S4 Ep9: American Jews Are Nervous (with Bill Kristol)
Nov 18, 2023
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Political commentator and writer Bill Kristol joins Sarah to discuss the worries of American Jews, including concerns about Israel, anti-Semitism, safety, and expressing their Jewish identity. They also analyze Trump's foreign policy, Hamas propaganda, and concerns over aid to Ukraine. The discussion touches on the frustrations with certain members of Congress and the Democratic Party's response, as well as concerns about the potential consequences of a Trump presidency.
Jewish Americans express concerns about rising anti-Semitism on college campuses and their uneasiness about personal safety and security.
Jewish Republican voters feel that Biden does not receive enough recognition for his pro-Israel stance, and some believe the world would be more stable if Trump were still the president.
The Republican Party is shifting towards an isolationist stance, with focus group participants expressing hesitation in providing aid to Ukraine and emphasizing a need to focus on domestic issues.
Deep dives
Biden's Support for Israel and Concerns of Jewish Americans
The podcast episode discusses the Biden administration's support for Israel amid the Middle East conflict. While the Biden administration has been viewed as strongly pro-Israel, some Jewish Americans expressed concerns about rising anti-Semitism in the US, particularly on college campuses. They highlighted instances of harassment and demonstrations that made them feel uneasy. Despite this, the majority of Jewish Americans are still Democrats, and Jewish Republican voters represent a smaller portion. The episode explores the dynamics within the Jewish conservative and Republican community, noting their conservative stance on social issues and concerns about anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party.
Fear and Safety Concerns for Jewish Americans
The episode highlights the fears and safety concerns expressed by Jewish Americans in the wake of increased anti-Semitism incidents and rising tensions in the Middle East. Jewish Trump voters voiced their apprehension about openly expressing their Jewish identity, wearing symbols like the Star of David, or even putting stickers supporting Israel on their cars due to potential backlash or violence. The rise in anti-Semitic incidents on campuses and the lack of strong condemnation from university leaders was discussed, leading to heightened worries about personal safety and security among Jewish Americans.
Lack of Crediting Biden's Support for Israel
Despite Biden's strong support for Israel, the Jewish Republican voters in the episode did not give him credit for it. They felt that he did not receive the recognition he deserved for his pro-Israel stance. Some participants in the focus group expressed a belief that the world would be more stable and conflicts like the one in the Middle East would not escalate if Trump were still the president. The unpredictable nature of Trump was seen as beneficial in deterring foreign leaders from provoking conflicts.
Isolationist Views on Aid to Ukraine and Israel
The episode presents a shift in the Republican Party's views on foreign policy, with a more isolationist stance emerging. Some of the focus group participants expressed hesitation in providing further aid to Ukraine, citing concerns about accountability for the aid already sent. They questioned the effectiveness of aid and felt that more should be dedicated to domestic issues. The sentiment of avoiding foreign entanglements was echoed in their perception of overseas conflicts and their belief that the US should focus on its own problems before intervening in other countries.
Concerns About American Foreign Policy
The podcast episode raises concerns about the future of American foreign policy if the Republican Party continues to embrace an isolationist direction. The focus group participants felt that the Democratic Party's emphasis on aid and support for other countries, such as Ukraine and Israel, went against their America-first ideology. They believed that a withdrawal from global affairs and a focus on domestic issues would be more beneficial for the United States. The isolationist sentiments discussed could have geopolitical implications and potentially shape the future direction of American foreign policy.
It's been difficult to be Jewish in America since October 7, so we're listening to how Jewish voters are processing this moment, and how all Americans are reacting. Bill Kristol joins Sarah to break it all down.
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