US special: The Great Jewish Debate - with Dan Senor and Jeremy Bash
Oct 29, 2024
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Dan Senor, a former foreign policy advisor and author, teams up with Jeremy Bash, ex-chief of staff at the CIA, to tackle the pivotal questions facing American Jewish voters. They debate how Kamala Harris and Donald Trump align with Jewish concerns about Israel and rising antisemitism. The duo dissects U.S. foreign policy complexities, Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the implications of the contentious Iran deal. Their discussion highlights the urgent need for moral leadership amid a fracturing political landscape, shedding light on the Jewish community's priorities.
The podcast explores how Jewish voters are critically evaluating their support for Kamala Harris versus Donald Trump regarding Israel and antisemitism.
Dan Senor highlights Trump's notable foreign policy actions, framing him as a strong ally for Israel despite concerns over his moral integrity.
Jeremy Bash emphasizes Kamala Harris's consistent pro-Israel stance and her dedication to military aid for Israel amidst rising antisemitism.
Deep dives
The Great Jewish Debate
The podcast explores the pressing question of how Jewish voters in the U.S. will cast their ballots in the upcoming elections, particularly in light of international issues like the Israel-Gaza conflict. It highlights the concern among many Jewish Americans about what is best for both American Jewry and Israel. The hosts discuss the complexities involved, especially with two significant political figures like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and their perceived stances on Israel. This conversation underscores the importance of recognizing the unique perspectives and experiences that shape the Jewish community's voting behavior.
Trump's Foreign Policy Record
Dan Cienor discusses Donald Trump's foreign policy record, pointing out that Trump was notable for actions such as moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Cienor emphasizes that Trump's administration took decisive action against Iran, which included a maximum pressure campaign and the assassination of prominent Iranian military figure Qasem Soleimani. He argues that Trump's past decisions and the hawkish advisors he surrounds himself with contribute to a perception of him as a strong ally for Israel. This framing suggests that Trump’s previous actions in office grant him a significant credibility on Israel-related issues.
Harris's Commitment to Israel
Jeremy Bash articulates Vice President Kamala Harris's strong support for Israel, asserting that her track record includes substantial military aid and a commitment to Israel's defense amidst current geopolitical tensions. He argues that Harris has repeatedly demonstrated her commitment to U.S.-Israel relations through her participation in high-stakes defense discussions and aid allocations. Bash also points to the Democratic National Committee's platform, which reflects robust support for Israel and is publicly aligned with her views. This discussion reveals a push for voters to see Harris as a consistently pro-Israel candidate, even amidst more progressive dissent within the party.
Jewish Voter Sentiment
The conversation addresses concerns among Jewish voters regarding Biden and Harris’s effectiveness in standing against anti-Semitism and supporting Israel. Dan Cienor expresses doubts about the support that Harris offers and raises concerns about anti-Israel sentiments growing within the Democratic Party. They highlight the importance of the Jewish vote, particularly in battleground states where historical voting patterns may shift under the current political climate. This exchange hints that the Jewish electorate may be reevaluating their traditional affiliations in light of contemporary issues and the candidates' positions.
The Moral Compass of Leadership
The discussion transitions to weighing the moral integrity of both Trump and Harris as leaders, particularly in relation to Israel’s interests. Cienor argues that Trump's leadership lacks a moral core and is driven by transactional motives, potentially compromising U.S. alliances. In contrast, Bash asserts that Harris demonstrates consistent advocacy for Israel's safety and the larger Jewish community. This reflects a critical underlying question for voters: which candidate can uphold moral principles while conducting foreign policy and maintaining vital relationships with American allies?
With less than a week to go till America decides, who will the country’s Jews be backing - Kamala Harris or Donald Trump? And who deserves their support most? For this special episode, Yonit and Jonathan bring together two seasoned foreign policy players - longtime Republican and podcaster Dan Senor and veteran Democrat and analyst Jeremy Bash to thrash out which of the two presidential candidates would be best for those US Jews increasingly anxious about the future of Israel and the rise in antisemitism.