Obama's Nonexistent "Jewish Problem"

There was a lot of ink spilled during the Democratic primary and after about Barack Obama's supposed "Jewish problem." I never believed Obama had a "Jewish problem" writ large but I did think he might lag with certain older segments of the Jewish community in states like Florida, who were more susceptible to false allegations that he was Muslim, bad on Israel or a clone of Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton.

But those concerns seem to have dissipated, with a new Gallup poll showing Obama winning three-quarters of the Jewish vote, roughly equal to John Kerry and slightly below Gore-Lieberman. Obama has been increasing steadily since July and is now doing better among Jews 55 years and older than any other age bracket.

Gallup doesn't explain why Obama has made gains among Jewish voters in recent months, but my guess is that the slumping economy and selection of Sarah Palin were major factors. Palin, in particular, is persona non grata in the Jewish community because of her lack of experience, unfamiliarity with Israel and right-wing Christian evangelism/social conservatism.

A number of prominent Jewish politicians, including former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, endorsed Obama after McCain picked Palin. "Frankly, it would scare me if she were to succeed John McCain in the presidency," Koch wrote. He's since stumped for Obama in South Florida. Congressman Robert Wexler of Palm Beach, one of Obama's most effective Jewish surrogates, called the Palin pick "a direct affront to the Jewish community." (Read this great dispatch from Salon about "Palin and the Jewish vote in Florida.")

In the face of attacks from groups like the Republican Jewish Coalition, the Obama campaign has smartly worked this important demographic. An astute commenter on the blog Open Left noted "there is a Florida Jews calling Florida Jews list on MyBarackObama.com."

And if all else fails, there's always The Great Schlep.

Comments (18)

1. >>>Palin, in particular, is persona non grata in the Jewish community because of her lack of experience, unfamiliarity with Israel and right-wing Christian evangelism/social conservatism.<<<

   ARI, you hit the nail squarely on the head!

   Posted by Metteyya at 10/27/2008 @ 11:12am

2. If you read the Jewish World review, which I do, you would realize that many Jews do see the forest for the trees and they aren't going down the same old straight Democratic Road they always did. In addition, the polls show Obama has a wide margin of potential voters in the Muslim community as well, maybe he really is the Messiah...is it possible that for once Jews and Muslims will really be on the same side. You reason that Palin doesn't have experience is bogus...she has more than Obama, and as far as Biden is concerned....for 35 years he has done nothing....and when he does speak, it shows. I keep thinking of the fact that Nancy Pelosi has been 2 heartbeats away from the Presidency for 8 years....that is a heart stopping thought....did you worry about that? We all should have....that scares the heck out of me, not Sarah Palin....

   Posted by 4NoParty at 10/27/2008 @ 11:23am

3. Posted by 4NoParty at 10/27/2008 @ 11:23am

   Gotta love a guy who LIES in his own blog nickname!

   LOL

   Posted by Maskdelta at 10/27/2008 @ 11:56am

4. BTW...

   "But those concerns seem to have dissipated, with a new Gallup poll showing Obama winning three-quarters of the Jewish vote, roughly equal to John Kerry and slightly below Gore-Lieberman."

   I'm sure LVLIB will show up to explain how either those aren't "real" Jews or how all the "good Jews" moved to Israel to vote for Netanyahu and left the "Marxist, surrender to the terrorists" Jews back here in the States!

   heheh

   Posted by Maskdelta at 10/27/2008 @ 11:58am

5. Gotta love a guy who LIES in his own blog nickname!

   Posted by Maskdelta at 10/27/2008 @ 11:56am

   I LOVE how you readily accuse people of lying when you actually know so little about them. It's shocking to me that you can tell that 4NoParty only votes republican because of what he/she wrote in that post.

   I support and have supported candidates from at least three different parties. But I'm sure you assume I always vote Republican because of my conservative leanings.

   Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/27/2008 @ 12:17pm

6. Considering Cheney was forever in a bunker during his term as VP, I'm surprised anyone ever thought Pelosi had a chance at being Pres. I was horrified that Cheney was always a heartbeat away. Pelosi is alot less scarier than Cheney. The one thing they do have in common is their crappiness at being public servants.

   Posted by k330k at 10/27/2008 @ 1:03pm

7. I think the worry had more to do with Cheney's heart condition than worrying he might be killed.

   Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/27/2008 @ 1:08pm

8. Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/27/2008 @ 12:17pm

   jayne, you don't spout Republican/McCain talking points and then claim you're "4NoParty".

   4No wants to step up and claim he's voting for Bob Barr....fine. But I won't hold my breath.

   BTW, I'd actually assume that the 3 parties you voted for were "America First", "Libertarian", and "Constitution". But NEVER when it was close unless the GOPer was a Lincoln Chaffee or Jim Jeffords Republican.

   Posted by Maskdelta at 10/27/2008 @ 1:24pm

9. Posted by Maskdelta at 10/27/2008 @ 1:24pm

   "jayne, you don't spout Republican/McCain talking points"

   What are these "talking points" you claim that I'm "spouting"? My POV is my POV, not talking points. Sorry ;p

   "4No wants to step up and claim he's voting for Bob Barr....fine. But I won't hold my breath."

   I'm not asking you to. I don't know what 4NoParty will do as far as your attack is concerned. But calling someone you don't even know a liar is just bad form. YMMV.

   "BTW, I'd actually assume that the 3 parties you voted for were "America First", "Libertarian", and "Constitution". But NEVER when it was close unless the GOPer was a Lincoln Chaffee or Jim Jeffords Republican."

   That's what assuming will get you. I've voted for at least 3 democrats in state elections and 2 for the House. I've voted for an independant in a congressional election, though he didn't win. I'd say I probably vote republican 60% of the time, but I don't vote party lines. I'm an informed voter who votes with both my head and my heart when it comes to the issues I find most important.

   You're free to think what you like about me. It's "no skin off my nose" as my Granny use to say. But my opinion of you has just dropped a few notches.

   Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/27/2008 @ 1:39pm

10. Sorry Mask, I just realized the "you" in this statement "you don't spout Republican/McCain talking points and then claim you're "4NoParty"" is directed at 4NoParty (though it could be read to be directed at me). I'll let him/her handle that one.

    Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/27/2008 @ 1:41pm

11. I think the worry had more to do with Cheney's heart condition than worrying he might be killed.

    Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/27/2008 @ 1:08pm

    I see what you're saying but Cheney seems, to me, to be the kind of man to spit in death's face and make it go crying to mommy. He'll proabbly stick his own hand in his chest to keep his heart going. That's just my impression, though. He's probably the sweetest man in the world.

    Posted by k330k at 10/27/2008 @ 2:06pm

12. Posted by k330k at 10/27/2008 @ 2:06pm "I see what you're saying but Cheney seems, to me, to be the kind of man to spit in death's face and make it go crying to mommy. He'll proabbly stick his own hand in his chest to keep his heart going. That's just my impression, though. He's probably the sweetest man in the world."

    LOL! Oh my goodness, that was the funniest thing I've heard all day!

    And now I'm feeling a bit guilty for laughing because my hubby has some pretty serious heart problems. Forgive me...I wish Cheney no harm.

    Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/27/2008 @ 2:13pm

13. osted by jayneslilsis at 10/27/2008 @ 1:39pm

    I'd LOVE to know a US House Democrat that could win your vote?

    Posted by Maskdelta at 10/27/2008 @ 2:16pm

14. Posted by Maskdelta at 10/27/2008 @ 2:16pm "I'd LOVE to know a US House Democrat that could win your vote?"

    I don't have anything to prove to you Mask, and I don't feel the need to list who I've voted for in the past. You want to believe I'm a liar, go ahead. I can't stop you. But, your suspicion of me reveals more about you than you'd think. Regardless, my state's House representatives are almost evenly split between Dems and Repubs.

    I'm considering voting for the democratic incumbant for my US Rep and I actually voted for him last time. Twice in a row! Hold onto that high horse you're sitting on Mask, you're teetering.

    Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/27/2008 @ 2:33pm

15. Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/27/2008 @ 2:33pm

    jayne, I'm simply asking a question....I am truly curious as to what US House rep of the Democratic Party can win over your vote?

    I assume you're not a constituent of John Murtha?....heheh

    Posted by Maskdelta at 10/27/2008 @ 3:46pm

16. Elect Dick Cheney to the little known "Vader Campaign!"

    Posted by chaoszen at 10/27/2008 @ 5:59pm

17. Obama's New Ethnic Descriptor in the Middle East.

    "Juselims." Jews and Muslims finally living together in Harmony. Fighting as one against the heretic and Terroristic "Christian Fundies."

    What a World!

    Posted by chaoszen at 10/27/2008 @ 6:10pm

18. Posted by Maskdelta at 10/27/2008 @ 3:46pm

    Nope. I don't live in PA. Only 49 more states to guess...

    "I am truly curious as to what US House rep of the Democratic Party can win over your vote?"

    Sarcasm is not "simply asking a question" (which is what the bold text implied to me), but question answered...one of the incumbant democrats. That might narrow down your field a bit, but I'm not answering anymore of your guesses, so I suppose you'll just have to leave it at that. Cheers!

    Posted by jayneslilsis at 10/28/2008 @ 08:14am