the liberal nor conservative Jewish view of Zion). Sometimes those on the “outside” (Jewish or non-Jewish) see things differently. Israel is not an island and what those outside of Israel think is very important to the well-being of Israel. Israel is often Israel’s worse enemy and instead of being a light to the nations it has often made more enemies and has made those enemies more hostile & determined. Israel has had a poor “public-relations department” which has created fewer allies & friends than it could & should have. Shalom requires an effort & pleasing G-d has a lot to do with that, as well.
Bladerunner1954

“Jews know they can never be full citizens of a Christian nation.”

So Jews will vote for the Democrat candidate because he is a . . . . Muslim?

It’s non-sensical for Jews to vote for a party that is, at best, ambivilant about the future of Israel. Or in Obama’s case, would like to see the destruction of Israel.

But since the Democrat party is, by Ms. Goldberg’s unspoken reasoning, not a “Christian” party, they get the votes.

Oy vey!
Delia

Folks are correct to be afraid of Christian fundamentalist evangelicals. I was raised one and the dispensationalist craziness is, well, insane. Social, or religious, diversity doesn’t exist in their world-view. It may seem like paranoia to constantly overstate how the swing toward Christian fundamentalism is a threat to democracy, but if you knew how these sects thought about people who are not like them, paranoia is just the tip of the iceberg. When the GOP got in bed with Ralph Reed in the 80s, their brand (and their ideology) was ruined.
bill

Michelle is right on the money on her assessment of fellow Jews. I’ve seen growing up in a liberal Jewish family in Newton, MA–Barney Frank’s district–what politically drives Jews. It’s simple, and Michelle nails it.

75-80% of Jews view the US as their new homeland and have abandoned Israel. Few were born, or care, when Israel was founded or the wars of self-preservation she encountered. Few care about her exitence as a Jewish state, a refuge for Jews globally.

What Jews care about is social justice/liberalism and protection from Christianity. The Democrat Party is their social/political buffer from those they’re afraid of. The fact the Democrat party is incrementally more hostile towards Judaism/Israel doesn’t matter to them. They’ll renounce Israel doing mental gymnastics to maintain their politically powerful social circles.

For Jews it’s a marriage to liberalism…..and remember one thing about the traditional Jewish mind set. “If anyone is discriminated against anywhere, the Jews are next.” For the 75-80% Jews reflexively voting Democrat, this is their Bible. Impossible to overcome.
Betina

If any columnist wrote that Christians will not support the Democrats because they believe them to be overwhelmingly Jewish, there would be the predictable verbal lashing of bigotry and anti-semitism. We all know why the Jews in America, the secular left wing variety, will not support the right and we all know it to be what it is: bigotry. But this bigotry is OK as long as the bigot is part of a protected group, all left wing, all contributing to the collapse of America, all part of the Marxist revolutionary vanguard. This is the same group that thinks “Islamophobia” should morph into a high crime and misdemeanor has no problem with rampant Christophobia. In fact they are its biggest proponents. No other group in America has done more to destroy the Christian roots of this once great nation as the left wing Jews whose sole aim in to Marxify her from sea to sea, and to strip her of every last vestige of her cultural and societal semblance to anything that once made her great. If the Jews don’t vote for the right because they are too Christian, let the right abjure them for being the anti-Christian bigots they are. Good riddance.
Brad

the author, to make her point, ignores a few basic facts. First, 50% of American Jews live in NY and California…their votes do not matter as they mirror the very tilted liberal vote of these two states. What matters in this election are the votes of Jews in Ohio, Florida, Penn. and New Jersey. Here too, Jewish voters tend to more closely resemble their neighbors. This vote is very “up for grabs”, not because of Christianity, but, because of the economy and because of the anti-Israel policies of Obama.
Jewish donations matter too. Ask anyone who is bundling money for the President how that is going. If they are honest, they will tell you it is a disaster.
Andrew P

Jews are liberals, as a matter of both culture and genetics, both factors shaped by their unique history. The ones living in Israel are under constant threat of eradication, so they appear to be more conservative out of necessity. Those in the US are free to be as liberal as their nature makes them. There is nothing more that needs to be understood.
Forrest Higgs

Maybe… There are a lot of Kinkys out there…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0ZMj5RksbE&feature=related
http://www.tabletmag.com/ Steve

This Jew has already abandoned Obama. His policy toward Israel and his disregard for our traditional allies has convinced me that he cannot be trusted. Far from what Goldberg thinks, most of the evangelical Christians whom I know are good people who unabashedly support Israel–for a variety of reasons. Sadly, I can’t say the same about some of my Jewish friends.
bill

One other thing, as an American politically conservative Jew I defend/support Israel’s best friends in the world every chance I get–Evangelical Christians.

The most denigrated and savagely politically attacked group in America. They’ve done more behind the scenes things for Israel/Jews than anyone will ever know–and don’t expect the media to tell you.
damian mcglynn

Jews vote for ” liberal” policies over the safety of Israel because they prefer being known as progressive thinkers over defenders of other jews.
carla

A majority of the American Jewish community is far more concerned with the threat of radical Islam than Evangelical Christianity. The Left has been singing this tune for decades. It is indeed curious that the areligious Left who constantly deride Christianity, have now empbraced Islam. I suspect that American Jews are paying attention.
Joel

The author both describes and demonstrates a deep anti-Republican suspicion of Christianity (“a party dominated by religious literalists”; “deeply imbued with religious fundamentalism”). No one who had actual experience of the GOP and the Tea Party would arrive at these conclusions. By contrast, the Democrats are the ones citing the Scripture for authority in everything they do lately. They are simply not judged harshly for doing so. I agree with the comment above that observes that Jews are afraid of Christianity in politics to the extent that they are insecure about their own religious feelings. Both Jews and blacks are used to voting against groups they believe are hostile to them, and are encouraged in this outdated practice by their own institutional leadership, which is weighted heavily to the Democratic Party. To the extent that they think politically “as Jews,” they are likely to have encountered the “Jewish view” of politics as one that is basically socialist, even though this is not a full or true reflection of Jewish political thought. Fewer Jews will vote for Obama in 2012, but the majority will still do so.
Steve

Speaking as a Jew who lives in Israel, I record my opinion that American liberal Jews who persist in supporting Obama are both disgusting and foolish. Obama is hell-bent on transforming America – that same America that has been a refuge to the Jews that live there, and the bastion of freedom to the entire world for a hundred years. The Jews are guests in America. They should respect and support American, not help to undermine it. Insofar as they aid and abet Obama in his self-proclaimed mission to transform America, they will be held culpable in the judgement of history, like Marx and Trotsky, who were both Jews. They will not be forgiven by their fellow Americans, and nor will they deserve to be. If America, brainwashed by the liberal media, wishess to self-implode, then so be it. But the American Jews should have the moral and practical sense to keep out of it.
Keevan D. Morgan

nothing counts for anything in this article except the fact i am fond of citing that eugene v. debs got 38% of the jewish vote.

the current jewish loyalty to the democratic party has nothing to do with the “christian” part of the republican party; it has everything to do with 19th century (and earlier) oppression of jews in europe.

socialism was a reform movement in europe, and nothing needed reform more than tsarist russia, poland, and other eastern european countries with large jewish populations. many jews became communists to oppose the unacceptable world order into which they were born. millions of these jews fled to the united states and they packed their socialism in their bags and became union leaders and left-wing academics. having been europe’s first colonies (in the ghettos), many jews became anti-colonialists.

there were also many right-wing jews, regular liberal jews, and warren g. harding jews, but as this article demonstrates, for historical reasons, many jews started off with views that made franklin roosevelt about as far right as they could stomach.

all we are seeing now in jews voting for the democratic party is the force of long-held habit. it will only be when modern jews wake up to the fact that the intellectual left is the hotbed of modern anti-semitism that this voting habit may be broken.

keevan d. morgan, esq., chicago
PerryM

Jews, Blacks, and other groups that are made up of wacko Liberals are wacko Liberals first and everything else last.

So no matter how bad the Libs get treated by other Libs they are Libs first then ethnic minorities next and finally Americans last.

Country means nothing to wacko Liberals.

That’s why the security of American can’t be in the hands of wacko Liberals – as Obama is proving every day…………..
Fred

Thank God most American Jews are liberals, not right-wing imperialists, like Likud and the neocon Israel Lobby. Most Jews understand that being anti-Likud is no more being “anti-Israel” than being anti-Tea Party is being “anti-American.” Quite the reverse in both cases!
Ara

What an interesting and refreshingly polite (relatively speaking)discuss of ideas from commentators. Personally, I disagree with Ms. Goldberg perspective, personally I think “times-are-a-changing”. Off topic & of note: it is interesting that the photo used in this article has the picture of two Mormons (Romney and Beck), but hey–Christians are Christians, right?
Dave Smith

I often wondered about this myself. I didn’t realize the hatred of Christianity was so deeply rooted and attitudes so biased.

So then anti-Christianity is more important than political philosophy. Amazing!
Graniteman

Dream on, Michelle. The point is that a smaller majority of Jews might vote to re-elect Obama and fewer Jewish donors might help to bankroll his campaign. That’s doesn’t bode well for The Annointed One.
Grim

From a religious perspective, it appears there are two broad choices: The party that wants to convert Israel and the party that wants to see Israel removed from the map.
ELF

Democrats, the party of the lemmings!
joseph

The fact that this self-hating liberal jew wrote this aricle should tell anyone the Jews are abondoning Obama just like they did to another Jew hater-Jimmy Carter.
Greg

American Jews support Obama for the same reason they had made a calf of gold to worship while Moses was up the mountain getting the rules from G-d. I hope they don’t have to wander another 40 years because they are worshiping this “golen” idle.
Jeff

I find it interesting that the article discusses only two polls but ignores the big Pew survey of political identification. Pew interviewed thousands of voters at random each year and simply asks if the interviewee considers himself or herself a Democrat, Independent or Republican. Between 2008 and 2011, the number of Jewish respondents who called themselves Republican went up from 21% to 32%. In three years, that is quite a move. Sure, the majority of Jews are still with the Democrats, but the momentum is clearly going the other way. No one has questioned the validity of the Pew poll. Nor could they. The truth is that the article is just a puff piece promoting the author’s own views and antipathy to fundamentalist Christian views.
Soflauthor

Sounds to me like you’re whistling through the cemetery. I agree that many Jews have trouble with the right-wing Republicans’ social agenda, but they find Barack Obama’s treatment of Israel and it’s leaders to be equally, if not more offensive. A subset of Jews also finds Obama’s perpetual class warfare arguments to be tedious and wrong-headed.

Dozens of my friends—Obama supporters in 2008—have expressed grave concerns about this president—his inexperience, his failure on both the domestic and international front, his rabid partisan attacks (“unpresidential” is what one friend called it), and his inflexible left-wing ideology. Some will vote Republican for the first time in their lives. Many cannot bring themselves to vote Republican, but most have stated emphatically that they’ll just stay home. Democratic fund raising in the Jewish community is down. Obama is in trouble, and based on his abysmal record, that seems entirely appropriate.
Shamos

All four of my grandparents were Jewish. I am not religious. I will vote for ABO (anyone but Obama).
MR

I am so dismayed by this column. Are we Jews the stupidest people on the earth?!? Hitler was no ‘born again Christian’. Would we support him if he ran as a Democrat? We are supporting a man who sat silently in an anti-semitic church for 20 years and called the “pastor” his spiritual mentor. The LA Times is hiding a tape of an Obama speech at a Palestinian function and why do you suppose that is? He is the most hostile President to the Israel ever (and that includes Jimmy Carter). Blacks wouldn’t support a racist Democrat, yet Jews will support an anti-semitic one. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! If Obama gets a second term, I can tell you AMERICAN JEWS will be screwed (and he is doing it with our votes and money). Are we really that self-hating?
gommygoomy

As I recall, when asked, ISRAELIS (Real Jews) have no problem identifying AMERICAN CHRISTIANS as their most ARDENT and RELIABLE Supporters.
American Jews are LIBERALS, 1st, and everything else, 2nd.
Obama was RAISED in the Mosques and Muslim Schools of Indonesia, until the age of 11. He knelt on his Prayer Rug, facing Mecca, and prayed to the Muslim God of KILL THE JEWS, 5 times a day.
His Mentors have both been ANTI-SEMITES. He’s a FRIEND of JEW HATER – Louis Farrakhan. A FRIEND of PLO Terrorist Recruiter – Khalid Rashidi. In his BOOKS he admits that he will “SIDE WITH THE ARABS”, should the Middle East erupt in an Arab/Israeli Conflict.
Do these “JEWS” need to wake up in a BOX CAR, outside a Fenced in Compound, with a sign over the Gate that reads: HARTE ARBEIT WIRD EUCH FREI MACHEN, before they GET IT?
It would seem so.
BP

Sorry, Ms. Goldberg, but I, like many more moderate American Jews than you wish to believe, am quite ashamed and sorry for ever voting for our naive and arrogant president. As most Americans, I see an incompetent who has been blindly driven by a narcissistic and divisive agenda filled with the failed and disproven economic theories of the past and socialized medicine fantasies while so many Americans go hungry, job-less, and are trapped in their homes. He turned what should have been a relatively limited downturn into a permanent depression-like recession. He makes Jimmy Carter, another recipient of blind American Jewish allegiance look better every day. I apologize again to my fellow Americans.
headhunt23

Great…another one of these “No, Jews won’t all turn Republican” articles to refute an argument no one is making.

Nobody is seriously arguing that the Republican candidate will pull a majority of Jews, only that the Republican candidate can do better with Jewish voters.

And, that could be significant. In the US, there are about 6.45M Jews. Let’s say about 58% of them voted, so 3.7M Jews voted in the last election. Obama won 78% of that vote, or about 2,900,000 votes.

Now, lets say in 2012, the population and voting rate changes, but instead, Obama only wins 65% of the vote (Jews voted for Dems only 66% of the time in the 2010 midterms), in which case the pundits like Goldberg here would be declaring victory and cluck clucky about how the Jews delivered for Obama again and how the Republicans were spitting into the wind when they were talking about getting the Jewish vote. .

But, look at the effective of that slight drop in support. That would give him 2,400,000 votes. That represents 500,000 votes, or an 1,000,000 vote swing.

But, let’s play with some of the states. Florida, with 650,000 Jews, would have an effectiv4e 100,000 votes swing. Ohio, with 145,000 Jews, would have an effective 22,000 vote swing. Pennsylvania would have an effective 43,000 vote swing. Wisconsin would have a 3,500 vote swing (Which was close to both Kerry and Gore’s margin of victory).

So, Michelle, the Republicans don’t need to win the Jewish vote. They won’t. They only need to suck some of it away, and they will do that.
IntellectGetOne

As an American, who abhors all forms of racism and bias based on religion, sex or age — I must state that I am disgusted with any American — white, black, Jew or Christian — who would proudly say — and defend others — for voting AGAINST someone because of their faith or color.

If Jews vote against any Republican (Christian, Mormon or Muslim) solely because of that person’s religion — then the great Jewish faith — which I was taught to respect — is nothing more than cover for the same hypocrisy and crimes undertaken by the “christian” KKK back in the day.

If Jews disagree with this writers views, if Jews use their intellect, reason and sense of justice and fairness to cast their vote — then let them stand and be counted on these pages. If, on the other hand, this author is correct — that Jews will undertake despicable efforts to vote AGAINST any man or woman because of their faith beliefs, then let that message also be carried on high to faithful and unfaithful Americans who remain believers in justice.

And let those Jews and any such Americans who spews such faith-based hatred be cast from our midst.
Tom Silver

As an American Jew who was reared by very left parents I couldn’t disagree more with Ms. Goldberg. The term “Progressive” as she implicitly defines it was indeed the moral position when our forefathers and mothers came over from Russia and surrounding states a century ago. But a century of laws and changing attitudes makes America a very safe country for Jews despite its vast Christian majority, and also changes the definition of what is “Progressive”. It is progressive to foster job creation so more people have jobs, rather than tax and regulate job creators into oblivion. It is also progressive to support a free and democratic Israel against enemies who want to destroy it, rather than let the moral equivalency “argument” pass without serious comment. And rather than blindly accept the stereotypical view of Republicans as ignorant racists – we ourselves have been stereotyped for millenia and should know better – we should keep an open mind and read the best thinkers on the other side of the debate. They do exist, New York Times editorialists to the contrary notwithstanding. We are Jews, are we not? – so let’s respect our tradition of intellectual curiosity and not react as sheep to articles such as this one. A good place to start is to take Ms. Goldberg’s arguments one by one, examine their premises and conclusions and give ourselves the assignment of debate captain for the opposing side. This will require taking time for some research but it will be worth the effort as whole new worlds of ideas come into focus.
bill

Michelle’s piece is sad, but true. Jews in America today worship Liberalism and all the other isms more than Judaism. It has gotten us 50% +/- assimilation and intermarriage. 80% of Jews vote for the Democrat, but why is it that 80-90% of Religious Jews vote Republican? Major schism. The answer and reason is simple but not for this post.
Jacob S

* Jews vote for Democrat candidates
* Democrats favor Muslims over Jews
* Muslims hate Jews
* Republicans support Jews and Israel
* Democrats do not support Jews and Israel

It appears that most American Jews would rather have a Democrat in charge who would support Jew hating Muslims that would do away with Israel rather than feel threatened by Christianity. So be it.
Lisa

The belief that conservatives or even Christians support Israel because they believe that it will bring about Armageddon is so bizarre that I am skeptical that author really believes it. It is a truly vile charge, similar to the racist charge levied against the Tea Party, that is intended solely to prevent people from thinking clearly about the issue. The reason conservatives and Christians support Israel is they are able to make clear moral distinctions between Israel and her enemies, period.
Jason

“Rabbi” Tony Jutner – it’s exactly that type of hyperbole that turns us off the right wing and keep us voting Democrat. Thanks for the reminder for the disdain you hold for every Jew who doesn’t think and act exactly like you do.
Jim Lee

So, the gist of this article is that American Jews won’t vote Republican because they are anti-christian bigots? That’s a bold position to take.
http://www.tabletmag.com rugslanger

This is an intriguing article by Ms. Goldberg and, as an Evangelical Christian myself, I think I understand where she is coming from. However, she has some things the wrong way around about why Christians love Israel and love the Jewish people.

We view ourselves as gentiles who have been grafted into Israel through Jesus, our Savior and only hope of connection into the family of God. In addition, we understand that The United States of America is not simply a Christian nation…it is a nation grafted into Israel through its Christian founding.

In other words, America is an extension of Israel. Israel is not the client of The United States…The United States is the client of Israel…

If Christians did a better job of communicating the deeper truth behind our devotion to Israel and the Jewish people, I can’t imagine why there would ever be anything but love between the two groups…
Jason

Wow, did this get linked to from the Free Republic or something? Ive never seen so many right-wingers, half of which claim to be Jewish but probably aren’t. Can’t wait for the 2012 exit polls to shut them up for another 4 years.
http://www.theclassicalliberal.com The Classical Liberal

” the majority of Republicans, for example, don’t believe in evolution, and more than half of them believe that humans were created in their present form less than 10,000 years ago.”

The entire article – or at least the entire conclusion – can be ignored as a result of the statement above.

All polls I’ve seen had Young Earthers at a tiny percentage of Religious Christians (which may be 1/3 of the Republican party and 1/5 of the Democrat — YES DEMOCRAT )

And, a further point, where do you get your evidence that The Tea Party isn’t primarily arguing Libertarian issues. Spending and taxes and the role of government are the primary talking points. Oh – that some restrictions on abortion were passed. You do realize don’t you that Roe v Wade restricted abortions to the first trimester.
Patrick

Interesting, I didn’t know jews were so pro-baby murder
William Bischoff

This article confirms what I’ve felt for a long time.
Indoctrinated Liberalism is more of a religion than Judaism for American Jews.
There really is no other logical explanation.
Rabbi Tony Jutner has it right.
It’s no different than the mainstream media who will continue to champion Obama as being for the “people” in this next election even if we have a 20 percent unemployment rate.
In the meantime, I, as a christian, will continue to fight for Israel who actually appreciate their friends in the United States, and know who their real friends are.
Michael Dry

My cousin/stepbrother has two sons. When the eldest had his bar mitzvah, they were “attending” a Reconstructionist Synagogue. Three years later, when the younger son was about to turn 13, he was shocked to find out that they were now “attending” a Conservative Synagogue and had been for two plus years! Needless to say, he and his friends are among the most liberal, Christian-hating Jews I have met.
Riley Smiley

If Conservatives, Christians and the right were to abandon Israel and the Jews then it would be all over but the shouting in Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Palestine etc. The American Jews are nothing but fools and deserve what is coming down the pike if the they don’t see the light.
kitman3

This administration is totally pro-palistine Obama has already proven he is no friend to Israel and if the Jewish community continues to support him they will be sorely disappointed.
After every thing he has done and said I am amazed there is any support left.
Mark my word S Powers his advisor who created the “humanitarian war” which the UN is using against Libya will at some point be leveled at Israel for crimes against the Palestinians .
The Jewish community is is wrong to trust Obama.
J. SPENCE

No doubt who Michelle will vote for even if Israel is under the bus and unemployment is heading fo 15%. I suspect many Jews have more sense.
Stewart Goodman

As a Jewish American, I am truly disgusted with most American Jews. I believe they will vote to re-elect Obama, despite the fact that he has proven to be an enemy of Israel and our people. The Israeli Jews get it, the American Jews are blind…they are liberals first and foremost. They treat our best friends (the Christian right) as our enemy, and align themselves with our enemy (the political left). The Left hates Israel, just as they hate America.

I have a question for the American Jews who will once again vote for their enemy…What the hell is wrong with you? You can’t even say with a straight face that his socialism has helped America (the economy is going off a cliff).

American Jews, you are being played as fools by Obama and the leftist movement. You’ve become nothing but “useful idiots” for the left. You disgust me! Imagine a Republican doing to Israel what Obama has done…would you be OK with that? Hell no you wouldn’t.

Obama spent 20 years is a hate filled church. Obama has aligned himself with one anti-semite after the next. He is far more concerned about Jews bui9lding homes in Israel than Iran building the bomb.

Wake the hell up!
Jack Davis

In previous appearance before AIPAC, Obama stated that Jerusalem would remain Israel’s undivided capital. The next day he said that everything was on the table.

Under the proviso, “fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me,” Jewish voters won’t get fooled again, unless they’re self-loathing Jews…like the J-Streeters…who want to see Israel destroyed.

You’re fooling yourself, Michelle…but then that’s what liberals do best. Obama will have as much success with Jewish voters as an alcoholic smoker trying to swim the English Channel with his feet in a bucket of cement.

See you in November 2012. We can crunch numbers then.
JohnR22

IMO there is such a thing as jewish culture and it cuts across national lines. One of its elements is a streak of collectivism; one of the ways jews survived 2000 years in europe as a despised minority was to stick together and to rely on the collective. It’s no surprise so many jews embraced marxism as an all-encompassing solution to historical anti-semitism…collectivism on a massive scale. And, let’s not forget that both fascism and christianity are viewed as on the Right and have been rabidly anti-semetic.

For these reasons, american jews have been staunch Democrat voters and when they’ve voted Repub it’s primarily for economic reasons, and occasionally in support of Israel. Given the current fiscal debacle, I would not rule out large numbers of jews voting Repub in 2012, but only for the more secular and centrist of the candidates (e.g. Romney, Daniels, etc.).
Dan

This annalysis is so simplistic. The most basic point the authir misses is that jews are not monolithic. In fact orthodox jews are actually overwhelmingly conservative and tend to support conservative, pro Israel positions. Unfortunately for the authors point of view that segment of jews is growing even as the secular/ unaffiliated segemnt of jews declines due to intermarriage and assimilation. Large swaths of these jews no longer self identify. This movemeent towards traditional values is the opposite of the decline in observance seen among jews during the turn of the last century. Obama himself will likely hold a plurality of jewish voters, but the shift to the left of the democratic party along with a demographic shift in the jewish community does not bode well for this old time political alliance. Dont worry though libs, you’ll more than make up for it with the latino vote, since that segment is shifting from classicly catholic adherents of traditional values to more liberal ideology
LMA

An previous poster identified what he thought was the key sentence or two from the essay, but he got it wrong. Here is the key sentence: “Jews know they can never be full citizens of a Christian nation.”

I’m not sure what “Jews know,” but my strong feeling is that there is actually a range of opinion on that issue among many others. But the sentence captures Michelle Goldberg’s thesis: the Republican Party is identified with Christian belief and the Democratic Party is not; therefore, Jews are, and should be, more likely to identify with the Democrats.

Let’s call that what it is, bigotry. Who cares where the Republicans are on the issues, including support for Israel? They’re … Christians, and therefore they are to be opposed. Isn’t that what Michelle Goldberg is saying?

I have a different idea. Why don’t we figure out not only who supports Israel but who supports religious freedom? Let’s figure out which party’s supporters are more likely to be tolerant of explicit appeals to religious values in political debate. Jews, Protestants, Catholics, Mormons … all should be more willing to support candidates who believe in religious diversity and religious values. Jewish opposition to Christian values (which historically are Jewish values, after all) appears not to be based on a sense of Jewish identity but instead on a modern rejection of ancient beliefs. It reduces Judaism to an ethnicity and not a religion or a unique culture.
Larry

How ironic: Christians are the only people who believe in the protection of Israel. Christians believe that Jews are the chosen race of God and thus very special. Christianity is about loving one’s neighbor more than one’s own self. Christianity puts more emphasis on one’s spiritual health and relationship with Christ, not seeking to DOMINATE the world and FORCE the Word of God on others. I do not understand why the Jews would not embrace that partnership.
Leo

I agree with Michelle that if the republicans nominate a religious lunatic like Palin or Bachmann the Jews in the US will overwhelmingly vote for Obama. But if Romney becomes a nominee he has a chance to get some of the Jewish votes. I would love to vote for someone other than Obama, but it has to be a reasonable, smart, experienced candidate. Sorry, I do believe in science and evolution and don’t want the Bachmanns in the White House. I know her husband claims to cure homesexuality and she talks to Jesus on a regular basis, but this is not a good enough qualification for me and many other US Jews to be the most powerful person on the planet.
Leo

Larry wrote: “How ironic: Christians are the only people who believe in the protection of Israel. Christians believe that Jews are the chosen race of God and thus very special.”

The Christians killed and persecuted the Jews for centuries, especially in Europe (recall the Inquisition, the pogroms in Poland and Russia, etc). It is true that today’s Christians in the US are very pro-Israel, but that does not change the very long history, and the fact that people like Bachmann don’t care for the modern Israel, which is a very socially liberal, accepting, free country (with gay pride parades, gays in the military, night clubs, abortion rights, nude beaches, etc.). They love Israel because of their religion while denouncing and hating all the freedoms most Israelis take for granted.
Simon Templar

This article seems to imply that Jews are just plain stupid. I disagree with that implication. First of all, we ARE a Christian nation. Like it or not, that’s a simple fact. Jews should be happy about that; would they prefer we were Muslim? I think not. Secondly, it is the left who has persecuted the Jews most vigorously in the last 100 years. The media would have us forget that the Nazis were SOCIALISTS, but tht is because the media is socialist as well. Socialist governments have NEVER been kind to Jews, yet American Jews seem blind to that fact. Third, Jewish philosophy is very conservative. Hard work is rewarded, criminals should be punished, no one should get something for nothing. Liberalism is antithetical to Jewish sensibilities. Why the vote for liberals is a mystery, but it is certainly not in their best interests.
Dave S

Again an article about “the Jews”. But we are not a single monolith. There are as many flavors of us as there are among “the Christians”. Just as there are great differences between Mormons and Catholics or Baptists and Unitarians. Failure to understand this is the cause for articles such as this. The fact is that RELIGIOUS Jews are CONSERVATIVE. Just as most RELIGIOUS Christians are conservative. “The Jews” the leftist media and their fellow-travelers such as this author refer to are merely Jews in ancestry. The odds of most of them having set foot regularly in a house of worship are between slim and none. They have sold their souls to Karl Marx, their new Moses and they worship the Golden Calf of secularism.
Bill Isom

So Jewish People are anti-Christian? Don’t think so. Personally, I have studied and appreciate Jewish Rabbinical thought. Judism is a beautiful religion. Since the Jewish People have experienced hatred and discrimmination in vertually all countries except Turkey and China, I think they are afraid even in America today and think the Christian religious right is something that it is not and that’s anti-Jewish. Jews of all persuasions need to recognize the friends and supporter they have in the Christian Church today. Their need to vote Democrat to support minority rights has really backfired on them because both Blacks and Latinos have proven to be anti-Semite. What a shame that Jewish People cannot see this.
jack carlson

No intelligent Jew could possibly vote for Obama under any circumstances.
Wilda

If Christianity is the core problem keeping Jews from going Republican, why are Hasidics Republicans?

I think political ideology supplemented by secular dislike for overt religion explains the phenomenon well enough. It remains to be seen if the gradual drift against Israel among Democrats will ever have a serious impact on Jewish voting, but that’s a long ways away from having any serious policy consequences.
The Globalizer

The bigger question is, will whites stick with Obama?

How about cabinet-makers?

Getting really sick of identity politics and painting communities with the “block vote” brush.
polo

American Jews are totally different from the Israelis. They are all about power, money, politics. Most of them are socialists. In Israel, jews are not above manual labor or getting their hands dirty, like here. Have you ever met a jewish carpenter, plumber, soldier? Amyone who works with his or her hands? Israel knows how to take care of themselves, and they are not above working in the fields or whatever it takes. I admire Netanyahu. The jews in this country will march again like lemmings and vote for Obama, because they hate Christians. Its sad.
Joe

Don’t refer to Israel as the “Jewish State,” as Ms. Goldberg has in this column. When you use the term “Jewish State,” you are calling Israel a theocracy, and you perpetuate the anti-semetic poison spewed by Jimmy Carter and Jeremiah Wright (Barack Obama’s minister of 20 years) (i.e., that Israel is an apartheid nation). You should refer to Israel as Israel, or as a “state for the Jews.” But never call it the “Jewish State.”

From a white Southerner
CharlieS

I’m Jewish and I will almost certainly be voting to re-elect the president.

First… we Jews are a thinking people and I reject the garbage propaganda that comes from the right. The “1967 borders” bit is usually presented without full context to deliberately mislead people. The president said the borders should be set to 1967 with mutually agreed upon swaps which of course would give Israel the authority to impose changes for the sake of safety. The speech also said Hamas as part of the Palestinian government would be a non-starter and that we (the US) would reject the UN attempt to impose a two-state solution independently (the president is basically the only one standing in the way of this happening against Israel’s will).

Secondly, I don’t want my daughters learning about Jesus in school and… for that matter… I don’t want their teachers to be so underpaid that they only get the bottom of the barrel candidates to teach them math, science and reading.
Bill

The conclusion may be right, but the analysis is wrong.

Immigration not Christianity is the issue.

The GOP passed restrictive immigration laws in the 1920s, trapping many Jews in Nazi occupied lands that subsequently became victims of the Holocaust. That is why Harding in the 1920 election was the last GOP candidate to capture the Jewish vote, long before the GOP thought it was the Christian party,

The GOP still has the same position on immigration, which has become a symbolic issue of isolationism vs. international outlook and closed vs. open society. Guess which side the typical Jewish voter is likely to register on these broader themes?
Isa Ten

I wonder why American Jews who are overwhelmingly secular are [as this article asserts] anti-Christian?
I think they are not anti-Christian, they are anti-anyReligion. Their religion is not Judaism; their religion is liberalism (even for active synagogue-goers) and they under no circumstances would vote for a conservative.
They may abstain to vote for an anti-Israel, anti-Semitic Democrat, as Ed Koch promissed to do in 2012, but they would never vote for a Republican.
In 2008 Americans proved that they are not racists. In 2012 they need to prove that they are not idiots.
Regretfully, Jews, who are generally very smart people, are idiots when it comes to politics and ideology.
connie

OMG! It’s startling to think that what the article states could possibly be true – that American Jews hate Christian conservatives so much and that their primary political concern is abortion. Sorry, but that is not a “tolerant” position. Moreover, it’s a sad but true fact, that the Jewish vote is marginalized (and will be more in the future, mostly by the democrats) for precisely this reason. They’re aborting themselves out of demographic relevancy.
haym

If this is true – that Jews have a hard time deciding who their friends are (the Republicans) – then it is very sad. The Democrats are the enemy of freedom. Their goal is to make as many Americans dependent on the Federal government in order to ensure the votes. Jews should be a little smarter to realize they are being taken for a ride. There is a lot of propaganda out there about the Christian right. So instead of embracing their support of Israel, the Democrat Jews will look for some reason to vilify them? I prefer to support the Republicans, even though I am an independent. They are not perfect. But the Democrats are beneath contempt.
David

A remarkably shallow column. The author conflates what she thinks ought to happen, with what might actually happen. What’s more, the issue isn’t it whether or not Jews will “abandon” the Democrat party, but whether enough Jews will vote against Obama to hurt him in key swing states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. When you consider some of the very recent comments of leading Jewish businessmen, it’s clear that the author is delusional in thinking that fear of the Christian fundamentalist agenda will trump fear about the current economic mess, and the ability of Obama to do anything about it.

Here, for example, is Home Depot co-founder Bernard Marcus, interviewed in Investors Business Daily: “His [Obama] speeches are wonderful. His output is absolutely, incredibly bad. As he speaks about cutting out regulations, they are now producing thousands of pages of new ones. With just ObamaCare by itself, you have a 2,000 page bill that’s probably going end up being 150,000 pages of regulations. They are all tied together. If we don’t lower spending and if we don’t deal with paying down the debt, we are going to have to raise taxes. Even brain-dead economists understand that when you raise taxes, you cost jobs.”

Or Las Vegas casino and hotel CEO Steve Wynn, who describes himself as a Democrat and a strong supporter of Harry Reid: “…this administration is the greatest wet blanket to business, and progress and job creation in my lifetime…I’m telling you that the business community in this company is frightened to death of the weird political philosophy of the President of the United States. And until he’s gone, everybody’s going to be sitting on their thumbs.”

Let’s get serious here. The economy will trump everything – for Jewish voters, as for everyone else.
Lou Adams

I never realized how rigid in their beliefs, how closed to new ideas and how biased my people are. The funny thing is the people who believe they are the most open and progressive, appear to be the most closed.
There seems to be a belief structure so set in place that no matter how facts or circumstances change, some Jews just can’t see the forest from the trees.
I am sad for a people who are so smart they can’t learn from what is right before their eyes and ears.
http://swimformylife.com Aldo

I beg to differ. Michelle Goldberg has no more clue about what Jews feel than do Brazilians know what it is like to grow up in Siberia. And, she does not speak for me.

First off, I welcome the Christian support for Israel. Did you forget Michelle, that the majority of the Muslim world wants to wipe Israel off the map? Including their supposed peace partners who still do not have maps which show a neighboring Israel. Yes, we all know about the crusades, but times have changed.

Even Germany and France are in the same European Union, so everyone has to get over it. The Pope is not calling for the extermination of the Jews. Ahmdenijad is. Priests are not calling for the Jews to be thrown into the sea, Jihadists are.

Michelle Goldberg is a great example of a Jew who 1) does not get it and 2) thinks all Jews want to be like her.

The fact is, can you open your eyes and read the statements made in the Koran that some Orthodox Muslims believe? Hello? Is there anyone home in your head? You think that Jews would rather live in a Muslim country?

Are you aware of the fact that the Muslim countries have no Jews because they EXPELLED all of them?

So stop ragging on the Christians! American Christians are better friends for Israel than left leaning liberal Jews! The leftist Jews want to believe that their enemies that hate them will love them, so they vote for Obama even though they know of his past, even though he sits in a congregation for 20years that is no less offensive than the KKK.

Obama had his chance. He has made a bad economy worse, he has created the climate of no negotiation in Israel because of his declaration against settlements. Once he did that, how could Abbas do any less?

Michelle Goldberg is the same type of Jew that voted for Hitler in Germany thinking that his brand of socialism would be better.

Clearly, anyone with their head on straight can see through Obama the dictator who summons congress as if he has nothing to do with this mess.

Jews, wake up!
Jeff

Jewish as well, and always have voted republican. The link was from realclearpolitics.com by the way. I like that site as it reminds me of The Week, similar to that magazine it links articles and videos from every political persuasion and I like that blanaced approach and to hear all points of view. I vote economics mostly, and will vote again republican. Not that either side has been completely responsible econcomically over the years. But there has to be some balance between worthy goals and keeping our house in order, and democrats seem to write far more checks that can not be cashed. I do not want us to become a cradle to grave nanny state like they have in Europe. We can not remain a world leader with our econcomic arm tied behind our back. And Obama certainly unlike any president that I can remember seems to stand for that. So this is one of the few long time Jewish republicans.
CharlieS

Not going to speak for all Jews, only myself. I am not “anti-Christian” just pro separation of church and state. Its a belief that I personally embrace.

As far as Israel goes… I’m not sure if you all realize it, but Israel has a left and a right also and not everyone is a fan of Benjamin Netenyahu over there just like not everyone was a fan of George W. Bush or is a fan of Barack Obama here. Why do I need to take a blood oath to the right wing of Israel to be certified “Jewish” when Jews in Israel are able to have open-minded debates about their leadership?
john

I have to laugh evertime one of these liberal Jewish writers pens an article how Jews won’t vote for Republicans because they are Christians. I wouldn’t want anyone’s vote if they were bigots. Besides, as you can see and have seen, Republicans can win and will win without those bigots votes. Cna you imagine? Jews voting against someone because of their religious belief’s? It maked you sick to your stomach. Keep your votes.
conniethecatholic

So American Jews hate Christian conservatives – A LOT – according to this article, but love abortion (I can’t read the article any other way and not discern that this is their most important political issue) and think Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann are bigger concerns than guys like Jesse Jackson and Louis Farrakhan. All I can say is OMG! The political marginalization of Jews by the Dems is just going to get worse for precisely for their strident adherence to the pro-abortion philosophy. Demographically, they’re going extinct.
JPMatthews

I am a Christian. I have no enmity for Jews at all. I have a faith that us universal in its appeal for ALL mankind. That is why I could not gloat as Geraldo Rivera did at the killing of Osama Bin Laden. I was relieved that he was dead, shot by an American soldier, for his crimes against humanity. But, I was saddened that one of God’s creations had become so distorted in his views of the world, himself and America that he could resort to the atrocities he ordained. However, I was also saddened to think of what God’s real plan and dreams for him were. How different would he have been had he been a believer in the God of Peace or in His Son, Jesus, the Christ. Jews are no more or less complicit in Jesus’ death than any other person who has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. There is no animus toward them from Christians like me. I revel in the moral integrity and intellectual clarity of practicing Jews (like Dennis Prager, Ben Shapiro, Jonah Goldberg, etc.) Secularized nominal “christians” are the same as secularized nominal “jews” in their misguided love affair with the left. American blacks are also deceived by the left. I do believe that the practicing Jews, like the ones I mentioned above, do appreciate Christians’ pro-Israel and pro-semitic leanings. I do believe that many of them will see the light of the the right and swing to the Republican column because they DO love America.
conniethecatholic

Sorry for the similar posts. The first time I tried, I got a response indicating that my post would not get published.
facts

Seriously,

Who cares if Jews vote for Obama or not…Jews are more or less irrelevant (except those in Florida and Ohio)

The vast majority of Jewish American live in California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Florida….

Only in the latter state do they hold any significance whatsoever….

Okay, maybe a few hundred yentas in Cleveland could save Ohio from fiscal sanity…but seriously, Jews are an increasingly marginalized, HYPER-geographically isolated, and SMALLER percentage of the voting populace….

I suspect this article will be amongst the last that purport to document the ever-shrinking importance of Jewish voters in national elections…
CharlieS

I think I’m going to have to re-read this article. I didn’t catch where she said “Jews hate Christians.” Where did this interpretation come from?
facts

on second thought, Jewish Pennsylvanians might play a role in the next election….

but hopefully, they too will wake up to the lie that is statist socialism….
facts

Charlie, she TITLED the article

Christian Wrong

imagine other articles titled

Islamic Wrong
Hundi Wrong
Buddhist Wrong
or,

Jewish Wrong
Jeff

American jewish long time republican who posted above. And I live in Pennsylvania, which is likely to play a big role this election. Which is a very nice thing, to have your vote matter. It is a pretty interesting thing to have elections decided by such small percentages of the peoulations as a huge percentage of the country live in states that everyone knows how they vote, so their vote on the national level means next to nothing year in and year out.
Michael L

I’m a Jew.
What the hell is going on. Are we supposed to be uncomfortable with Christians who believe? Who are our friends? Unbounded, unleased secularists? I agree with a writer above that for many Jews liberal secularism is their true religion.
Jews are a highly educated group as a whole. Yet I doubt our collective intelligence, or at least our understanding of our own self-interest. Whatever you say Jews feel that interest is, it is NOT being taken for granted as a loyal Democratic voting block. It is NOT supporting an anti-Israel President who furthermore seems on the fence as to just how he feels about supporting the West. It is NOT reflexively voting the party line as they refuse to modify social programs which will cause the United States to lose its international standing. The world will be a much more unpleasant and dangerous place without US power which at least tries to adhere to democratic, Christian (and Jewish) values.
I do not advocate mass exodus to the Republican Party which has also let us Americans down. Jimmy Carter was my exit point for the Democratic party. George Bush for the Republican. But at least I am an independent and try to judge the issues.
Larry Felder

This article is what happens when someone tries to project their beliefs and gets tripped up by reality. Being Jewish and fairly conservative, I had Obama’s number from the start, and would never support him. And, I was naturally expecting my more liberal Jewish friends and relatives to vote for him, as they did. But I am hearing things from them now that are flooring me, things I would never have expected them to say about a Democrat President. I may have expected them to have the mindset the author sees. But they don’t. Obama’s handling of the economy and treatment of Israel have completely trumped their liberal leanings, and they are now up in arms against what is happening in this country. And none of this has anything to do with the GOP, Palin, Christian fundamentalists, or any other element the author mentions. It has to do with Obama, who he is, and what he has said and done. Many Jews will no doubt continue to vote Democratic. To them, it’s like, well, changing religions. But prepare to see a significant amount of defections of Jews next year from the President, regardless of who the Republicans put up.
Richard

As an orthodox Jew and a conservative Republican, I do not doubt that Obama will get the vast majority of the Jewish vote. The question is how vast. Look at Florida, for example: If Obama were to get “merely” seventy percent, let us say, of the Jewish vote in Florida, that would probably be enough to cost him the state and its twenty-seven electors.

I would also like to say that this article is incorrect on one key factual point: it claims that American Jews care a lot about Israel. Most American Jews do not care very much about Israel. In a survey conducted by Steven M. Cohen in 2005, only twenty-six percent of American Jews characterized themselves as being “very” emotionally attached to Israel. I cannot prove this, but I would bet that of the roughly twenty to twenty-five percent of American Jews who regularly vote for the Republican presidential candidate, the majority are coming from the twenty-six percent of those who are strongly attached to Israel. This of course only reinforces this article’s thesis: if Republicans are already getting the votes of Jews who care about Israel, then neither party’s stance on Israel is likely to have much further impact on the partisan distribution of the Jewish vote.
wek

In my 58 years on this earth ( and 3 college degrees completed at large universities) I have met maybe two conservatives who do not believe in evolution or that humans were created in their present form 10,000 years ago or less. That said the writer demonstrates as much ignorance as the very group she excoriates. Jewish people who choose to follow empty suits like Obama and Gore are as misinformed (by their own choosing) as Christians who follow like politicians. Further, the writer implies intellectual superiority because of her so called enlightened views. Members of the GOP defend plurality and social justice, just not at the expense of common sense and fiscal irresponsibility. They realize there is a balance between the two, something liberals for the last 40 years can’t admit. To admit it now is to admit failing to see through the propaganda forced down our throats by universities and a liberal(left) press. Liberal policies have done more to polarize the very populations libs want to bring into the fold. They have brought this country to near bankruptcy (with the help of equally misguided members of the GOP in Congress) that also effects the disenfranchised. If so called intellectually superior people like the writer want to support failures like Obama it will continue to erode their credibility as a group who sincerely believes in social justice and has made so many wonderful contributions to society in all of its manifestations here and abroad. Obama is an embarrassment, as much as the most pathetic far right snake handler. What we need are statesmen, liberal or conservative, Jewish or Christian or whatever, to join forces, apply common sense and resolve problems, not make deals. Ms. Goldberg’s bigger mistake is that she cannot take the high road and defend those from all sides who do. I wouldn’t admit that I was a Jewish liberal anymore than I would align myself with fire breathing evangelicals.
http://www.stars-so-bright.com Shefali

OMG, the misconceptions are amazing. First of all, to the Jews who are worried that Christians are going to push Jesus down your throats in public schools – no, that’s not going to happen. HOWEVER, there have been First Amendment violations that concern Christians – for example, a little girl was suspended for SILENTLY saying grace before a meal in a public school cafeteria. Christians care about such things, but shouldn’t we all care about religious liberty?

When I went to public school in NYC, I had friends who wore yarmulkes to school, Sikh friends who wore turbans and a couple of Muslim friends with head scarves. However, recently a student got into trouble for wearing a cross in public school. Is that fair? I don’t want to take away anyone’s rights to wear, say, a star of David or a head scarf, but if my kid wants to wear a cross – shouldn’t that also be protected?

America IS a secular nation. However, the First Amendment PROTECTS religious and political speech – that means that the public sphere is not supposed to be absent of religious speech but rather that all religious (and political) speech is protected within the public sphere. If I, as a Christian, offend someone by wearing a cross – well, that is my right. And if you, as a Jew, wants to wear a star of David, or Sikh who wants to wear a turban – that is your right.

Conservative Christians are not calling for pogroms or for bans on Jewish religious expression. However, in liberal San Francisco they are promoting banning circumcision. Liberal activists are also coming out against kosher slaughterhouses. If you are a religious Jew, this should give you pause.

This is apart from the whole Israel question, or from economic issues like whether it’s a good idea to go into default because we can’t balance our budget.
Optimus Maximus

I am simply dumbfounded when someone writes an article such as this one, detailing how the majority of the American Jewish community is so “concerned” about a strong Christian majority winning control of the Republican party, that the majority of Jewish American voters would support the Democratic party & candidates in order to prevent the Republicans from gaining majority control of the House, Senate, and Presidency.

If this is factually true, then this is an insane position by the American Jewish community. By what logic would the American Jewish community support the liberal progressives, who have time and again demonstrated their support, their “politically correct” speech protection downplaying the truth of the intentions of Islamic radical organizations’ desire to destroy Israel, and the deliberate distortion of Israel’s self-defense of Israeli citizens being portrayed as a cruel “occupation”?

What in the history of American Christianity would strike enough fear into a supporter of Israel to turn them away from American Christian allies, and into the arms of the very politicians who most support the Islamic radicals?

Hotel discrimination laws of the 19th and the first half of the 20th centuries? Really?

I can think of no American pogroms against Jews, no American confiscation of Jewish property and wealth, no coordinated national policy against the Jewish people…ever.

American Jews have experienced none of the above horrors, yet America has been decidedly more “Christian” oriented in the past than it is currently. We’ve removed the 10 Commandments from public places, greatly restricted public prayer, restricted Christmas displays, and on and on.

Where is the “factual” basis for this “fear” of American Christians by American (or any other) Jews? Jews have arguably been treated with more equality and respect in the U.S.A. than in any other country.

Have so many been successfully brainwashed by the liberal media and education establishment?
hacimo

As an american one of the Hebrew persuasion I can offer my own personal testimony. First I voted for Obama over McCain much to my present regret. Second I would now vote for any competent republican like Jeb Bush or Giuliani in the next election. I will vote for the republican who is strongest on balancing the budget, shrinking government and fixing unemployment. I also think that our immigration policies are completely insane and counter productive as far as american workers are concerned. Anyone who panders to the Hispanic lobby or uses terms like “amnesty” or “comprehensive reform” or “dream act” need not apply until unemployment is well below 5%. Of the current republican field I may would draw the line only at Bachmann. This is not because of her religion (in fact I like that). Rather it is because I think she is too inflexible in her views regarding abortion and gay marriage and I just don’t think she has the needed experience to command the army or run the economy. If she wins the nomination I would probably vote for a third party candidate (but never again would I vote for that damn fool Obama).
facts

Jeff…there is a serious possibility that Jewish Pennsylvanians can tip the scales and help defeat Obama and his statist socialists…in my experience, they are not nearly as gentile-phobic as some from NY/IL/CA…

Mark Levin is their standard-bearer..

That would be a beautiful thing…
Stephanie S

As a Jewish person, I am ashamed of the knee-jerk liberalism of most American Jews. It occurs to me that we are a parent-dominated/family-entered people, and most of our parents were Democrats–hence I believe that Jews connect not being a Democrat with disloyalty to family and their heritage. To say you are a Republican or a Conservative is akin to saying you have converted to another religion–it just isn’t done in polite company unless you are prepared to provoke a mocking, sarcastic and/or disapproving response, and who wants to make waves?
facts

Stephanie…

that is exactly how I sensed my childhood Jewish friends in suburban Chicago as a kid. When they heard my family was Republican, we were not just a hard-working American family from Ohio….we were suspected potential Nazis…

I understand history and I adore the Jewish people…I just wish they would leave the collective baggage, and we all know 5.000 years makes some major baggage, at Ellis Island.

America loves humanity, Jews included…it’s time Jews FULLY reciprocate…and get over their Euro-baggage….

Why not simply pretend we are all in Israel where the left-right debate is a Jew-Jew debate….much better that way
valwayne

Most of Ms Goldberg’s harangue about the Republicans and Christianity is just so much extreme left wing trash talk, and is just silly. However, I have to agree with her that Jewish Americans will very likely support Obama just as strongly in 2012 as they did in 2008, despite the fact that Obama is openly hostile to Israel, and typically sides, to the extent possible, with those that would like to see the Jewish state wiped off the map. Jewish Americans are much less impacted by the disaster Obama has made of the economy and employment, than most Americans, and there is growing evidence indicating that Jewish Americans just aren’t as concerned about Israel as in the past, and those that are, are determined to ignore Obama’s hostility to Israel’s survival and pretend everything will be just fine and dandy. It will hardly be the first time in history a looming danger was ignored until it was far too late to do anything about it, and history shows the greater the danger the more effort put into ignoring it! So any Republicans actually counting on getting more votes from the Jewish community should think again!
Elliott althouse

It is disappointing to see a writer use fallacies to make a final point in an essay. The number of republicans who believe the world was created less than ten thousand years ago is not “over half” but about over half and below 1%. Intentionally written to make republicans seem like superstitious fools, as opposed to the “thoughtful intellectual” image which any self respecting liberal person would present.

I am Jewish. Iam Republican, though more conservative than Republican. I have voted for Democratic candidates when I thought them the better choice locally. I think abortion when the mother’s life is not in danger is murder. I am not afraid of Christians. There are more folks like me out here than you think. I am insulted to be prtrayed the way this article portrays Republicans!

The key in the upcoming election is that the Jewish voters may abandon Obama and stay hoem if they cannot bring themselves to vote for teh ultimate Republican nominee.
jap

openly expressing pride in Jewish hostility to their host country’s majority culture and religion is NOT a good thing. it indicates an intractable position and that the “other” pronouncements made by anti-semites is partly valid.

some of the statements made by ms. goldberg are NUTS. i truly hope this is just one person meeting a deadline and nothing else.
Glen

Any group of people (sharing a common bond of religion, ethnicity, etc.) who blindly follow a organization, political party, etc., regardless of the transgressions commited upon them by that organization will eventually either be taken for granted by that organization, (best case scenario) or be led like lambs to the slaughter (worst case scenario). History has proved this time and time again.
Leonid

I am a Jew, not a Christian, an recoil from your stupidity. I mean an overwhelming majority of the American Jews’ stupidity. Jews who came from the Soviet Union for the past 20-35 years know better than that and can read your fraudulent community organizer like an open book. You, on the other hand, will always be court eunuchs.

Actually, I have a better name for your kind – J-Street, which means Judenrat.
Insatty

I was a knee-jerk liberal Jew until Reagan turned me around. Since then, I have been appalled by the knee-jerk liberalism of my fellow memebers of the tribe. After 9/11, my leftist Rabbi preached pacifism. I recoiled even more. Even worst, Jews and former Jews are prominent members of activist anti-religious groups like the ACLU and Atheists. Jews are prominently defending terrorists.

Now we have a president that is expressly anti-Israel. He advocates Jewish and American appeasement of Arab Eliminationist advocacy. He turns a blind eye to Iranian nuclear development with the express goal of “wiping the Zionist State off the map.” He supports patently anti-semitic and racist black-separationist theology and sat in Jeremiah Wright’s pews for 20 years.

That a vast majority of Jews continue to vote liberal is a disgrace. Jews should open their eyes and not believe, as the German Jews believed in the 1930′s, that this is a passing phase.
JPMatthews

I want to add something to my previous post. I respect God’s chosen.

As a Christian, I am praying for peace in Jerusalem. I want God’s chosen people to thrive and have a homeland. I want them to practice Judaism freely and study God’s Law and the Prophets without persecution wherever they live (Russia, Europe, Israel, South Africa, etc.).

I also love them enough to follow MY beliefs and pray for their salvation through Jesus who I believe is the Messiah.

If some Jews consider my intercessions on their behalf to be some kind of hatred, then I am sorry for them. They must be the most unhappy folk on the planet. I hope they are a minority.
Jeff

I just question the focus of the article. Yeah Obama is more pro-arab than Isreal. No real surprise there, he is very european in his outlook and it fits in with everything else he has done and stood for. So what? No one believes that he will completely throw Isreal under the bus. He could not given he would need congress to do it. I just hate when people focus on the wrong key points to try and make an argument work for them.

Jews are no different than any other american group. Yes, they have voting tenedencies as a group. But if the unemployment is over 9% come election time, the deficiet over $1 trillion a year, their houses are underwater, they or their kids are out of a job or fear being out of a job, they will find a reason to vote they guy (either party) out. Or at least stay home. This election will be all about the economy and ancillary issues, in this case Israel, are going to be marginalized. The only way it would not be is if the republicans nominate a Sharon Angle type. Bachmann fits the bill. But that is a liberal pipe dream. When was the last time the Republicans did that on the national level? John McCain? Dole? Hell, even Bush number two was seen as one who reached across party lines (compassionate conservatism) when he was running. I find it kind of insulting that people would assume that Jews would be any more or less effected by national concerns than anyone else. Sort of like the JFK would bow to Rome sort of thing. I do not think you will see republicans win a majority of the jewish vote. But they could win a greater percentage if the economy and feelings toward the future remain unchanged. At the very least a lot will stay home rather than vote democratic, absent a controversial figure like Bachmann being the nominee.
paul

Just imagine, if this would be the other way around. Christians would not vote for anybody jewish. The outrage of the jews and others would be incredible. “Anti-semitic haters” would be the cry of the day. So why isnt there outrage now?? Clearly this attitude is against tolerance that we Americans are supposed to have for all religions. But somehow the jews get away with it and everyone knows it. What if the Christians would boycott jewish businesses???
Something to think about.
Peter

The premise of the article, as many have noted here, makes no sense unless you are a left-wing zealot. I live in New York and no Jew I know has expressed concern about voting for a Republican due to any emphasis on Christianity. But in New York, the bastion of liberal thought, the Democratic Party, for Jews as well as many other groups, is their religion. There is no thought process involved in voting for Democrats; it is just something one does, like having a sedar at Passover.

Ask a Jew in New York what he thinks about Guliani, for example, and he will say he did a good job for the city–but he never did and never would vote for him. Ask the same Jew what he thinks about the Second Amendement and he will say there is no reason any private citizen could or should own a gun–and damn the Second Amendment. This is just the mentality that comes from their upbringing and it is rarely, if ever, questioned. Having come from the West and grown up as a Jew without the strong emphasis on the liberal religion I have always found this mentality difficult to understand, as I have never voted for a political party but for the individual I thought would do the best job.
Richard

First of all, he abandoned us, not the reverse. Second, his utter incompetence and high minded pejorative musings, lack of leadership on any issue, and constant blaming of others while trying to remain “above the fray”, ultimately is what will make him lose. Hope and change + inexperience + lack of vision + more than a touch of arrogance has, is, and will continue to be, a recipe for a disaster. As an American I am fearful for all of our futures. As a Jew, I simple am disgusted. I will not vote for him.
David Livingston

It seems that some Left/Liberal Jews are less than honest about their support for Israel; they may proclaim their support verbally, but not with their checkbooks.

How many NYC/New Jersey Liberal Jews have, as do I, (a practicing) Catholic & (very) conservative politically, 8.17% of their securities portfolios invested in Israeli stocks?

As is said, “Talk is cheap.”
Jeff

Paul, every president has been Christian since our founding. So jews do vote for christians. But most are liberals in their leanings, so on a lot of social issues they are going to differ with very conservative christians to the extent it effects policy. Prayer in school, abortion, and on and on. Like I said above, I am a long time republican jew, but just am pointing out that you can disagree on policy and it is not ‘hating’ christians.
Phantomorphan

Anyone planning to vote for Obama next year should really answer this question: Why do you hate the poor and unemployed so much?
http://hecatr.livejournal.com/ Joseph Dooley

Democratic-voting Jews are religious insofar as they worship Big Government, not God.
Leonid

That the “Christian fundamentalists” pose a grave danger to the Jews in this country is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard. The Manhattan Jews use it as an excuse for their complete inability to use their own brains, as opposed to the early 20th century prevailing wisdom of their ancestors. They haven’t noticed that the world has changed. They haven’t noticed that Richard Nixon, an alleged anti-Semite, saved Israel in 1973, while a Jew by birth, Henry Kissinger, did everything he could to prevent the arms supply to Israel during the Yom Kippur War.

Such Gentiles as Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Jesse Helms were our truest friends. What good your fellow leftist idiots from the New York Slimes ever done for Israel?
FriscoDB

A Jewish vote for Obama was and will be an expression of self-loathing.
http://stealthfusion.net greta

I am a Republican and Jewish and I didn’t vote for Obama nor will I. But I see some anti-Semitism on here and before you people say you are not anti-Semitic, think again. Your statements are full of stereotypes.

“openly expressing pride in Jewish hostility to their host country’s…” Jap

Our host country? This is the kind of attitude that makes Jews recoil from conservatives. This is NOT our host country, this is our country as much as it is yours, regardless of the Christian majority.

“Jewish Americans are much less impacted by the disaster Obama has made of the economy and employment, than most Americans”-valwayne

Really? And you know this…how? Oh, is it because we have all the money? How typically stereotypical.

“America loves humanity, Jews included…it’s time Jews FULLY reciprocate…and get over their Euro-baggage….”-facts

We have given as much, it not more to America. How dare you!

I think I’ll vote for a 3rd candidate as I certainly don’t want to be in this kind of company.
Harlon Katz

Jews are no different that African Americans in their staunch support of the Democrats. They will support the party no matter that it may not be in their best interests. Logic does not always apply to these types of decisions.
CommieJew

Jew Democrat Senators will lead American Jews to the ovens under leadership of Obama.
History repeats itself. Russia, Germany, …
EliManning10

I am Christian and work in the legal field in New York, and work with many Jewish colleagues. I personally know people who share the worldview of this writer – Obama could practically drop a bomb on Israel, and they’d still give him money and vote for him. But they really have to twist themselves into pretzels and rhetorical knots to justify their continued support for him. The biggest drivers for them are the social issues and the completely irrational fear that Republicans are going to try to convert them to Christianity (how they survived Reagan and both Bushes, I guess, is a mystery). Reassuringly, I also know several staunchly Republican Jewish colleagues, and others who voted for him last time but who are rethinking this time around.
Isaac Stern

It has long been obvious that American Jews are far more concerned with left-wing orthodoxy than any other criteria. It is really quite simple to predict the vote of American reform and conservative jews. They will vote for the most extreme left candidate available.

Very few American reform and conservative jews have any real concern for Israel nor do they consider their identity as jews as important as their identity as progressives. Thus their political goal is always to think and do exactly as prescribed by the university left.

When the time comes, American reform and conservative jews will gladly sell out Israel for the approval of the left consensus. No one doubts that the safety of jews outside the US or the Jewish state matter 5% as much as the Planned Parenthood voting guide to American Jews.
Goldwaterite

“Why are Jews Liberals?” asked Norman Podhoretz in his brilliant and provocative book of the same name. Podhoretz opined that “Liberalism has become the religion of American Jews…they can remain loyal to it even though it conflicts in substance with the Torah of Judaism at so many points, and even though it is also at variance with the most basic of all Jewish interests—the survival of the Jewish people.”

If, as Ms. Goldberg hypothesizes, Gentilephobia is a stumbling block, remind your Christian fellow Americans every day that Jesus was always a Jew; His Last Supper was the most famous Passover meal of all time.
Potvin

This is complete garbage! I don’t know why Jewish people voted for Obama, but I refuse to believe they’re dumb enough to vote for him again. Israel’s biggest ally in the world are American evangelical Christians, but somehow American Jews can’t bring themselves to vote for a Christian? That has a tinge of bigotry to it. If Christians were to say that about a Jewish pol, I don’t think it would go over very well. Let’s also remember that secularists(like Obama) can be extremists.
SouthernJew

Jews who voted for Obama were in denial. He was a 20 year follower hate monger and anti-semite Jeremiah Wright.

It’s time we faced the modern day reality that liberals do not have our best interests at heart and are not above hate themselves
Mitch

Even on domestic-religious issues, Jews would do well do rethink the liberal lock. San Francisco’s proposed ban on circumcision is just the first step towards what had reached full flower in Europe: bans on circumcision and kosher meat in the name of children’s or animal rights. For centuries, Jews (with good reason) have followed the adage that the enemy of enemy is my friend, so Jews stood with the likes of Voltaire against and oppressive Church.

But today’s militant atheists like Richard Dawkins are more hostile to Jews than to Christians. If they don’t respect any religion, they won’t be respectful to religious liberty. Those who values religious freedom for themselves will be more likely to protect it for others. Conservative Christians haven’t banned circumcision, kosher food, or any other Jewish religious practice.
MSeigle

Jews are often the swing voters even while the majority will generally support Democrats. A good poll would be to identify how many Jewish voters split their ticket. My guess would be that in my state of Georgia, they are much more likely to split their vote than any other identifiable group. On another issue, Ron Paul’s attacks on Neo-Con’s is an attack on Jewish Republicans could discourage Jewish swing voters from supporting his brand of Republicanism.
RobertFlorida

I am Jewish and I will NEVER EVER vote for a DEMOCRAT!! Obama would sell out the Jews just as fast as his preacher and his other Marxist friends have. George W. Bush was the best friend Israel ever had.

But aside from all of the Israel and Jewish issues. I vote on who I think is best for the United States. That certainly is NOT Barak Obama. He is a fraud.

How is that Michelle Goldberg.
RobertFlorida

MSeigle makes a very good point above. She/He states Jews are the swing vote… especially in Florida. We saw that in 2004 with G.W. Bush over Kerry. More important for the GOP, Jewish Republicans donate huge amounts of money to the Republicans… especially in years that they have good candidates. McCain was pathetic and Obama had seduced and intoxicated the disenchanted.

Next time around, provided there is a good candidate on the ticket.. and no Sara Palin, a significant amount of Jews will vote for the Republican.
http://www.USARadioNetwork.com/tom.htm Tom

So Jews prefer to hang with Atheists rather than Christians? I don’t buy it.
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com Eric Golub

I am a Conservative Republican Jew who sadly concedes that this analysis is correct. Liberal Jews are more concerned with Pat Robertson holding a book than bin Laden’s minions wielding bombs. They care more about abortion, gay rights, and environmental issues than Israel.

Simply put, liberal Jews need a medical procedure referred to as “Cranial-Glutial Extraction Surgery.” I discuss this in my book “Ideological Bigotry” and on my blog, the TYGRRRR EXPRESS.

Simply put, liberal Jews despise and fear Christians more than they love themselves.

eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
Macksfield

why don’t the Jewish folks recoil from the liberal democrat’s overt anti-God biased policies?
jap

@greta
“Our host country? This is the kind of attitude that makes Jews recoil from conservatives. This is NOT our host country, this is our country as much as it is yours, regardless of the Christian majority.”

sorry greta but when you stop acting like a paranoiac who finds the Gospels to be a greater threat then any of the other oh, about 3,000 other conscious agents who wish great harm to Jews then we can talk like rational adults.

you can also make it more clear that this *is* your country by loving it more then a foreign power that you can’t stop obsessing over. our foreign policy has been subject to the concerns of another nation and you can’t blame people for balking at the misuse of power. not to mention the COMPLETE inability to say THANK YOU.

i’ll also point out that the liberal ideology that so many Jews have found so captivating has been extraordinarily damaging to our unity and made too many neighborhoods and cities no-go zones for practically everyone. so thanks for the cosmopolitan chic, the bizarre and unnatural ideas that have destroyed countless families, and for giving the impression you regard this as a host country because your co-ethnics KEEP REFERRING TO IT THAT WAY.
http://tabletmagazine Marilyn in Florida

I am a former Philadelphian Jewish woman, who lives in northern Palm Beach. I grew up a Democrat, but became a Republican in 1992. I am on the board of several Republican groups, and I am have met so many great Republicans who are both Jewish and Christian. The so called “right-wing” or evangelical Republicans are my favorite. They truly love and respect our religion and Israel.
I wish my fellow Jewish friends on the Democratic side felt the same way.
L Cole

This author of this article is a bigot. She’s so comfortable slamming Christians. She forgot that the rest of the world isn’t her tight group of friends who smirk at Christians.

“They don’t trust people who want to turn their country into a Christian nation,”

That line is the tired old cliche told by a person who has no understanding of Christians and fears them as well.

This is a majority Christian nation. Name one Christian republican who wants to turn this into a Christian GOVERNMENT!

Jews are a tiny percentage in this country. Christians in this country have treated Jews better than any other country. The lack of gratitude is disgusting.
Peter

Hello, ” Jews don’t trust those that want to turn their Country into a Christian Nation”. Last I checked we are a Christian Nation so your comment should have been Jews don’t trust those that won’t turn their Country into a Jewish State.. Words have meaning and mixing is never helpful to truth.. BTW all they have to do is listen to what Obama is saying it isn’t hard and take him at his word and if that doesn’t scare the hell out of them I feel bad for them when reality hits home..

This guy is not at all who he says he is and 2012 can’t come quick enough.. Just hope and pray we can fix the damage…
Joe Doakes

We gave Carter a chance. Where did that get us? We almost lost Israel.

We gave Obama a chance. Where did that get us? We lost Egypt.

Never Again.

As a Jew who lives in The United States of America, safely tucked behind, the men and woman of The United States Military. I want Israel to feel that same level of comfort. That can’t happen with a Democrat playing footsie with the enemy.
David

I’m a Jew. I’m a Republican. I’m not “afraid of” Christians (and I’m certainly not inclined to demonize them).

I’m scared as hell of Obama and the Democrats, and what they’re doing to the country, and (like quite a few of my fellow Jews), I’ll be voting for the Republican candidate, whoever he (or she) may be.

It’s also worth noting that, among more religious Jews (i.e., Jews who are more devoted to their Judaism), the knee-jerk support for Democrats is nowhere near as evident. The Democratic party (as is evident from the Reform Action Center) is basically a religion for Jews who aren’t religious.
tjjackson

One of the quandries of American politics, is how the jews after the death camps of a socialist regime under Hitler can support an american socialist party that doesn’t like them very much.
Dave F

The trend is in favor of the Republicans. Jewish Men 35-55 are starting to break towards the GOP. The Jewish vote is becoming more “Americanized”

And as we see growing proof of anti-semetism in the White House, we have to start questioning why Jewish Voters would continue to support Obama. Sure you can vote for Schumer, Boxer, Feinstein et al…but Obama? I don’t get how a rational person would vote for someone who thinks so little of them. The Jewish vote needs to separate Obama from Democrats.
Christine S.

I was born into an Italian Catholic family. I converted to Judaism eighteen months ago, at the age of 44, after having been married to a Jewish man for 18 years and raising three Jewish children with him. I have an insider’s view of what it is like to be both a Christian and a Jew in America.

From personal experience I know that Americans, and American Christian conservatives in particular, are the best friends the Jews have. Not once in my Catholic upbringing was I taught anti-semitism. Since becoming a Jew, I have never caught any flack from any Christians who are worried about my going to hell. No Christian has ever tried to convert me back to Christianity, or express delight (as Ahmadinejad has) that the Messiah will come if Armageddon starts soon. But I have caught flack from secular Leftists who are threatened by anyone who has a strong adherence to Judeo-Christian ethics.

Notice how Michelle Goldman does not cite any specific evidence that Christians are trying to convert Jews and make Israel an apocalyptic war zone? Her argument uses the classic tools of the Left: innuendo and insinuation without any real proof, and a good measure of character smears and elitist snobbery directed at Palin and Bachmann.

Ms. Goldman is right about one thing, though. American Jews, by and large, “care more about social justice and a defense of American pluralism than a zealous defense of Israeli maximalism.” In other words, Obama-supporting American Jews really don’t give a damn about Israel. They are far more interested in wealth-redistribution and other Marxist schemes. And when their fellow Leftists attack Israel, they assuage their cognitive dissonance with the illusion that the real threat is from Christians — a suicidal tactic if there ever was one.
L Cole

I forgot to mention. i am a Jew who will NOT vote for Obama.
I voted for Gore.
Miguel

They want the government to provide for the indigent so they don’t have to….
EyesWideOpen

>>
“They [American Jews] don’t trust people who want to turn their country into a Christian nation…”

I can sense that there are some Jews who also like to spout such liberal nonsense. Good luck with your choice.
Most Americans have no desire to legislate against the Jewish poeple. You had better start to pray that the Libs do NOT EVER fully control this country.
<<
tpaine

Barack Obama is the ONLY American President to advocate a return to the indefensible ’67 borders as a prerequisite for opening talks as opposed to a bargaining chip.
He will throw Israel under the bus just as quickly as he did his grandmother and every appointment with baggage – save Geitner. After all, he has to do something to warrant his Nobel Peace Prize.
Lisalisa

Racist article if you ask me. You have to ask yourselves, “what would Jesus do” but more so in the real world under Obama’s administration, you have to ask yourselves, “are you better off now than you were four years ago?”
ramorywebb

Say goodbye to Israel, maybe before 2012. There is a window of opportunity for a major strike against Israel before Obama goes.

Such fools the Jews to throw Palin under the bus.
Doug Hill

“the majority of Republicans, for example, don’t believe in evolution, and more than half of them believe that humans were created in their present form less than 10,000 years ago.”

Where do you get this crap? Do you seriously believe that?
EJM

Perhaps the expectation that Jewish voters would see the common ground they share with Christians on many issues, and not just US policy towards Israel, is the reason that the realignment away from the democratic party line has long bring predicted.

But perhaps the author of this article is right, that too many Jews have bought into the hackneyed caricatures of Christian fundamentalists to be able to see their own interests clearly, even with the most anti-Israeli American President ever, and faltering economy his policies have engendered that is hurting all Americans, but particularly the poor.

If so that is quite sad, and merely means that Jews are no more or less immune to religious bigotry than the anti-Semites who caricature and misrepresent Jews by a few undesirable characteristics said to characterize all Jews. This unthinking class bigotry against any Christian who dares to profess his/her faith openly is certainly what seems to be behind the hatred of Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann, which Michelle Goldberg describes. Agree or disagree with their politics as you will, can anyone honestly say that the personal vitriol each has experienced in the snarky “mainstream” press is anything but despicable?

One would have hoped we had moved beyond this, but the old bigotries die hard, and in our times which fashions itself as enlightened, its anti-Christian bigotry that remains as one of the only remaining accepted prejudices which can be openly practiced and supported by the self-appointed guardians of our morals.
Alan S

What the author fails to mention is the scare tactics elite Jewish leadership have used to try and brainwash my fellow Jews about Christians. Many of my friends have a negative visceral reaction to the mention of Jesus or the thought of even the mention of the God in public.
They want us Jews to think we are living with 12th Century Christians and 21st Century Muslims which is exactly the opposite of how it is. If one were to look at the Jewish voters by age, we would find younger voters are no longer voting for Roosevelt and against the Christians in the Republican Party. Younger Jewish voters have discovered as Jews and pro Israel activists, we have more in common with American Christians then the far left.
KW64

I was a GOP Town Chairman. I know many many Republicans both in and out of office and few do not believe in evolution and essentially none would say the earth is less than 10,000 years old. What is your source for the nonsense that over half of Republicans believe such things? Do you think evolution contradicts Christian Scripture anymore than it contradicts Jewish Scripture? (Hint–The parts covering the events more than 2000 years ago are about the same.)
Tuduri

I am a Christian(Catholic), a Conservative Republican and an immigrant to the United States. I want to remind all Christians(and Jews) that Jesus was a Jew. Jesus told his Apostles that he came to fulfill the law, not to change it. Christians are close cousins to Jews. Our civilisation is based on Judeo-Christian ethics. We will protect our ‘cousins’ as much as we will protect ourselves.
Nate

http://www.gallup.com/poll/27847/majority-republicans-doubt-theory-evolution.aspx

Hint: Most American Jews are reform, and as such do not generally believe the literal translation of the old testament.
Steve

Exellent column; having said, the Jews unwavering support for the Democarats, and therefore Mr. Obama, is exactly why the Jews deserve whatever it is he dumps on Netanyahu and Israel. He’s not your friend. He doesn’t care on iota about you, where you live, the fears you have, or your desire to be free. He could not possibly care less. so, when you go and support the Democrats and this President, just remember, you’re buying his re-election and, more importantly, assuring continued deterioration of American-Jewish relations. As smart and brave as the Jewish people have been, this will be one of their greatest moments of security.
http://cheekyt.com Ken Puck

If you believe what you’ve written here, Ms. Goldberg, you’re whistling past the graveyard. Trust me, the Republican nominee will score a lot better than 27% of the Jewish vote. This is so because Obama has shown himself to be an implacable foe of Israel and a soul mate of the Palestinians. Wait until Obama denies the Israeli Air Force permission to attach Iran…
Dave2

” the dispensationalist scenario culminates in a third world war in the Middle East and the consignment of unconverted Jews to hell before the messiah returns. For those who truly see Israeli politics in terms of evangelical prophesy, an apocalyptic battle on Israeli soil is not something to be avoided at all costs. Instead, it’s the portal to paradise.”

As a “evangelical dispensationalist” your eschatology has so many wrong assumptions about it, it’s NO WONDER Jews are fearful of Christians if they are this MISinformed as you seem to be…

Yes, the Bible does talk about a future war in the Middle East (actually TWO, the Gog-Magog war of Ezekial 38-39, and the LAST battle of Armageddon referenced in Revelation 16:14) with NEITHER of these being a “portal to paradise”.

As the Bible was absolutely SPOT ON with the prophecy of Israel becoming a nation again after 2000 years, and the return of the Jews to their ancient homeland after their diaspora, I believe it will be absolutely SPOT ON again….but NOT about “the consignment of unconverted Jews to hell before the messiah returns”.

It actually says they will recognize God’s miracle in their victory against seemingly overwhelming forces in the Gog-Magog war, and ultimately recognize their Messiah for who he really is.

No “portal” to paradise is obtained by these wars…except for maybe the Jews. Of course…now THAT may offend some Jewish mindsets!
Chana

Friends,

Nothing about if yes or no evolution, christian or not christian, ideology or no ideology is on the plate this election. I am Jewish and planning to vote for republicans. Democrats showed themselves irresponsible spenders and narrow visionaries.

Centralized goverment and increase of regulation create totalitarism where I have lived before. When your income comes from the goverment, you are not free to express your opinion. When the goverment make regulations, they can fine your business at any time and GIVE WAIVWERs to friends, as it is done now with Obamacare!

Don’t listen to speaches! Look at actions of this president and you won’t like it.

Small business is a corner stone of personal liberty! And this president is ruining it.
Jason

I have never understood how the Jews could or would vote for the Democrat party. Democrats seem by and large want to support a Palestinian State, which is not pro jewish. Then the GOp is the military supporter, not the Democrats. Next the GOP is the business party, not the Democrats. I have never known any Christians that want to attack jews, it usually comes in recent history from the secularists.

I have talked to a numbe rof Jewish friends and they all vote for GOP, and don’t get it either.

VOTE REPUBLICAN
rpm

“Half believe in evolution”. Absurd.

But, for the record, I am an atheist that believes the theory of evolution to be just that, a theory. It has always had holes in it and still does. It also has merits. Creationism, to me as an atheist, is another theory, It has good points and bad points. While I reject the literal creationist myths (created in seven days, some coyote brought us all, etc.) the basic idea of a higher power being involved does fill in some of the holes in the “everyhing happened all by itself” of evolution.

So– do I “believe” in evolution? No–it is a theory; I think it has merits and demerits. Belief isn’t the correct term, in my opinion. Creationism is another theory. One that is held by religious people, and they do “belive” in it. I don’t. I do not hold those that believe in it to be fools, although I wonder a bit about those that hold to the seven days or the coyote.
Ann Perry

Any Jew who supports Obama should hang his or her head is shame. Raised as a Jew, I am appauled at the support of Obama from the Jewish Community. Anyone with a “D” after the name is the litmus test for the older Jewish vote. However, I think there is a new dawn coming. At the last big Hollywood fundraiser for Obama in Handcock Park in LA, some of the wealthy Jewish notables from entertainment were absent. Many of my Jewish friends would not think to vote for Obama, so speak for yourself when you imply that the Jewish Community is monolithic. The biggest supporter of Israel is the Evalgelical Christian in this country. Thank God for Evangelicals and their unwaivering support. The Jews should study their own history. My father used to say “so goes Israel, so go the Jewish people.” Perhaps Jews should remember the boats that were turned away in World War II full of Jewish refugees when there was no Jewish State.
rpm

One of the things that mystifies me (a certified redneck, probably certifiable, as well) is the Jewish nearly unanimous rejection of the 2nd amendment.

The 2nd amendment was intended to provide the people with the ability to resist government, should government need resisting. Armed people are Citizens, unarmed ones are Subjects. Those that beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those that don’t.

One would think that a people that has been persecuted by governments since 722 BC would resolve “never again” and be committed to meet the next storm trooper at the door with shotgun at hand. But, no.

Passeth understanding.

BTW, being a certified redneck, I have lived a goodly part of my life in or around Western small towns. Everyone is armed to the teeth, and very proficient in use of same. Crime rate is more or less zero. The very concept of a “home invasion robbery” causes heads to shake. You might get away with it once or twice before meeing your righteous end.
Elizabeth M.

Attack Christianity or support Israel?

There’s only one answer for Jews — same as it ever was, from Roman times to the present. The destruction of Christianity, or at least putting Christians under tribute, is a Jewish dream that antedates even the “return to Jerusalem”.
kittylynn

This article is just plain wrong. The reason most Jews are Democrats is that most Jews hold traditional “liberal” views: they support big government solutions to social problems, and support gay marriage, abortion, and the environmental movement. They grew up liberal bastions like New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago where a majority of the total population holds these liberal views. Also, many Jews are the grandchildren of immigrants who traditionally affiliated with the Democratic Party.

So the problem for Republicans is actually that most Jews do NOT vote simply on the basis of “who is better for Israel”. So the support of Christian evangelicals for Israel, while welcome, is just not the deciding factor in how most Jews vote.
edisonparks

Jews made their inroads as Serious Political Players in Democrat City Politics of the early 20th Century.

Today there is really no good reason why most Jews find a home in the Democrat party other than that is home in which they maintain most of their Political Clout and it is almost stupid to give up something of such value to become the new guys on the GOP side.

The real Jewish Political Power Brokers rely on the Cultural Hard Left of Entertainment/MSM/Academia to keep the rank and file Jews in line so they don’t wander off the Democrat Plantation and start voting in their personal self interest and values with the GOP.
Elizabeth M.

Jews abandon Obama? That’s nuts. He’s the most Jewish president ever. Look at all the Jews who — before it was clear that his Jewish-inspired policies produced disaster — said “Obama is the first Jewish president!”

http://www.google.com/search?q=obama+is+the+first+jewish+president

Of all of Obama’s policies, which would be different if he were (actually) Jewish? OK, he might coddle up even more to Wall Street — though 33% of his 2012 donations are coming from financiers, versus just 21% in 2008. He might disregard American law (War Powers Act) to kill even more Arabs in Yemen, Libya, and Jews-know-where-else. He might step up the “Pigford” method of “reparations” for blacks (of course who are the lawyers for the blacks?). But basically, those Jewish writers in 2008 and 2009 were right: He is the first Jewish president.
Caroline

Democrats no longer need the Jewish vote or donor dollars. Muslims are one of the largest growing populations in the country, and have heavy investments in the Democratic party. They are rapidly supplanting Jews as the predominant religious group for pandering Dems. So sad, so stupid, so Stockholm syndrome.
Paul Revere

Seventy plus percent of American Jews are not jews at all and are certainly anti-Zionist. Why else would they vote for an anti-Zionist like Barry? I believe that they bought into the cult of American liberalism and that is their true religion.
YouDude60

Anytime a group of people elect or (as appears to be the case now) strive to re-elect a candidate so indifferent to Israel, it is clear
Jesus is not what divides us.

The voting habits of a clear majority of Jewish Americans indicates their need to oppose conservatives outweighs their concern for Israel.

How interesting that after all we’ve learned about Carter’s support for Palestine- and the axiomtic conclusions we can draw about his regard for Israel- that Jews today would still choose Carter over Reagan.
http://senatormark4.org SenatorMark4

Romans 15:27 “…for if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.”

…which pretty much means EVERY Christian owes the Jews.

You are so ignorant! I’ve talked to literally hundreds of people about this New Testament scripture driving the principle that as Christians we MUST support the Jews and never had anyone argue with me. What exactly are you reading? Pieces from the propagandists of Al-Jazero?
Vermont Neighbor

A fascinating read… I’m saddened but enlightened by Goldberg’s summary. The story-telling and historical examples present a narrative that truthfully, I find depressing. I hear you loud and clear though. Maybe- most likely- BO will hold onto this voting bloc. If so, it will be due to anti-christian bigotry.

It’s easier now to grasp the anti-Palin aspects of Hollywood’s left. Secular is not superior. In fact, you’re more than a little ‘Archie Bunker’ in this piece. Still informative though.
JohnBoy

I am going to paraphrase this article: Jews are intellectual snobs, and Christians are icky,
Marty

I wish Ms Goldberg had explained why former NYC Mayor Ed Koch has threatened to support the Republican presidential nominee in 2012. It does strongly suggest a lower Jewish Democratic vote. Alan Dershowitz was also highly critical of President Obama and his treatment of Israel. I’m not sure of where Alan and the Mayor stand on evolution.
Captain America

Jewish loyalty to the Democratic Party reminds me of a battered wife’s loyalty to her abusive husband. “You don’t understand. He can be really sweet. I’m the one who makes him angry.”

It’s pathetic. Manhattan limousine liberality trumps common sense.

The author is right though. American Jews, and certainly Manhattanite Jews, will vote for Obama again. Which leads me to conclude something that, while logical, violates every generous stereotype we maintain about the Chosen People, to whom we rational Christians remain steadfast and loyal, especially regarding their Homeland:

As it turns out, Jews are just as stupid as the rest of us.
Sara

American Jews’ religion is not Judaism – even Reform Judaism – but so-called “liberalism”, which is a misnomer for left-wing policies. Whatever
residual concern they may have for Israel, it always comes second to their
absolutely lemming-like devotion to leftism. That said, I think 2012 will show
less Jews come out to vote, which will work out probably in favor of Obama’s
opposition.

I speak as a naturalized American, Jewish, and Republican. When I hear the convoluted and condescending rationale some American Jews give for still
supporting Obama, I cannot understand how they can be so smart in some ways, and
so utterly clueless in others.
PithyinME

Shalom! Conservative Evangelical Christian will stand with Israel. They see the potential for another Jewish extermination at the hands of radical Islam. They will be the vigilant watchman of Scripture, and they will come to Israel’s aid in her darkest hour. Your humanistic Democrat, I can’t say who they will side with… I’d take the sure bet if I were you.
bill

Okay……….
Jews vote for/support an anti Israeli Pro Muslim President
Muslims are at violent war with Israel for over 60 years and declared Holy Jihad against the United States
US Evangelical/Christian Conservatives support Israel
And today US Jews are at political war with……..US Evangelical/Christian Conservatives supporting Israel.

As a Jew, it leaves me wondering how so many people are so duped they can actually think that Jews are “smart.”

Am I missing anything here?
John Daly

So, all this article does is once again prove what lame sheep jews are. Hey, I love my jewish friends, as individuals, but as a people jews should be ashamed. They marched lockstep where the nazis sent them with barely a push back. Throughout human history they always seem to find themslves running from persecution. Their modern liberal activists are the worst of the worst. Now they support a communist (obama) that supports all those who wish to destroy Israel. Pathetic, but quite predictable. There is no logical reason for this behavior.
evangeline brabant

The Marxism of American Jews will trump any concern they might be esxpected to have for Israel. They did not flee Russia, for example, because of Marxism, they fled because of persecution.

Jewish friends of mine who see who Obama really is, continue to be stunned at the support he continues to receive from fellow Jews. In spite of his anti-jewish sentiments and behavior, and in spite of his obvious pro- Muslim bias, they continue to support the president reared by hard core communists.

They will vote for him because they can’t imagine themselves voting for a Republican, even though they all enjoy the fruits of a capitalistic society.

The support for Israel comes from the American right, and Jews can dismiss the Christian right all they want,but they are Israel’s salvation. I am a conservative, and a staunch supporter of Israel, and I am not a Christian. The ramifications to the world if this tiny democracy in the Middle East should fall, are mind-numbing. Thankfully, in spite f betrayal by American Jews, Israel stands up to Obama’s bullying and dishonest behavour.

Obama has created a crisis in the Middle East beyond anything we have seen before. He is not incompetent even though people make that excuse for him. This is deliberate.

The left in the U.S. in in bed with Islam, this includes American Jews, who are among our most extreme leftists. What do they think theIslamists will do when they take us over? Their first targets will be the left, especially the Jews.

Mohammed started his religious/political career killing Jews.Islam is the one religion of the big three that has not changed over its 16 hundred year history. They collaborated with the communists in the early part of the twentieth century, and with the Nazis in the thirties.
They support the only president I can thnk of who is not a supporter of Israel. Amazing.

Under this regime, anti-semetic incidents are on the rise in our count
Ed Herrington

I am Christian and I support Israel and the Jewish people but I have to say that I and other Christians cannot understand why the American Jews still support the Democrat Party and this President. Obama and most Democrat law makers care more more about Muslims and a homeland for the Palestinian people. Should Israel ever go to war with whomever in the Middle East Obama and the Democrats will fold like a cheap card table. Wish I could do more to help the Jewish People. Mabe in 2012.
Ja Mais

As a plain vanilla WASP I would fight to defend Israel and the Jewish people as would my children and grandchildren, and as my father did in Europe to liberate those under the Nazis’ boots during WWII. I don’t understand or care who, what or why any bloc of people vote for this stuffed suit or that stuffed shirt. There is right, wrong, good and evil in this world and sensible Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddist, atheists, etc know exactly what I’m talking about.

I find Ms. Goldberg’s analysis primitive, misguided and about 60 years out of date.
Wally

thank you lefty-looney lamestreamist for your opinion…
Mike N

As a Jewish Conservative Republican I am sad to say Ms. Goldberg is probably right. I live in Texas where we had a saying for most conservative Democrats…They were “Yellow Dog Democrats” (they would vote for a yellow dog before they would vote for any Republican). Of course everything changed in the 1980′s with Ronald Reagan. Today, there are very few “Yellow Dog Democrats” still around. I’m telling this because most Jews are “Yellow Dog Democrats” much to my sorrow. My father before he passed away only voted Republican once in his entire life and that was 1980 for Reagan. He had emigrated to the U.S. long before Hitler and Liberalism was engrained in him by the family from the time he arrived. The paradox is an uncle (fathers brother) who survived the concentration camps, fought in the 1948 Israeli War of Independence and ultimately emigrated to the U.S. in 1957. I never met anyone who loved our country more than he. He was also the most Conservative Republican you would ever meet. He had seen Nazism, Socialism, and Communism first hand and he always said there was no difference between them. He respected all Christians and always warned me never to trust anyone who did not believe in God.

The vast majority of the anti-semetism I have personally experienced has been from Leftist on university campuses and from a few Black Muslims and Black Theology advocates.

To quote from the Christian Bible something Jesus said, “Forgive them for they know not what they do”. Someday…….
ben

“Why are the Jews Liberals ?”
Well – they are not.
American Ashkenazi secular/Reform Jews are liberal.
Religious Jews are not.
Non-Ashkenazi Jews, Sefaradim and Mizrahim, are not.
Russian Jews, while being Ashkenazi and secular – are not.
Jews vote for the rightwing at over 60% in Israel and UK, 80% in France.
Only American Jews still support the left – but not for long. First I don’t believe the 78% figure that voted for Obama – it includes people who are not real Jews. The real number is closer to 70%. Still a lot.
The good news is that the left-liberal secular/reform Jews are dwindling and disappearing. Whitin 20 years, I am not sure many will be left. And then American Jews will be like other Jews.
Rick

As a Christian, I find this article very illuminating on a Jewish perspective that is extremely prejudiced, not only against my religious beliefs, but against my personal interests as well. Quite hateful, antagonistic and threatening. The writer of this column obviously considers herself to be at war against Christianity and by extension any organization she considers to be heavily influenced by Christian perspective. She does everything but admit that the ACLU was organized for the express purpose of eliminating Christian influence from America. Well so be it.

If Ms. Golberg thinks her interests are better protected in this country by politically aligning herself with the party that nurtures Jesse “Hymie Town” Jackson and Sen. Robert “Klansman” Byrd, then go for it. She hasn’t the sense for self preservation. Whether Goldberg cares or not, the Christian Right HAS offered the Jewish Community an olive branch. If the Jewish Community chooses to spit on it, as at least one member surely does, then the consequences that must ensue have been wilfully encouraged.
BayouKiki

“That fact is, many American Jews might consider voting for “someone else,” but only a fraction would consider voting for the type of person that the GOP is likely to nominate. American Jews have shown, again and again, that they care more about social justice and a defense of American pluralism than a zealous defense of Israeli maximalism. They might get anxious about liberal criticism of Israel, but this anxiety tends to pale beside their abhorrence of the Christian right.”

Until this moment it would never have occurred to me to NOT support American Jews in general and Israel in particular. Thank you Ms. Goldberg for your enlightened piece. I may be reconsidering that position.
Mikey

If we are to believe President Obama, he is a Christian. After all, he did attend Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s sermons. Am I going too fast?
Rick

For the record, I am a Christian conservative and I get on very very well with the more orthodox Jews. It is the atheistic, leftist, ACLU card-carrying, communistic secularists that I have a big problem with, and it is because of their POLITICAL beliefs and agenda – not their Judaism. And this column affirms every reason I have for doing so. When you stake out a position so antithetical to, and animated against, my interests you cannot rationally deny that people with the means and will to act against you will fail to do so.

To the extent that the author of this article reflects the broader view of the Jewish Community in this country, it does not bode well. And that’s a shame because it doesn’t have to be that way.
gommygoomy

As I recall, when asked, ISRAELIS (Real Jews) have no problem identifying AMERICAN CHRISTIANS as their most ARDENT and RELIABLE Supporters.
American Jews are LIBERALS, 1st, and everything else, 2nd.
Obama was RAISED in the Mosques and Muslim Schools of Indonesia, until the age of 11. He knelt on his Prayer Rug, facing Mecca, and prayed to the Muslim God of KILL THE JEWS, 5 times a day.
His Mentors have both been ANTI-SEMITES. He’s a FRIEND of JEW HATER – Louis Farrakhan. A FRIEND of PLO Terrorist Recruiter – Khalid Rashidi. In his BOOKS he admits that he will “SIDE WITH THE ARABS”, should the Middle East erupt in an Arab/Israeli Conflict.
Do these “JEWS” need to wake up in a BOX CAR, outside a Fenced in Compound, with a sign over the Gate that reads: HARTE ARBEIT WIRD EUCH FREI MACHEN, before they GET IT?
It would seem so.
delmar Jackson

I stopped supporting Isreal due to American Jewish leaders support for more and more 3rd world immigration to the USA. jewsih support of more immigration to the usa is baffling , as most new immigrants are much more anti semitic than the native population which is the most friendly and accepting country of Jews in the world.
Jews can always leave and go to Isreal, this is the only country I have. California, thanks to massive immigration, now has the least educated population in the nation, behind only Mississippi.

Why is Isreal allowed a strong immigration policy and American jews are working to destroy all enforcement of our immigration laws. I hope they continue to vote for obama, they deserve rev Wright.
David

Elizabeth M– why are you posting here? Did you lose your job at Der Sturmer?
Elizabeth M.

David @ 8:17 AM — Did you have a substantive criticism of what I wrote or must you be content with argumento ad hominem?

=======================================
Paul Revere says:
Jul 26, 2011 at 8:27 PM

I believe that [Jews] bought into the cult of American liberalism and that is their true religion.

——-

No, what passes now for “American liberalism” is, in every essential characteristic, Jewishness. It is, in fact, the opposite of what was once known as “American liberalism”. (This is why “liberal” now means the opposite in America from what it means everywhere else in the world; old-style American liberalism is now called here either “classic liberalism” or “libertarianism”.) This inversion of meaning did not happen by accident; rather, recently immigrating, Marxist-oriented Jews, circa 1900, despairing of turning Americans against liberalism, declared that THEY were the “true” liberals — quite a trick: anti-liberals masquerading as super-liberals, but it worked completely.

The historical record shows that it makes far more sense to say, “I believe that [American liberals] bought into the cult of [Jewishness -- at least the Diaspora-shetl variety as contrasted with the Return-national variety of the state of Israel] and that is their true religion.”
Gene

This was an enlightening article with respect to a mindset that I cannot grasp, even being a former NYC kid.

My problem was one of trying to apply logic when Jewish voters are, what Hoffer called in his book by the same name, True Believers. They will vote again for the man who has stated openly in any matter of conflict, he will side with Muslims and whose life-long associates include vociferous anti-Semites.

Having been a New York City guy I can see how the whole NYT/Village Voice/TV culture would create a default paradigm that ignores reality. Not only does that, it does it smugly.

I read a recent article about Jewish disgust over Sarah (the bee that stings, yes?) Palin. Same notion here. What she does and says never enters the mind of the true believer. America seems to think stand up comics supply news. After all, who is this upstart who destroyed the GOP oligarchy of Alaska and had full control of 40,000 employees when our hero taught classes in revolution. She should have gone to Cornell and taken print making.

Read Hoffer, again. Note that the intellectual class that puts the tyrant in office is the first to go. Remind yourself of your history: never forget.

Knowledge makes us blind to wisdom.
JeffT

Hmmm… I didn’t realize there was so much hatred in the Jewish community. Hopefully this article is not representative of most Jews views of conservatives and Christians.
Ben Whipple

I found Ms. Goldberg’s article insightful and well-researched; and for all our sake I hope her conclusion, that most American Jews will not become disaffected with the Left, becomes less and less a reality.

I would challenge an assumption in her thinking: that Christian conservatives want to do away with a pluralistic society. Just because we favor laws and policy informed by the morals and wisdom of the ages doesn’t mean we think those that don’t share our beliefs or our politics should be second class citizens or otherwise disenfranchised. We want normal participation for ourselves and others. I would happily vote for a non-Christian who advanced sound conservative policy over a professing Christian with his or her politics mixed up.
Badgers

I’m going to have to pull the BIGOT card on this article.

She could have made it all a lot shorter buy striking all of it and replacing with.

“I am a Marxist Jew, I hate Christians, I love Islam because they don’t want to kill me and I hate Liberty.”
DS

This is a very informative article.

It is obvious that most Jewish Americans vote Democratic because most of them have a progressive, open-minded, rational, secular, live-and-let-live perspective which is more in line with Democratic ideas and values.

If you consider the profile of democratic voters, it perfectly matches that of the Jews: living in cities and so more exposed to diversity, well educated, higher international exposure by travel or interest in news.

On the other hand the republican party tends to attract people who are generally less-educated, living in rural or homogenous states, mostly have never traveled out of US or even have a passport, who are extremist to the point of being irrational and are typically narrow minded.

Another big factor is that due to centuries of persecution the Jews have a strong sense of community and believe in collective welfare and watching out for the interests of others – another core democratic value. That is part of the Jewish DNA. While the Republicans take the “you are on your own” approach.

Nothing scares Jews (and other minorities in the US) more than the increasing role of Christian imagery and subtle code-words in American politics. Is there anything more dangerous than a religious zealot?
DS

I would add one other factor that causes Jews and other minorities to not support the Republicans.

They are particularly disturbed by frequent and regular Republican political targeting of some minority or sub-group for short-term gains. Republican party seems to hate everybody. For example over the last 12 months:
- Mexicans in Arizona and elsewhere
- Illegal immigrants
- Gays and lesbians
- Muslims
- The unemployed
- US-born children of illegal immigrants
- People who are sick or poor or are on Food-stamps
- Arabs
- Any other group that is not rich, white or christian

Why would anybody support the Republicans? What positive message do they have? We know what and who all they are against, WHAT ARE THEY FOR?
modechi

I could not disagree more. I am Jewish, I would never vote for this president. for exactly all the reasons you laid out but in reverse.
Paul Revere

DS take you head out of the sand. Demorats are enslaving those groups and they keep them down. Our goal is freedom for all. Freedom to achieve. There is nothing more important than that. Handouts as a government policy has destroyed individual freedom.
Paul Revere

DS says profile of Demrat = profile of Jew. And LizM says that Barry is the first Jewish president. That is extreme weirdness. I’m outa here. Enjoy your circle jerk. A vote for Barry is suicide, but I think you know that.
Paul Revere

Censored?
Paul Revere

Bye.
EJM

DS,

Please read my earlier post. You are buying into stereotypes, and showing that you have not even tried to understand the great country the United States is between Manhattan and LA. Have you ever even travelled there? Try it sometimes. You don’t even need a passport or to learn a foreign language. It might help you be a little less narrow minded.

Something for you to thing about: Is the viciousness directed at Sarah Palin or Michelle Bachmann being “stupid” code words for their being Christian?
Dana

Michelle,
You obviously don’t understand that the majority of Orthodox Jews and Jews not living in big cities are Rebulicans!! The far right views of those running match their conservative beliefs.
Lou Adams

DS asks, “Is there anything more dangerous than a religious zealot?”

Why yes, a secular zealot of course.
Beverly

I am a conservative/reform Jew. I am a Zionist. I live in the Diaspora my entire life. I will vote for anybody that runs against Obama, a proven enemy of Israel and the Jews. Israels existance and security is my primary concern. What happens with Israel reflects what happens to Jews everywhere. Every other issue is secondary to me and I am very livberal on many social issues. I hope you are wrong and other Jews will stand up for Israel in the 2012 election.
עם ישראל חי
Am Yisrael Chai
http://hecatr.livejournal.com/ Joseph Dooley

Democratic-voting Jews have a religion. It’s called liberalism. It is no longer “Justice, justice you shall pursue,” but rather “Social justice, social justice you shall pursue.”

They forget George Washington’s letter to the Jews in Connecticut. They forget the verse from Exodus on the Liberty Bell. They forget the Left’s naivete on the evil posed by Islamic fundamentalism.

If Jews want secularism and its full range of ills, they should return to Europe.
Steve

To my right-wing fellow Jews who have posted here I say, admit that you don’t like Obama because he is a black man. Also admit that you are one-note voters who put Israel ahead of America’s interests. I love Israel, but I am man enough to call them out on that they do wrong. Why is everything on the right so black and white? Is there no room in your worldview for nuance?
TL

It is amazing that some jews are letting their deep ideology (deeper than their faith) are supporting a pro Radical Islam Pro Sharia Law, president who wants to return Isreal to the Palestinians. One more term might just be enough for him to do away with the legislative and judicial branches and become a banana republic dictator. Will you support him when he starts openning the camps?
http://none Esther

Dear Ms. Goldberg, Your article is just as prejudiced as those you accuse. Such hypocrisy! You are as close-minded as the Palestinian lawyer I have been arguing with for the last 2 days. If certain people support Israel in a sincere manner, who are you to so arrogantly reject them? No TRUE Christian supports Israel because he is hoping to rush in the Apocalypse, or is hoping Jews go to hell. That’s a horrific accusation, and a slap in the face to Christians who unconditionally love Israel and the Jewish people. Please make a distinction between ignorant Christians and those who are better educated. But, hey, vote for Obama again if you want. He just want Israel to go back to the ’67 borders so she can be indefensible!
Bill Pearlman

You go into any major Jewish institution in NY and you have to pass by layers of security., And guess what, its not to protect against southern baptist republicans.
Herb

It is a shame that a wild leftie like Michelle Goldberg is given a forum on an otherwise solid internet magazine like Tablet. This article, like most of her work, is propaganda, garbage. Lots of distortions, lies, and half truths, all in the service of this irrational leftism. I quite agree with Ron Radosh’s analysis of her politics. See:
http://pajamasmedia.com/ronradosh/2011/07/29/michelle-goldbergs-jewish-problem-and-ours/?singlepage=true
http://mikel105@msn.com Michael

The authors viewpoint reflects the opinions of those very secular Jews who have spent their lives in the liberal world and who have had little contact with the bulk of mainstream Christian Americans. Those secular folk are Jews in name only; most have a religion and it is “social justice”, not the justice that was proclaimed in the Torah and Talmud.They are basically aithiests with a Jewish label. Like it or not, this nation was founded in laarge part by Diests who happened to be Christians. By virtue of hard work,\and assimilation most American Jews have madeit into the American main stream so that by now our peedominant national ethic is labeled Judeo-Christian.
The anti Christian bias of left wing Jews reflects their intolerance for any one non Jewish and more so for anyone who happens to be nonJewish as well as a religious Christian.
I am Jewish but was fortunate enough to escape from the provincialism of the east coast I have lived more than half my life amongst Christians;in the Air Force and later in Georgia,Texas, Missouri, West Virginia, South Dakota and finally to retirement in the Colorado Rockies.
Jews in mid America have been well accepted in all of these places.
The only anti Jewish sentiment voiced,if ever, is almost always for the bleeding heart social justice Jews who can’t ever get away from whatever teir trend setters have deemed is the latest cause for them to show sympathy for.They are amongst the leaders in the blame America and Israel for whatever problems trouble the world.
They also have flocked to the banners of the Rock star promotion that put an inexperienced man in the White House.
I hope ( but am not optimistic that most American Jews will wake up in 2012
Anyone but Obama
http://nordicjack.blogspot.com Jack Hansen

Better to be with Christian-loving Republicans than with Shariah-loving Democrats.
Hershl

I am a gay, Jewish man who has never before voted Republican even for dog catcher.

But….

Why is this year different from all the other years?

This year we have the most outspokenly, uncompromisingly anti-Israel president in the history of the USA.

This year we have a president who, to this day, openly opposed gay and lesbian marriage and who allows others to lead when it comes to this issue.

This year we have a president who has betrayed those who voted for him, rolls over to accommodate the Republicans and who has sold this country to Wall St.

Why would I again vote for him?

If there is a half-way moderate Republican presidential candidate I and many other Jews will vote for that candidate.

Obama’s standing in the Jewish community is at an all time low. Look for changes in the Jewish votes in Washington, DC, NYC, Chicago, LA, Florida and other key centers.

It will only take a few thousand ( 3,000+) votes to swing these traditionally Democratic centers to the Republicans.

Obama has made me wake up and smell the coffee.

And I don’t even drink coffee.

What an accomplishment.
Pat

Why did Jews vote for Obama? Because the choice was an old sick man who did not care enough about America that he would take the chance of an idiot like Sarah Palin becoming the leader of the free world.
Vikki S.

It surprises me to see so much anti-Obama rhetoric in the responses but then I remember (again) how few people bother to respond for many reasons. Since I am responding, I would like to say that I am cheered by the thoughtfulness of the article itself: both because I remain a liberal and a Democrat as my Jewish parents raised me to be and because I, like its author, recognize that American Jews, like everyone else are individuals, swayed by many things when it comes to voting.
jzsnake

This article is just wishful thinking by the author.
Oodoodanoo

The Democrats are a coalition of “not-Republicans”. The more the Republicans try to define themselves by identity with white Christian nationalism, the more they’ll drive anyone else to the Democrats. It’s not that complicated.

That’s why the Democrats have an incoherent platform, and why they can win elections even if they don’t do anything. They just have to do something other than white Christian nationalism, and doing nothing qualifies.
MattZvi

EJM,

Your mocking language was unnecessary, and more importantly, just as ignorant. Guess what? There are Jews who live between Manhattan and LA, and a lot of them STILL don’t agree with you! I’m a Jew who was never lived in the big east coast cities, or San Francisco or LA. And yes, I’m perfectly aware I don’t need a passport to leave New York. (What were you even trying to imply here? That Jews who live in New York are so bigoted and sheltered they don’t know a wider USA exists?) But I do see a foreign language being spoken in the state I live in; with high unemployment, close to the Mexico border, and low on education rates among the largely white, GOP population, and that language is hate. Some of what DS said was entirely accurate, and now you don’t have the option of discounting my opinion because I live in your turf. The vitriol spit by them is unmatched. They hate women, or at least the idea of women having complete agency over their own bodies. They hate education, or seem incredibly eager to slash education budgets over other unnecessary spending sprees, even though this state already has some of the worst college completion rates in the country. Perhaps because a more uneducated population is more likely to vote based on fear? Don’t even get me started on the hate that comes out of my neighbor’s mouths regarding our fascist, communist, Muslim, terrorist, Kenyan, African President. And that goes for every Muslim on the planet, too. Apparently they are all terrorists bent on the destruction of the American way, and we should all fear for our lives against these Brown Others. If that isn’t hate, I don’t know what is.
MattZvi

Bill Pearlman says:
You go into any major Jewish institution in NY and you have to pass by layers of security., And guess what, its not to protect against southern baptist republicans.

Erm, Bill? Yes it is. The last major act committed against Jews was the shooting at the Holocaust Museum in DC. The shooter wasn’t Muslim. He was a white, conservative man who hated Muslims and every other ethnic group.

The last national terrorist act was the shooting/bombing in Norway. He wasn’t Muslim either. He was also a white conservative man who hated Muslims.

Baseless xenophobia and hysterical finger pointing never ends well, and we would be wise to remember that.
Robdominic

All I can say to the author of this article is this: me and all my Jewish friends in Houston had voted Democratic all our lives but since Obama has been in office, we have all decided never again. We are afraid for the future of the United States. The worse thing that happened to the country was the “holy trinity” – Barack Obama, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. I can’t speak for all Jews but amongst my circle, we are through with the democratic party no matter who the Republicans nominate.
cdk

Sorry to disappoint those who believe that Jews will vote against Obama because he’s black. They should know that such Jews would vote for Allan West and other Black conservatives in a heartbeat.

And regarding Jews being afraid of a more “Christianized” GOP–it’s usually the secular Jews who are afraid–they don’t believe in the religious tenets of Judaism anyway–many of which are shared by Christianity.
cdk

Sorry to disappoint those who believe that Jews will vote against Obama because he’s black. They should know that such Jews would vote for Allan West and other Black conservatives in a heartbeat.

And regarding Jews being afraid of a more “Christianized” GOP–it’s usually the secular Jews who are afraid–they don’t believe in the religious tenets of Judaism anyway–many of which are shared by Christianity.

And to MattZvi: your examples are “lone wolfs”. Muslim terrorists–whether foreign or home grown–are all committed to jihad, which is a lot scarier and dangerous than what the evangelicals in this country want.
Leo

As a proud Jew who’s was born in a Muslim land I found this writer argument appalling. For most of us the threat of Islamofascism is thousand times more dangerous than her phony straw-man of christian fundamentalist. If you don’t care about the survival of Israel I would not consider you
a Jew. In this point of history the Jews must be afraid the American left/Dems who are in cahoots with islamofascists.
TTT

As long as the Republican Party is devoted to making America less welcoming, less inclusive, and less equal to all non-Christians (in other words, as long as the Republican Party exists), most Jews will never vote for it.
Rocky

Hershi: The only Republican that might meet your requirements is Rudy Giuliani. Would you vote for him? I don’t think he is conservative enough to win the Republican primaries although I thought he did a good job as Mayor of New York.

Michael, Bill and others: How many real Jews do you think there are in the US, given that you don’t count Jews who are not right wing? How long do you think the ultra Orthodox will keep voting Republican, once the Food Stamp, Medicaid and Section 8 Housing Programs are slashed? Read here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/nyregion/kiryas-joel-a-village-with-the-numbers-not-the-image-of-the-poorest-place.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
manny

JEWS have an uncanny ability to make the wrong political choice. For those of you who have seen “A BRONX TALE”, I once had a friend very much like the one in this film. He had the uncanny ability to always bet on the wrong horse. And so it is with the Jews. They will always go with the Dems for one reason or another. If it meant that they would lose their head, they would vote DEM.
They should go into Ripley’s believe it or not.
Rabbi Tony Jutner

Obama will win at leat 80% of the Jewish vote, and the reason is that I as leader of NewJudaism, have endorsed Obama for re-election in 2012. I also support ending the 2 term limit so Obama, being as young as he is,c an run in 2016 and 2020. 80% of American Jews have abandoned traditional fossil Judaism in exchange for NewJudaism, with its trinity of Social Justice, Economic Justice, and Right of Return of Endogenous Inhabitants, especially the Palestinians. A secnd term Obama will not have to worry about reelection, and we can unite against zionism
Larry

I will never vote for a Republican Senator or Congressman, but I would vote for a Republican President.
bill

Liberal Jews have been making excuses for not voting Republican for decades. When you get to the essence of their reasoning it’s always because the GOP candidate isn’t a liberal Democrat. “I’d vote for the Republican if he/she was pro choice, pro gay marriage, pro wealth redistribution, pro increased government spending, pro defense cutting, pro government solutions, pro raising taxes, etc…”

Republicans can’t please a liberal Jew. They’d prefer a presidential choice between two Democrats. They’re social justice driven “If one anti social deviant anywhere in the world is discriminated against, by GOD, the Jews are next” people.

When my fellow Jews who are liberal begin to experience the growing anti Semitism within the Democrat Party amongst its base making them less comfortable running in their social circles with political clout eroding the Republicans will start to look better to them.

Hopefully the US and Israel can survive the pain they harm they cause till they have their “epipnahy.”
Hyman Rosen

May my right hand wither and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I ever vote for a Republican. (With substitutions allowed, though: I’ll take Mike Bloomberg and trade away Ruben Diaz.) The last few decades have made me despise them to the depths of my soul.
bill

Interesting. I grew up as a liberal Jew and now understand, after watching liberal Democrat Jews screw the country up, why so many people dislike us. Can’t say that I blame them.
Scott

So reading these comments, you’d never believe that 75% of American Jews will vote for Barack Obama again in 2012. In fact, they’d have you believe that a majority of Jews really didn’t vote for Obama in 2008 either. Wake up! You can convince yourself you’re in the right, but it’s delusional to insist that Jews as a group don’t identify with the Democratic party.

By the way, security at my synagogue *is* because of Christians. It was Southern Baptists who bombed The Temple in Atlanta, where I live. In 2009, a Christian white supremacist opened fire in the DC Holocaust Museum. In 2008, a Jewish cemetery was vandalized in Chicago by a neo-nazi. Sure there’s plenty of Muslim hate crimes against Jews. That’s the one thing Christians and Muslims can agree on. I’d never live in a country ruled by Christian law, any more than Michele Bachmann would live in a country rules by Sharia law.
Avrum Fine

The Liberal Jewish establishment is populated by the narrow-minded and the easily manipulated. They have always made perfect Democrats.
RML

cdk said: “And regarding Jews being afraid of a more “Christianized” GOP–it’s usually the secular Jews who are afraid–they don’t believe in the religious tenets of Judaism anyway–many of which are shared by Christianity.”

EXACTLY… the reason most Jews won’t vote Republican is because most of them are Jewish-in-name-only, even if they primarily socialize other (cultural only) Jews and would only ever marry a Jew. That does not make them Jewish in the religious sense. In the religious sense, most self-labeled Jews are really just secular atheists – no wonder they vote Democrat!!
Khragh

I don’t understand why anyone who truly wants to be free, and fiscally responsible would ever vote Republican or Democrat. Quite frankly a religious state scares the hell out of me, and a party that tries to keep minorities down so they have to have the government to survive is even scarier. Vote a party that will truly set you free. Learn more about the Libertarian party, I think that you would be greatly surprised with the current party platform. They are the only political party that is of the people, for the people, and by the people. Take back your freedoms, everything from religious to medical and live like our forefathers had originally envisioned it’s citizens living…..FREE
rebbetex

I must have missed the part about who Michelle Goldberg is, what are her affiliations and backgrounds, etc. Her language is inflmmatory, often insulting, and
why Tablet chose to run this article puzzles me.

Jews who would vote for Obama a second time obviuously seem to have a
lack of comprehension of his inability to bring economic recovery, his
inability to grasp of the realities of the threats to Israel, and his agenda of programs that have not only weakened America’s economy, and its standing in the world.

He is no friend of Israel. Certainly, Jewish liberals who simply folow the Democratic party line will support Obama no matter what. They are often the wealthiest and most educated segments of American society, who see themselves as higlyly secure. Often they are elitists who have a social agenda to which they feel entitled to see implemented. I encounter them frequently. Disgree with them at your own risk.

I didn’t vote for him the first time. I wouldn’t vote for him in 2012.
I don’t agree with certain segments of the Republican party or their positions on some matters, but they worry a lot left than the anti-Semites of the left who have undue influence in the Democratic party.
Jim Schwartz

As a Jew myself, the preferred denomination of American Jews isn’t orthodox, conservative, reform, reconstructionist, renewal etc but reflexive visceral liberal democrat. Proof: whereas Obama got 78% of American Jewish vote – his popularity is less than 10% among Israeli Jews (the lowest of any American President in recent history).

Lenin said of capitalists that they would compete to sell rope to the communists with which the commies would hang them – and that is what smart American Jews are doing to Israel with their continuing support of Obama and the liberal progressive democrats.

Furthermore, theologically – earning one’s return to the World to Come is an inside out job of character – not a we are the world community latte swilling – reaching out to reach in – Tikkun Olam (repair the world) outside in. Note Olam also means hidden.

Judaism is Tikkun Atzmi – repairing oneself and you repair the world. These liberal progressive leftist – whatever they reinvent themselves out – like Goldberg slanting news – are Democrats first and gastronomical Jews (bagels and lox) a distant second. Judaism is just a Trojan horse for their leftist masochistic agenda – at the detriment of Israel and ironically themselves.
Marsh626

Way to project your own anti-Christian views on all Jews in America.

I know a lot of Jews. They don’t hate Christians.

Nor are they afraid of a boogeyman Christian theocracy that will persecutes Jews led by conservatives.

I mean, what is the most that Christian conservatives will bring back to America?

Prayer in school and restrictions on abortion?

Oh noes!

Run Jews run!

Fundamentalist Christians are simply nothing to worry about.

They just don’t pose a threat to anyone.

They’re simply not dangerous like fundamentalist islam is.
lana

@MARG 626 “they’re simply not dangerous like fundamentalist Islam is”
YOU CRUSADER PIG, WHO DARE YOU CRITIZE ANY OTHER RELIGIOUS GROUP, WHILE YOU ARE APART OF THE MOST VILE AND VIOLENT RELIGIOUS GROUP THAT THE WORLD HAVE EVER SEEN, THE SO CALLED “EVENGELICAL CHRISTIANS”
SO LET ME TELL YOU AND EDUCATE YOUR GRAPE SIZE “EVENGELICAL” BRAIN WHAT YOUR VIOLENT ABNOXIOUS MURDERES CHRISTIANITY IS, MAY I REMIND YOU THAT IT IS YOUR CHRISTIANITY THAT DROVE MILLIONS OF JEWS TO THE OVENS AT THE HANDS OF THE CHRISTIAN NAZIS, NOT TO MENTION THE ETHNIC CLEASING OF JEWS AND MUSLIMS DURING THE 3 CRUSADED AND THE INQUISITION AND COUNTLESS MORE ATROCITY THAT CHRISTIANITY IS REPONSIBLE FOR…SO WAKE UP AND SMELL YOUR MURDERES “god” jesus DOINGS. LEARN SOME HISTORY YOU CRUSADER SWINE, BEFORE YOU JUDGE ANY OTHER RELIGION. CHRISTIANITY HAS BEEN PROVEN BY HISTORY TO BE THE MOST VIOLENT RELIGION IN THE WORLD’S HISTORY OF RELIGIONS.

NOW to the ignorent so called “right wing jews”,DO YOU KNOW WHAT AWAITS YOU?? SINCE The genocidal christians pagans jesus worshipers (mainly the “evangelicals” or as i called them the “DEVILGELICALS” ) fantasize in their sick twisted minds to cause genocide and holocaust on all muslims, then if it were up to them and they somehow succeed, then be 100% sure that you “rights wing jews” are next in line of their murderes apocalypse , they will turn on you and crush you bones and save your blood for “jesus god” to drink in his “second comming” if you dont convert to their polytheitic “god jesus”.. SO BE VERY WARY AND AFRAID OF THEM, after you did suffer in their hands for 2000 years…SO after muslims bones have been crushed and their blood have been drank by the never ending crusaders, then it will be you turn and believe you me the holocust of hitler will be a child’s play compare to the sick and frightening ideology of the evengelical “apocalypstic” theology…
http://www.marjorieingall.com marjorie

Yay, I learned a new word! Chiliastic!

And I will observe, mildly, that Tablet’s commenters’ politics are not typical of American Jews as a whole. The polling data that use good methodology back this assertion up. Just as Goldberg says.
former slave

the right wing extremist christian pose the biggest threat to the US and Jewry in specific. Pushing Jews around a chess board so that Rapture can be accomplished is not a friendly move. Seeing a Jewish star on that vacuous vulture Sarah Palin is beyond vile. The Christian agenda in the US is simply domestic terrorism. Sick of the praying in the name of Jesus mantra that is seen and heard at sporting events and everything else is wrong and they don’t even see it. What they stand for beyond the ecological questions is everything Jews do not. Voting for the right wing hate will not be done in large numbers…the GOP has become extremist and they must be run out of office on all levels.
Rocky

The Jewish prayer Av Harachamim was not composed in honor of Jews who were slain by Muslims, rather it was to remember the thousands of Jews who were slain by the Christian Crusaders in 1096 in the Rhineland in what is now Germany. Even for Jews who only attend synagogue services a few times a year, it is a familiar prayer because it is also part for the Yiskor prayers for departed family members, usually parents. So Ilana has some very valid points, even if they are a bit rough. In the early 1520′s, Martin Luther initially looked to Jews for support of his Reformation. When they refused to convert, he turned on them with great fury. His writings in 1543 became a blue print for the Nazis almost four centuries later, from the burning of Jewish prayer books and synagogues to the banning of Jews from commerce, forcing Jews into forced labor and expelling them from society.

It remains to be seen how the unholy alliance between religious Jews and the Christian right will turn out in this country. But no demographic group has probably started with so little and done so well as American Jews in the past century and a half. The separation of church and state has been good for the Jews. The Founding Fathers didn’t get everything right, but they got that point very right. There is no religious test to hold public office, conduct a symphony or opera, enroll in a university, work in the professions or win a Macarthur Genius Grant. Jews have won lots of MacArthur Genius Grants and lots of Nobel Prizes.
http://yahoo sam cohen

I am Jewish and will never vote democrat as there hatred for Jews is thinly veiled. I think its because the left at heart hates any person that has a religion believing in a supreme being. The left want to replace God with communist politics.
Rich

By reading these comments, you would have thought McCain got 78% of the Jewish vote. Fact is, Goldberg hits the proverbial nail on the head. Most Jews can’t stomach the thought of someone like Rick Perry — organizer of today’s Christian prayer rally — getting anywhere near the White House. The Republican Party/Christian Right (now one and the same) would marginalize Jews and other religious minorities, and are presently attempting to “dumb down” our education system by advocating such ideas as creationism and other anti-intellectual and anti-science creeds. As much as I believe in and support Israel, I cannot fathom living in a country that would have such ill-informed and narrow mind people in power.
mss

I found this article very interesting, and the comments even more so. I am an liberal democrat and a conservative Jew. I believe in America and believe that Israel should remain a Jewish state because of what it symbolizes and because if it should fall into Arabic hands, I believe no one other than Muslims will be able to visit their religious sites. But, I have a problem…who to vote for. Being an almost life-long Democrat, I subscribe to the old Democratic ideals. I believe in freedom of speech, religion and choice, as long as it does not harm people. I think government should be minimalistic, but protective of its citizens. I believe in helping the poor and the sick. I believe in the attainment of the common man to become anything he/she so desires. I believe in the division of religion from state, without being ridiculous about it. I believe in leaving the Social Security System alone unless you come up with a better alternative. So for whom shall I vote? Obama? Truthfully, he scares me. A Republican evangelist or anyone who strongly comes out to say that they want a return to “Christian” values. A Tea Party candidate that I can’t see any difference in their views than Republican views. Vote for Green Party? That vote would just hurt a main party candidate. So who should I vote for? Sad that there is just no choice of candidates. Sad that Obama really is making it harder for other African-Americans and other minorities to successfully bid for the Presidency in the future. Where is a truly righteous person who really wants to make America a great Democracy once again, and who has the respect of the Senate and House to do so? Just MHO.
lana

@mss says.. “if it should fall into arabs hands, i believe no one other than muslims will be able to visit their religious site”

Mss, if that photo in your comment section is you, then you’re not so young, and it is shame that a women that age haven’t abandon her prejiduces by now..Also a shame that your are not better educated about world history.
Anyway! Prejiduce, intolerence, bigotry and racism should be opposed at any age, from every color, every nation, every religion, ect..I hope we agree.

Muslims controlled palestine(present day isreal) for more than 1350 years, exept for 1 period of time, when the pope at that time ordered European,christian fanatic crusaders, to invade jerusalem and destroy mosques and synagogues and to slaughter every living men, women, child, elderly, of jewish and muslims descent who opposed their invation, they(crusaders) didn’t even spare their eastern christians Co-religious.

SO during all that time when palestine was at the hands of muslims, since the beginning there was never interdiction on jews and christians to worship freely and their places of worship or their respective religious sites was never touched or harassed, and they(jews,christians)
had full control of their religious sites, other wise how do you explain as to why the wailing wall and the church of the holy sepulchre is still standing if arab muslims were “oppressive” of jews and christians during that long period they had control over palestine?

SO i would suggest and recomment to you, to search a little history on the topic of when the arabs and muslims controlled palestine before you spew your prejiduce.

As to you been Ok with Isreal being a “jewish state”, then i guess you would be Okey with Iran or Saudi Arabia being a “islamic state”.

Personally i hope for full blown democratization in all the middle east, whether be Egypt, Iran, Isreal, Saudi Arabia, Syria ect..for all.
NO “jewish state” or “islamic state” or “christian state” but full blown democracy.
http://www.boybutter.com Eyal Feldman

Lana, Muslims would not let Jews or Christians have freedom of religion, especially since Israel was established. When Jordan controlled the West Bank 1948-167, they did not allow Jews or Christians to pray there, in fact they destroyed religious houses. If you think that during the Crusades was the only time of Muslim religious restriction against others than it is you who need to research more. Muslim countries practice the least amount of religious freedom, not only for themselves but for others, this is a plain fact.
lana

@Eyal..pure bull grap..

Eyal..i lives in middle east for 18 years, and i absolutely don’t know of what you referring to, it’s in their scrupture, the Qur’an that the jews and christians religious freedom must be protected. What do you have for them in your books the Torah or the Bible, that guaranty their religious freedom? And do you think that the modern day “jewish state” give the muslims and christians freedom of relion? absolutely not
So perhaps you would better doing your search on less islamophobic site
Art

To understand this you need to understand their theology. I call it “Aliya Bingo”. To win the game, Rapture-oriented Christians win by getting to heaven. They can get there quicker, en masse, saving themselves faster from what they perceive to be a hell-on-earth by speeding up Aliya. In doing this, they claim to get a “blessing” or more rewards in heaven when they get there. The end game is once their bingo card is filled, they get taken to heaven in glory but conveniently don’t tell you that 2/3 of all the Jews in Israel need to die. In my estimation, it’s a very self serving view of God. If that’s what it means to support Israel, I am glad not to have their support.
Carl

Lana–I think that you forgot to mention the part about the 1 million Jews being ethnically cleansed from Arab countries.
James philadelphia

Michelle Goldberg writes a most interesting article. How American Jews will vote in 2012. How they feel about Obama, the democrats and republicans, Israel. The high numbers that show American Jews attached to liberal. thinking, compassion, social assistance to the helpless, are educational to me. The fact that Christian evangelistic support for Israel is rejected by most American Jews is there to be. Many factors will enter into supporting Obama or not supporting him. Already the big Jewish American donors are in for Obama. We will have toturn to other issues unemployment, protection of Medicare and Medicaid, health care reform, and many other domestic issues.
Personally I have resented the insulting manner of Obama towards Nethanyauh, because Bibi is the prime minister of a foreign country, regardless protocol is to show respect, unless you break relations. Ironically Michelle Obama met with Bibi’s wife after a very special request of the latter. And only in private without any news media present.
What am I going to do to control my temper. Obama and Michelle show narcissistic behavior, lack of class, uncalled for a presidential couple. If these are not signs of animosity by the Obama’s towards Israel, what else is it.
We know democrats liberals anti-Israel like Nancy Pelossi visiting Syrias dictator Bassar al-Assad when she was top honcho in the house of representatives with great fanfare. But she was over-critical when president George W. Bush
went to Israel to pay his respects during the 60 year anniversary of Israel independence.
Obama is not a friend of Israel. The ultra leftist democrats are not friends of Israel.
http://nycright.blogspot.com Ron Lewenberg

In 2000, Jews who normally vote Republican, or are open to it, voted for Joe Lieberman over the second employer of James Baker.
And this article is a reminder of the not only of the anti-Christian hysteria among Jews, but the ignorance that underlies it.
“Bachmann, like many evangelicals, believes in the scriptural imperative to restore the entire biblical land of Israel to Jewish control. She first went to Israel after high school, on a trip sponsored by the evangelical group Young Life, and she talks about Israel in the language of premillenial dispensationalism, the influential theology that holds that the second coming of Christ depends on the return of the Jews to their homeland. “If we reject Israel, then there is a curse that comes into play,” she told the Republican Jewish Coalition last year. “And my husband and I are both Christians, and we believe very strongly the verse from Genesis, we believe very strongly that nations also receive blessings as they bless Israel.””
The only problem is that Evangelical Lutherans are Preterists, which is to say that they believe in Replacement Theology and are theologically opposed to Israel as such. (You don’t have to believe me, here is the position of her former church http://www.wels.net/what-we-believe/questions-answers/end-world/israel-in-end-time-prophecy)
And yet, Bachmann is a political Zionist. Which is to say that the belief of Ms. Goldberg and so many other “tolerant”, “urbane”, and educated Jews is intolerate ignorant bigotry.
As a Jew, I am appalled at this pathalogical hatred and fear of Christians who accept us and like Israel. This is not 1905 Russia, and only mentally ill people can’t accept it.
http://nycright.blogspot.com Ron Lewenberg

I forgot, to add that not knowing how to pronounce “chutzpah” is an understandable, if amusing, error. That Michelle Goldberg, who wrote a book, “Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism” on Christian belief in America, doesn’t know or care to know the actual belief of candidates, but instead re-iterates tropes, is completely unacceptable. If she is not a hack who puts partisan and ideological goals above the pretense of journalistic integrity, Ms. Goldberg will either cite where I am wrong or will run a retraction.
I expect no response.
Alexander

@lana, I think if you honestly think that a defeated Israel under Arab control would result in religious freedom for Jews then your more delusional then the people of 1930′s Germany right before Hitler began his final solution. Nothing short of another holocaust would happen if the Arabs were to actually defeat Israel regardless of how your experience was in the ME, I have met plenty of people that would attest otherwise especially the gay Christians of ME countries. Also democracy is a form of government and no one actually has a democracy. Most forms of government are a republic (USA) or parliamentary (Israel). What is the big hang up with Israel being a Jewish state? Your just being a reverse racist by saying Jews can’t have a Jewish state, or that it shouldn’t be Jewish it should just be democratic. I don’t understand why people feel the need to oppress the Jewish people and deny Jews their rights to be themselves in their own land… There’s something very devious about your comments…
http://nycright.blogspot.com Ron Lewenberg

Ilana,
You are utterly ignorant of Muslim actions towards dhimmi Jews in occupied-Israel for 1300 years. Go read Bat Ye’or’s “The Dhimmi:
Jews and Christians under Islam “,
Robert Spencer’s “Myth of Islamic Tolerance” and/or Andrew Bostom’s “Legacy of Islamic Antisemitism”, and stop embarrassing yourself.
Mike

Michell Goldberg is totally wrong. Jews will leave the Democrats and vote for a Republican in larger numbers than before. Because of a belief in smaller government, balanced budgets, and support of Israel. We are tired of the same old, same old of the Democrats. We are tired of large, costly government programs that don’t work. How could any thinking Jew vote for Obama again?
James philadelphia

Barack Hussein Obama and Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton. No no no no please do not jump into calling them the three stooges. Insult Israel, bend to the Saudis. Mum about their Syrian pal Bassar al-Assad killing unarmed peaceful demonstrators. Our three stooges Barack -Michelle- Hillary are the Pepa Boy/Girls of the moment. Pepa in Mexico refers to the pumpking seed. Also refers to the woman’s c r u t ………
Is this vulgar? Is this for real? Yes it is. The three stooges two girls one boy. We have one white one black and one half white half black. Counting all a balanced ingredient, friends of Israel they are not, friends of Syria they are yes. Thayer don’t appear to be friends with another Moslem super Lybian leader Quadaffi , the drones are doing nothing nothing, he has been swatting them like mosquitoes. You get no respect when noble peace winner Barack uses costly drones to kill causing killingsew of innocent civilians. Well when you are a wimp, not too smart, a do nothing. And you are in command, you are to show something. At the end of the day we have these clowns to contend with. Barack is running for re-election. Michelle and Hillary are optimistic. The economy stinks, foreign policy stinks, just like in the slums. We All Are The United States of America………..a big stinking slum. Hey we need a brilliant community organizer to save us. Did any said Bill Bradley the previous senator from New Jersey? No that would be like a miracle combined with a mirage.
GOD please please save America get read of the three stooges Barack-Michelle-Hillary back to Chicago back to Billy Jefferson and his big cigars. If they were more than satisfying for Monica why not enjoy them. Famous words from the past, I did not have sex with that woman …..my cigar did.
Please pardon my French.
http://debraswritingspot.blogspot.com debra

Ron L. Gee Whiz, have you forgotten why it is we are concidered a ‘problem’. why we are the Jewish problem? It is because we are not gentiles Ron, and we do not and never will believe in Jesus. We are called stubborn, different, others, christ killers,need I go on? We are not the problem. It is Christians who have a problem with us, that is their problem. They have tried everything on earth to try to change and convert us, crusades, the inquisition, banishing us from entire countries.
The Evangelical love for Israel comes from the Revelation. When in the last days, this is if you believe this , of course, the countries, eight of them will come against israel and before they can press their buttons, along comes Jesus, to Israel, into Jerusalem through ,i believe the east gate, and with him comes one thousand years of peace. Now, of course in order for their Jesus Christ to come back, there must Exist… RIGHT…. an Israel, and this is where the unabided love, which I am a bit weary of, comes from.
Rick Perry “Corporations are people.” Really. No. Corporations are made UP of bunches of individuals who, are probably not making it any better than any of us in the united ststes right now.
I really dont believe that just because a person is incredibly wealthy, they should not pay taxes, because they create jobs. It makes absolutely no sense to me. The people who go out and buy are the middle and lower middles, when they get their tax check refund, or a tax, or refund of any kind.. and they buy the big ticket items… furniture, televisions and electronics, maybe a car, cloths. So tell me, what in the world is a multi billionaire going to go and buy with his or her check…Republicans are for the rich, very rich, who get tax loop holes for private jets, presidents and CEO’s of the corporations, who pay most of their salaries. They are for big oil,still, continuously,no matter the ruination of this country’s coastlines with sludge, killing small businesses th
Corey

Thank you, Debra! At last, a grounded, intelligent voice in this appalling wilderness of neo-conservative hate-mongering and, sorry folks, embarrassing ignorance. i usually try to be more civil in these comments, but i feel mightily provoked by what seems to be a coterie of “conservative” voices now dominating this neighborhood. How any Jew can fall for the smarmy, disingenuous, condescending dreck that flows from the Christian Right amazes me. “Anti-Christian hysteria?” I rank that with “oppressed white men” as an example of Orwellian doublespeak. Our rich cultural and political (Jewish) history is being trashed and its wisdom ignored by the “court Jews” who fawn over crypto-anti-Semitic, -fascist demagogues in their shabby lover-of-Israel disguises.
Avrum Fine

I thank G-d every day that I am not a liberal Jewish lemming.
IW

I don’t know what Israel Ilana is living in, but the Israel I live in has loads of mosques and churches, and anyone can walk in to pray, except, of course, that Jews can’t go up to the Temple Mount to pray, for fear of “inciting” the Moslems. Yet, go to Saudi Arabia and try to find a church or synagogue–there are none–they are not allowed. So if the Moslems ruled Israel, you can be sure all those churches and synagogues would be turned into mosques pronto, just like Joseph’s Tomb was overrun by the Moslems and painted over and desecrated, and like the Taliban who blew up the Buddha’s at Babayan, etc etc etc.Israel, among all the countries of the Middle East, is the foremost guarantor of freedom of religion, and only the psycho-left can’t see that.
Irv

This article is flat wrong. A lifelong Democrat, I voted for McCain because I knew what Obama had in store for the US, and for Israel. Many, many of my friends who voted for Obama are deeply disappointed in him and will give any Republican opponent a long, hard look at the very least, and a vote at most. It’s too bad–Obama came into office with two mandates: end the wars and fix the economy. He did neither, and instead immediately started kicking around Israel in public, and ran to Saudi Arabia to bow down before a Twelfth Century potentate who won’t even allow women in his country to drive a car. How absurd is that?? And this guy should be president for another four years? Give me a break.
lana

dhimmi yet another garbabe word invented for the stupid jew and muslim to seperate them further at the expanse of WHO again??????
lana

dhimmi yet another garbage word invented for the stupid jew and muslim to seperate them further at the expanse of WHO again??????
Walter Sobchak

So the author concludes that, as long as Jews live inside Blue Bubbles like New York, where the media can lie to them about their christian fellow citizens, and they believe the kind of hysterical nonsense that she believes about non-jews, who she doubtless never meets nor talks to, the Jews will be faithful acolytes of the Democrat party no matter what kind of left wing anti-semite the Democrats stand up for the office of chief magistrate.

Perhaps. Perhaps not. It is time to drop the scales from from Jewish eyes, and to figure out who really cares about Israel, and who wants to sell it down the river.
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Sarah Pailin and Michelle Bachmann would been outstanding Christian women who would have supported Israel with unwavering resolve as POTUS, unlike the closet muslim obama, and his condescending secretary of state, and the socialist military destroying panneta who are out to destroy the nation of Israel that many Christians love. Having no morals with regards to killing unborn children, allowing the destruction of the family by teaching young children that any kind of sex is acceptable, even the behavior that the Bible calls an abomination, homosexuality is something the Demoncratic party embraces wickedly and wholeheartedly. They do not care if this nation fails because of its lack of morality and that means Elohim’s judgement will come sooner than later. Secular Jews are no different than non-god fearing gentiles, it is their natural proclivity to gravitate to debauchery and evil mores. If you vote for an immoral political party then you truly do not have a conscience and you definitely are not religious according to the Torah or the Bible. Each person is judged in the end by Elohim for their life choices during ones life, no one is to blame besides yourself, you own your own bad decisions and conduct.
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The GOP Establishment & Fox New Commentators are East-Coast Liberals. Bible believing Christians frightens the hell out of them, that’s why they call us conservatives. But we know who they are, and where they come from.
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The article overlooks another factor in the antagonism that progressivist Jews feel towards Christians on the right, which is sheer hatred for people who have the temerity to disagree with them on policy issues. It has nothing to do with fears of conversion, or the ‘Christianization’ of Society. It is simply bigotry. When progressivist politics is your religion, you tend to invest your ego in your opinions, and invariably experience disagreement as disrespect. Couple that with the progressivist presumption of the moral high ground in all matters, and the result is simple hate.

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Republicans are once again arguing that American Jews will abandon the Democratic Party. But it won’t happen, because Jews recoil from the GOP’s overt Christianity, even when it comes with staunch pro-Israel views.

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