As regular readers know, I believe that the heart of “the special relationship,” the undying love between the U.S. and Israel, is American Jewish political action. I tend to pooh-pooh Christian Zionists. Here’s some evidence against my theory.
Kate Marshall is a Democrat from Reno and the Nevada State Treasurer. A former Peace Corps volunteer, she is now running for Congress in the vast second district (not Shelley Berkley’s). Well lately she released a speech “on an issue she’s never talked about,” expressing unwavering support for Israel in the face of attacks and by mistake left in the staff memo about why such support is politically important.
The pandering was to reach out to rightwing Republican voters who dig Glenn Beck! Tim Mak at Politico:
her aides accidentally left in a “background” section at the bottom that explained why it would be “useful to express support for Israel.”
The notes that were supposed to remain private also went on to say that a statement on Israel would be timely because of Glenn Beck’s recent Rally to Restore Courage event in Jerusalem. The section alludes to the fact that Republicans are generally supporters of Israel, noting that Marshall could gain by siding with Israel “in an R district.”
“[Memo portion] Background: Israel has been in the news lately, and will be even more in the news with Beck’s “Rally to Restore Courage” in Jerusalem. In an R district, it will be useful to express support for Israel and demonstrate some foreign policy prowess while it is a timely topic – especially for people who are likely paying attention to Beck’s event.
