Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 | 2 a.m.
“As a conservative, as somebody who believes in and cares in regards to the Structure, I’ve thought deeply about this, and due to the hazard that Donald Trump poses, not solely am I not voting for Donald Trump, however I will likely be voting for Kamala Harris.”
And with that assertion, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney — the outspoken, Republican and really conservative daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney — did what was anticipated by some and by no means thought doable by so many different People.
And he or she will not be alone. There are hundreds, in all probability hundreds of thousands, of American political conservatives who will make the identical determination, in all probability for the primary time of their lives. They may vote for the Structure of america and in opposition to the one president who has demonstrated not solely his disdain for our most revered governing precepts however his contempt for individuals who would “defend and defend” our foundational doc, as much as and together with his personal vice chairman, Mike Pence.
In distinction, this previous week in Las Vegas the Republican Jewish Coalition met to advance its agenda which, for essentially the most half, was to create again within the mid-’80s some optimistic relationships with the GOP relating to Jewish and Israeli causes.
At the moment, pro-Jewish and Israeli sentiment had been virtually the unique province of the Democrats. So, that was a good suggestion. However occasions change. That’s the way in which of the world. And human beings do their finest to adapt to these modifications.
This previous week, the RJC listened to speaker after speaker — ostensibly to give attention to the outrageous rise of antisemitism in America and on its school campuses — who berated President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for each being delicate on Hamas and too exhausting on Israeli management throughout the Gaza struggle.
So what began as a coalition of the prepared to do all they might to guard and defend Jews and Jewish values in America and around the globe has morphed into an all-out effort to persuade Jewish voters that Joe Biden — now Kamala Harris — are unhealthy for Israel and for them. And, conversely, that Donald Trump is sweet for the Jews.
After all, most People know higher.
That isn’t to say that Vice President Harris received’t should make it abundantly clear someday quickly that the murderers of Iran-backed Hamas have to be “delivered to justice” (outline that how you’ll) and the hostages have to be launched.
She has already advised us in no unsure phrases that the antisemitism on school campuses and in our streets don’t have any place in America. Good for her.
And he or she has come moderately shut relating to Hamas however, particularly within the wake of the assassinations of Israeli and American hostages within the tunnels of Gaza this month, she must do it with out equivocation if she desires to get most of what has historically been the “Jewish” vote this November. Which means making the clear selection: selecting Israel and the Jewish folks as our pal and antisemitic marchers as not our pals.
That’s what the Republican Jewish Coalition ought to have been listening to this previous week. As an alternative, they heard political speaking factors and pandering from Trump loyalists and once-proud GOP members. Welcome to alter in America.
I’ve a unique thought for a coalition.
I consider that Jewish voters — and all voters — ought to be part of principled conservatives like Liz Cheney in a coalition devoted to the proposition that Israel is our pal; Israel is our steadfast ally within the Center East; and Israel deserves full, unqualified American assist to outlive and thrive in that almost all troublesome and harmful a part of the world during which it lives.
And that coalition may also perceive that who leads Israel is an Israeli determination; the way it makes peace with its neighbors is an Israeli determination; and the way it defends itself in opposition to murderous, immoral thugs who search its destruction is an Israeli determination.
Simply take a look at the Israeli streets this previous week. These people can deal with their very own democracy, as noisy and messy as it’s.
America’s determination must be whether or not to assist our pal and ally. And if we try this, the way to do it in the way in which good pals do.
And for that to occur, each Republicans and Democrats want to completely perceive what’s at stake. That’s the reason the Jewish group wants pals on either side of the political aisle — on a regular basis. It wants pals who will pay attention and be taught, push again when wanted and stand with us when required.
