Spring Break
A Jewish issue
Most Jewish voters at Brandeis place their confidence in Obama
by Denisse Dubrovsky and Shana D. Lebowitz
Features | 11/4/08
Posted online at 1:47 AM EST on 11/4/08
Sarna also noted that the smear campaigns, specifically the anti-Obama marketing in this year's election, may also have cost McCain some Jewish support.
The typical Jewish voter, Sarna explained, won't decide whom to vote for until he's sat down and properly studied all of the pertinent issues.
Theories and junk e-mails labeling Obama as an anti-Semite, anti-Zionist or radical Muslim might ultimately prove to hurt rather than help the Republican campaign.
Shira M.T. Rosenblum '10, a gabbi (Jewish synagogue position lower than a rabbi) in the Brandeis University Conservative Organization, says she wasn't particularly interested in investigating rumors about Obama's Muslim ties.
"There's been talk up to this point about Obama being Muslim," she says. "People just don't think [to check their facts.]"
On the other hand, McCain fans say the senator's 22-year streak of support for Israel means more than Obama's three-year record.
"The problem is," says Joshua Klein '11, a member of BOO, "Obama says he's pro-Israel, but the truth is he's been in the Senate for a much shorter time."
Still, most students don't cite significant differences between McCain and Obama's specific policies toward Israel.
Andrew Brooks '09, Brandeis Israel Public Affairs committee president, maintains that both parties have formed platforms that are clearly auspicious toward Israel.
According to Brooks, BIPAC's executive board is currently split evenly between Republicans and Democrats.
The bipartisanism "adds to [BIPAC's] dynamic because we have representation on both sides," Brooks says. In fact, Brooks believes Israel is the only unifying factor in Congress and among the political parties in general.
Outreach Coordinator for BIPAC Avi Rhodes '09, for whom Israel is a top issue, is voting for McCain, but not because he feels McCain would be more supportive of Israel. Rhodes believes that a strong America is in Israel's best interest and that McCain could foster this strength.
The typical Jewish voter, Sarna explained, won't decide whom to vote for until he's sat down and properly studied all of the pertinent issues.
Theories and junk e-mails labeling Obama as an anti-Semite, anti-Zionist or radical Muslim might ultimately prove to hurt rather than help the Republican campaign.
Shira M.T. Rosenblum '10, a gabbi (Jewish synagogue position lower than a rabbi) in the Brandeis University Conservative Organization, says she wasn't particularly interested in investigating rumors about Obama's Muslim ties.
"There's been talk up to this point about Obama being Muslim," she says. "People just don't think [to check their facts.]"
On the other hand, McCain fans say the senator's 22-year streak of support for Israel means more than Obama's three-year record.
"The problem is," says Joshua Klein '11, a member of BOO, "Obama says he's pro-Israel, but the truth is he's been in the Senate for a much shorter time."
Still, most students don't cite significant differences between McCain and Obama's specific policies toward Israel.
Andrew Brooks '09, Brandeis Israel Public Affairs committee president, maintains that both parties have formed platforms that are clearly auspicious toward Israel.
According to Brooks, BIPAC's executive board is currently split evenly between Republicans and Democrats.
The bipartisanism "adds to [BIPAC's] dynamic because we have representation on both sides," Brooks says. In fact, Brooks believes Israel is the only unifying factor in Congress and among the political parties in general.
Outreach Coordinator for BIPAC Avi Rhodes '09, for whom Israel is a top issue, is voting for McCain, but not because he feels McCain would be more supportive of Israel. Rhodes believes that a strong America is in Israel's best interest and that McCain could foster this strength.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
Paul Trusten, R.Ph., '73
posted 11/05/08 @ 11:33 AM EST
The above article looks as if it was written under the influence of some soporific drug, and the subjects of the article seem to have been speaking under the same influence. (Continued…)
Ian
posted 11/05/08 @ 11:43 AM EST
American Jews have lost any sense of allegiance to their people and have put Israel into a very dangerous position, electing someone openly described as the "stealth candidate" by hiding his beliefs, philosophy or positions. (Continued…)
George Patsourakos
posted 11/05/08 @ 2:14 PM EST
George Patsourakos
About 75 percent of American Jews typically vote for a Democrat for President of the United States -- rather than a Republican -- because American Jews tend to be liberal. (Continued…)
Class of 08
posted 11/10/08 @ 9:57 PM EST
Paul - a small point, but "what kind of society tolerates the disposal of children at hospital emergency rooms?"
One that prefers dropping children off at emergency rooms or fire stations as opposed to garbage cans or dumpsters. (Continued…)
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