NEW YORK — Sad to say, President Trump has just blown any chance (admittedly, next-to-zero, or less) of establishing political détente with me. He did it with an all-too-typical wild-and-woolly statement that many considered startling, even offensive. Count me among them.
Trump issued a challenge to Jewish voters, aimed at getting them to avoid voting for Democratic candidates He’s undoubtedly stirred many Jews to action in next year’s national, statewide and local elections. But not necessarily in the way he hoped.
Referring to Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, Democratic congresswomen who support the boycott movement against Israel, Trump declared: “Where has the Democratic Party gone? Where have they gone where they are defending these two people over the state of Israel? And I think any Jewish people that vote for a Democrat, I think it shows either a total lack of knowledge or great disloyalty.”
There were other attention-getting Trump pronouncements around the same time: (“I am the chosen one” to confront China on trade, a boast he later said was sarcasm, and his invocation of one man’s praise that “I am king of the Jews”). Those comments are best left for other constituencies to deal with.
But regarding his accusation of disloyalty on the part of Jews who vote Democratic, there are some points to keep in mind:
Contrary to popular belief, Jews are not a monolithic group. Historically, the majority has voted Democratic, but among Jews there are progressives, moderates, conservatives, and more.
There are some Jews who consistently vote Republican, perhaps choosing to overlook Trump’s separation of children from their parents, his insults to individuals and groups, including allies, his constant lying, and boasting and general insensitivity.
Maybe they’re influenced by bottom-line considerations and the party’s apparent unwavering support of Israel (though when it comes to action, the Democrats are equally solid supporters). But whatever the motivation, these Jewish constituents are hidebound GOP voters, and don’t need convincing.
Full disclosure: For almost all of my adult life, I’ve voted for Democratic candidates in national elections. I‘ve found that most of the party’s philosophy, as evidenced by its platforms and pronouncements, jibes with my own. On such subjects as civil rights (gay, women, minority, family planning)…social services…judicial philosophy…immigration… social services…climate change…gun control. The Democratic Party and I are much more in sync than with the opposition.
Also, while there are undoubtedly exceptions (Dare I say it? There are “fine people” on both sides) I‘ve found that, as a group, Democratic holders of national office are less mean-spirited than those on the other side.
The Jewish undecided, fence-sitting voter may well be grateful for the president’s push to the right, which may help him or her make a decision. But since when, many inside and outside of politics ask, does an individual’s political preferences align with patriotism and loyalty to one’s people?
Trump’s Jewish loyalty comments has sparked some outrage. One comment, typical of the criticism of the president’s remarks, cited what the critic said was “a trope that’s been used against the Jewish people for centuries with dire consequences, and which encourages anti-Semitism.”
Maybe, for some of us, the president’s assertion of disloyalty for Jews who vote for Democrats has solidified our support for the team we root and cast our ballots for.
Surely, I’m not worried that I’ll be frightened away from voting my conscience in the forthcoming presidential election.
But one concern lingers: Will Trump connect my patriotism with which candidate I support in my shul’s election?
*
Cohen is a freelance writer based in New York.