Courting the Jewish vote

Republicans are of course ecstatic that the New York 9th Congressional District voted Republican for the first time in almost 90 years, despite its being the district with the largest percentage of Jewish voters in the country, having a 3 to 1 Democrat advantage in registered voters, and having an Orthodox Jew running against a Catholic. Paradoxically, Jewish Democrats should be equally ecstatic.

This outcome shows that Obama is hemorrhaging Jewish votes. Trying to spin the results any other way is futile. Obama is suspected by some of being a closet Muslim; now he will be required to become more Jewish than Moses. In order to stem this tide, from now until election day he will have to go to any length to convince Jewish voters that he is unreservedly on Israel’s side, and doubtless that is exactly what he will do. In fact, the process has already started.

That’s excellent. Israel’s situation now is extremely perilous, and it will more than ever need total support from the United States. It doesn’t matter why it will now get that support; the critical factor is that it will be there. If this means Obama will thereby manage to retain many Jewish votes, so be it.

It is my personal hope and expectation that Obama will be a one-term president. But if the result of the election in New York’s 9th District is a wake-up call that leads him to be unequivocally supportive of Israel at this critical time, it is an outcome devoutly to be wished.

Lee Levin
Overland Park, Kan.

Respect President Obama

I am frustrated by hearing many Jewish people voicing their opinion that President Obama does not support Israel. I have even heard some say they will not vote for him because of this misconception. I have never been a one -issue voter, and am sad that many people are, but in this case, the perceptions (and concerns) are misplaced. Just last week (Sept. 15), the Chronicle included a short article about AIPAC and AJC lauding Obama for the immediate U.S. intervention on behalf of Israel’s besieged embassy in Cairo. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu also expressed gratitude for our quick and decisive assistance.

Though I am disappointed in some aspects of his administration, I respect President Obama for his handling of the myriad problems that have faced him, many not of his own making. I will continue to support him in every way I can, while respecting the opinions of others who do not share my conviction. However, as Bill Clinton said on ABC News recently, EVERY United States president will always support Israel, so I believe we as Jewish voters can afford to take a broader view of the administration, review its accomplishments, appreciate its support for Israel and think about the values of the Democrats and how they differ from those of the Republican candidates. As many have said before me: “Be careful what you wish for!”

Judy Sherry
Kansas City, Mo.