Ben Smith is reporting that the Republican Jewish Coalition is conducting a push-poll aimed at Jewish voters in several key states, including Florida, Michigan and Ohio, in which they are asked 82 questions about Obama, so as to encourage doubts about his commitment to Israel. The poll cites his association with Jimmy Carter's national security adviser, Zbig Brzezinski. And another demon: Prof. Rashid Khalidi, of Columbia. Dems are crying foul, a Dem group has apparently picketed the New York call center from which the calls originated.
One question: If America loves Israel, then why are these calls directed at Jewish voters? Why not everyone? Neocons are in McCain's saddle, and neocons still have a call on Jewish communal life.
America doesn't love Israel. The nation has indulged itself in an orgy of consumerism for decades, and many have ignored irritants such as Israel, immigration, multiculturalism and massive corruption that have slipped under the radar. Fewer circuses and less bread may change some things.
A sagging economy may help Obama, but a collapse would certainly make make voters less likely to take a chance on a cultural radical like Obama in order to feel modern or less guilty.
I'd like to see change. Unfortunately, the two-party system offers none.
There are other calls directed at other constituencies as well.
Florida is a big swing state, and elderly Jewish voters are perceived as fearful and therefore manipulable.
If there was confident peace in and for Israel, there would be no leverage to push for.
McCain is so weak on economic issues, both short and long-term, and Obama is so informed and capable, that that would control the sentiment.
I'm certain that retirees economic security plays MUCH MUCH more than the nuance of concerns about Israel.
oh my god are you telling me that obama has associations with known palestinians? didn't anybody tell him this is disgusting and unacceptable in polite american society?
the horror.