Israel Matzav

Israel isn't only an issue for Jews

Why does it seem that the mainstream media - including the Jewish mainstream media - assumes that the only people for whom Israel is a campaign issue are the Jews? Of course, Israel ought to be a high priority issue for Jews, but for many of them it's not. And yet, in the current election cycle in the US, the American relationship with Israel has become a major campaign issue in states like Pennsylvania, West Virginia, California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Washington.

Nathan Guttman argues that it's only an issue in this election because the two parties are trying to position themselves for 2012 when foreign policy will really be an issue.

Democrats are quick to dismiss this notion, pointing to polls showing that Jewish voters remain strongly on their side. Republicans say that even if the Democrats turn out to be right, raising the issue of Democratic support for Israel now could bear fruit in the long run, when Jewish voters make their choice in the next presidential elections.

“It opens opportunities for 2012, when foreign policy plays a role,” said GOP pollster and Fox News commentator Frank Luntz. “It sets the tone for 2012.”

In the meantime, Republicans are pouring significant amounts of cash into congressional races in which they believe Jewish voters could be swayed to depart from their traditional Democratic tilt and vote for a Republican candidate they describe as stronger on Israel.

But what both sides seem to miss is that even in states like California, the impact of Jews in a statewide race is miniscule. The same goes for Illinois (although not for its 9th Congressional district, where the Jewish impact is significant), Pennsylvania, and probably just about every other state aside from New York and New Jersey. So why is Israel such an issue?

Israel is an issue because it matters to the general population. Americans overwhelmingly identify with Israel. They feel the shared values between the United States and Israel, and they want their candidates to support Israel. That's why - sorry Democrats - although many Jews are psychologically incapable of pulling the lever for a Republican, if the Obama administration continues to try to force Israel to make dangerous concessions, Democratic candidates will suffer.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 5:58 AM