What American Jewish Voters Are Thinking With this issue, Moment launches its 2020 Jewish Political Voices Project. Between now and the presidential election, we will be taking a deep dive into the political views of the American Jewish community and bringing you along. The Jewish Political Voices Project will explore the political and cultural forces splitting apart both the nation and American Jews. It offers an alternative to polls, which, as we saw during the 2016 presidential election, are not always a reliable predictor of voter behavior. Instead, by getting to know three politically engaged voters in each of ten battleground states, we will learn what voters are thinking and how their attitudes change over time. And, as this project reminds us, Jews—be they Democrats, Republicans or independents—are by no means a homogeneous group of voters: We are individuals with distinct stories and many takes on Israel, anti-Semitism, immigration, climate change, the economy, health care, guns, Iran and impeachment. The political attitudes and preferences of the American Jewish community have a significant impact on American electoral politics. Jews make up only 2 percent of the U.S. population, but voter turnout is considerable: About 85 percent of adult Jews voted in recent presidential elections, according to the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, compared to the national average of 55-63 percent. Our featured voters live in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. In 2016, candidate Donald Trump won all of these states but two—Nevada and Virginia—although Republican support eroded during the 2018 midterms. Since winning margins were small, Jewish voters in these swing states have a real potential to shift the outcome. For instance, in 2016, Trump won by fewer than 11,000 votes in Michigan, a state where an estimated 71,500 adults identify as Jewish, out of a total Jewish
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population of 116,200, according to new data compiled by the American Jewish Population Project at Brandeis University’s Steinhardt Social Research Institute. In Florida, where an estimated 510,800 residents of voting age identify as Jewish, out of a total Jewish population of 736,300, Trump beat Hillary Clinton by just under 113,000 votes. We found our “voices” by reaching out to Jewish communities across the country. They are students, lawyers, doctors, businesspeople, public servants and others who range in age from 21 to 92. About two-thirds consider themselves Democrats, while the other third are Republicans, approximately reflecting the voting patterns of the Jewish electorate. However, their attitudes and preferences vary widely—and many of them could be considered independent voters. On the following pages, you’ll meet ten of the thirty voters we are interviewing. You can hear from the rest by visiting the Jewish Political Voices Project at momentmag.com/jpvp. Look for more of their stories in subsequent issues of the magazine. Through the fast-moving news cycles, debates, primaries, caucuses and general election, our team will also provide updates, stories, fresh analysis and real-time insights to guide you through this historic and unprecedented campaign.
MOMENT INSTITUTE
POLITICAL 2020 JEWISH VOICES PROJECT MOMENTMAG.COM/ JPVP
Director: Amy Saltzman Deputy director: Suzanne Borden Interview team: Suzanne Borden, Dan Freedman, Lilly Gelman, Nathan Guttman, Sandra Perlmutter, Amy Saltzman, Francie Schwartz, Stuart Schwartz, Sherry Schweitzer, Charles Wolfson
To find out what our vo ters are saying abou t recent presidential debates, visi t momentmag .com/jpvp
In these pages we are providing the unfiltered opinions of voters interviewed for this project. Those views are based on their understanding and perception of facts and information from a range of sources. In some cases, that information may be misleading or incorrect. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 / MOMENT
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PENNSYLVANIA
Lou Weiss
Age: 63 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Party: Republican Occupation: Retired; previously ran family carpet business Jewish denomination: Conservative, but also belongs to Reform, Orthodox and Chabad congregations Current 2020 choice: Bill Weld in Republican primary; Amy Klobuchar in general election 2016 choice: Marco Rubio in the primary; wrote in his wife in general election News sources: The Wall Street Journal editorial page, The New York Times, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Drudge Report Bret Baier on Fox News, Dennis Prager’s radio show, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, Family: Married with four adult daughters; one is New York Times columnist Bari Weiss
Weiss grew up a Reform Jew in a “McGovern liberal family” in Pittsburgh. His conservative political views took hold in a college freshman political science class. Today, he belongs to four synagogues. He was president of Congregation Or L’Simcha, the synagogue that merged in 2010 with the Tree of Life congregation. He occasionally writes op-eds for The Wall Street Journal.
Does religion affect your political views? My Judaism informs my conservatism. And it’s true of my own family too. My whole family is liberal, but they’re conservative in how they live their lives. My dad, who just died last December, was very hardworking, very industrious, saved his money, didn’t do crazy things. I think that kind of conservatism is the way out of poverty for a lot of people. Are there any make-or-break issues for you? My litmus test issue is Israel. If someone is bad on Israel, meaning that they oppose what the citizens of Israel want, as expressed through their democratically elected leaders, I cannot support them. Trump is great on Israel and understands that it’s an important ally. But I cringe at the thought of voting for him. What other issues are important to you? Free markets: I tend to support policies that 40
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promote “free people and free markets,” standing up for what they believed in, but which is the motto of the Wall Street Journal busing turned out to be a disaster. All white editorial page. Immigration: I'm in favor of people fled to the suburbs and it didn’t make doubling the size of the country through outcomes better for black students. This is immigration. When you fly over this coun- one of the reasons I’m a huge proponent of try, there’s a lot of empty space. If we had school choice. 700 million people instead of 330 million, I What traits are you looking for in a candithink it would be good for the country. I’m date? Trump is despicable. I just don’t even a capitalist, and more people typically cre- know where to start. I like someone who has a ate more wealth. But we need to control our sense of humor and is self-deprecating. Trump borders, so I’m both prodoesn’t know what the word selfimmigration and pro-wall. deprecating means. In terms Identity politics: When you of characteristics I’d like to see, insist on seeing every issue Trump has none of them. through the lens of race, Are there any Democrats gender, class or sexual prefPennsylvania you would vote for? My erence, it ignores that there Total Jewish population prayer is that Mike Bloomberg are universal values beyond 311,500 enters the race as a Democrat. those things. To me, this Percent of total population He is rational and he can selfworldview is an intellectual 2.4% fund. In a minute, I’d vote for and moral dead end and the Jewish voter party him. If Amy Klobuchar were opposite of freedom. identification the nominee, I would consider Democrat: 55.8% Is there political conflict in voting for her because she’s Republican: 18.4% your family? My shins are moderate and is also rational. Independent: 23% bruised from being kicked Other: 2.8%* ShouldTrump be impeached? so often under the table dur2016 presidential results No—63 million Americans ing family dinners. I've been Clinton: 48% view the whole Democratic trying unsuccessfully now Trump: 49% effort to get Trump as an for 47 years to get my family 2018 midterm results attempt to nullify their votes. to see it my way. My parents Governor Beat him at the ballot box. were in favor of school bus- Incumbent Democrat: 58% Republican: 41% ing. I was still in high school * All Jewish voter population data Senate and people were boycotting is from the American Jewish Incumbent Democrat: 56% our family’s business because Population Project at Brandeis Republican: 43% my parents stood up in pubUniversity’s Steinhardt Social House Research Institute. lic meetings to support it. I give them so much credit for Democrat: 9, Republican: 9
ARIZONA
Alma Hernandez Age: 26 Location: Tucson, AZ Party: Democrat Occupation: State Representative Jewish denomination: Reform Current 2020 choice: Joe Biden 2016 choice: Hillary Clinton News sources: NPR, CNN, MSNBC, BBC News, local newspaper Family: Single
Hernandez is the first Jewish Mexican-American woman elected to the Arizona State House. Her brother is also a state representative in South Tucson, and her sister is on the school board. She grew up in a nonobservant intermarried family. She connected to Judaism as a teenager, has held leadership positions in several Jewish organizations and recently became a bat mitzvah. How does your Judaism affect your political views? I am very proud of my Jewish roots and I have tried to include that in every aspect of my life, including politics and policy. The whole notion of tikkun olam—that people are treated fairly and equally, and that we live in a society where we can all thrive—is very important to me.
Why do you support Joe Biden? I want to win this election, and I feel that the only way to win right now would be with Joe Biden. I know people say he’s old and he’s a part of the establishment. But I feel that is what’s going to win in this election. I’m trying to be as realistic and pragmatic about this as possible.
Has the Ukraine affair changed your Is Israel an important issue for you? As a mind about Biden? In regards to his son, it progressive it sometimes causes hasn’t, as I strongly believe some divisions in my circle. I’ve that Biden didn’t take part been working on pro-Israel in any wrongdoing on that issues since high school, so I take issue. I think it’s now being some of it personally. We’re told used by Trump as a distracthat we have to be either proArizona tion from all of the serious Israel or pro-Palestinian, but I Total Jewish population problems he is now facing. 135,200 don’t see it that way and won’t be shamed into choosing a side. Percent of total population Are there disagreements in your family about 1.9% What policy issues do you whom to support? We Jewish voter party care about most? Health care, are a very split family. My identification public education and especially Democrat: 41.1% father is a staunch Elizabeth criminal justice. I unfortunately Republican: 22.7% Warren supporter. He was introduced to the crimiIndependent: 33.9% wants Warren to win more nal justice system when I was Other: 2.3% than anything in the world. attacked at age 14 by a police 2016 presidential results My mother is a really big officer on my school campus. Clinton: 45% Biden supporter for a lot of Trump: 50% I was arrested, taken to juvie the same reasons as I am. I and kicked out of high school 2018 midterm results think my brother is leaning Governor for something I didn’t do. I toward Pete Buttigieg. My Democrat: 42% went from being an honor stuIncumbent Republican: 56% sister seems to be waiting to dent one day to being a crimdecide, like a lot of people, Senate inal the next. I had to work so but she doesn’t seem to be Democrat: 50% hard against the system that on the Biden train. Republican: 48% had failed me, which is the reaHouse Would you support son why I’ve been so involved in Democrat: 5, Republican: 4 any Democrat against that issue.
Trump? I will support whoever wins the nomination. We don’t want to see what happened in the last election. I was a delegate for Hillary, and I voted for her at the Democratic National Convention. But it was frustrating to see those who call themselves Democrats and were Bernie supporters not supporting Hillary in the way they should have. After the primary election, it’s a matter of supporting the candidate who wins, moving forward, and doing what we can to help them win the general election. Do you support the move to impeach Trump? I firmly believe that we need to hold all elected officials to the same standard, and if there is enough evidence that would qualify him for impeachment, I am for it. No one should be above the law. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 / MOMENT
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IOWA
Josh Mandelbaum
Age: 40 Location: Des Moines, IA Party: Democrat Occupation: Environmental lawyer and member of Des Moines City Council Jewish denomination: Reform Current 2020 choice: Undecided, but likes Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker 2016 choice: Hillary Clinton News sources: The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, MSNBC, The Daily podcast, Twitter, candidates’ social media and emails Family: Married with two young children
Mandelbaum comes from a long line of Iowans and attends Temple B’nai Jeshurun, the congregation his great-great-grandfather helped found in 1873. He works for the nonprofit Environmental Law Policy Center on clean energy and clean water issues. He has volunteered for political campaigns for more than 20 years and currently serves on the greater Des Moines Jewish Federation Board. ing the world, certainly informs the way I interact in politics.
Warren and I like Cory Booker. We met Booker and my son, who is five, loves him. But whoever the Democrats nominate, even if it’s not my first or second or third choice, I’m going to be supporting that person in the general election.
Are there any make-or-break issues for you when it comes to supporting a candidate? A president can only do a handful of big things because it’s hard to get legislation through Congress. I think cli- Are there disagreements about politics mate change is of such great magnitude in your family? My dad and brothers are that we need to act on it immediately. I more conservative than I am. I don’t even want to know that whoever I’m caucusing know how my dad voted in 2016. I’ve got for gets the seriousness of clia brother who is a big, big mate change and has it as their Trump supporter. He’s top two or three issues. All the actually frustrated with me Democratic candidates genover some of the gun vioerally say the right things on lence prevention stuff that climate, but there’s a real quesI’ve advocated for on a local tion about whether it would be level. So politics does create Iowa a top priority. some tension.
What traits are you looking for in a candidate? I want someone who can grapple with a lot of information, ask questions, think critically and communicate effectively. They can be informed by an ideology and a vision, but I want a certain amount of pragmatism. I want to understand how they’re going to solve problems and get things done. They need to be in politics to serve and make the world a better place. The opposite is true of President Trump. Not only is he entirely transactional, but the focus tends to be on how he can personally benefit. Does religion affect your political views? In a very broad, value-based sense, yes. The concept of tikkun olam, repair42
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Is Israel an important issue for you? It’s certainly something that I track, monitor and care about. It’s important religiously, but what has happened to the greater Jewish community over the years is also important—having a state, and having a refuge. Who will you be supporting in the Iowa caucuses? I have not figured out yet who I’m caucusing for. I don’t like dealing in the hypothetical. I am impressed by the caliber of the field, especially having had a chance to see a number of these folks up close. I am impressed by Elizabeth
Total Jewish population 11,600
Percent of total population <1% Jewish voter party identification Democrat: 47.5% Republican: 17.4% Independent: 32.9% Other: 2.2% 2016 presidential results Clinton: 42% Trump: 52% 2018 midterm results Governor Democrat: 48% Incumbent Republican: 50% Senate n/a House Democrat: 3, Republican: 1
Why is the 2020 election so important to you? I think Trump is an existential threat to the way our country works. I know it’s a cliché to say that this is the most important election cycle of our lifetime, but it does feel that way to me. In the past, I never worried about our democratic norms and whether our institutions would survive. But now I feel there’s a risk that our institutions are eroding, and that makes this election more important than in the past.
WISCONSIN
Ruth Kantrowitz
Age: 42 Location: Mequon, WI Party: Republican Occupation: Owns and runs seven group homes for the elderly and people with disabilities Jewish denomination: Belongs to a Reform synagogue, but doesn’t want to define her denomination Current 2020 choice: Donald Trump 2016 choice: Donald Trump News sources: Fox News, Breitbart, Facebook, a friend who follows alternative news outlets, conservative friends Family: Married with two school-age children and one foster child
Kantrowitz , an Israeli immigrant, moved to the U.S. in 1989 at age 13 when her family won the green card lottery. She calls herself a “very liberal conservative” who supports both abortion and gun rights. Kantrowitz carried twins for a New York gay couple. She voted twice for President Barack Obama, but says his presidency pushed her to become a Republican because of “handouts” and “immigrants living off tax dollars.” What traits matter most to you in a candidate? I prefer candidates who are frank. I have no problem with them being offensive. What’s unacceptable to me is saying one thing and doing another. How does Israel affect your political views? Trump’s support for Israel is a determining factor for me, probably above all other things. I automatically rule out anyone with anti-Israel sentiments.
Wisconsin Total Jewish population 46,400 Percent of total population <1% Jewish voter party identification Democrat: 47.3% Republican: 18.9% Independent: 31.5% Other: 2.3%
Do you have political conflicts with family or friends? I have lost plenty of friends over my political views. Most people I know seem to be more Democraticleaning. My friends who are conservative feel the need to have secret Facebook pages where they can speak their minds freely.
Why do you support Aside from Israel, what other Trump? The main reaissues do you care about? son is he says what he’s Welfare: I want to see more welgoing to do and he does fare reform and fewer handouts; 2016 presidential results it. I like his tough policies. forcing people to recognize their Clinton: 47% His rudeness in many own independence, their own Trump: 48% ways is so Israeli. He tells strength and to know that they 2018 midterm results it like it is. You don’t have can earn for themselves rather Governor to like it, and he’s not than being dependent on the govDemocrat: 50% ernment. Military: A strong mili- Incumbent Republican: 48% going to care that you don’t like it. But he’ll just tary force and worldwide security. Senate keep doing what he thinks Incumbent Democrat: 55% Abortion: I’m not just pro-choice, is right. And I appreciate Republican: 45% I’m very much pro-abortion. I that in any person, espeHouse feel tax dollars should go to aborcially a president. I think Democrat: 3, Republican: 5 tion as much as needed, because he’s tough as nails. that’s better than putting it into prisons and foster care and whatnot. Is there anything you wish Trump would As an immigrant yourself, what’s do differently? I do wish he would do a lot your view of the current immigra- more expelling of people who are harmful tion debate? I was a legal immigrant. to this country than he has. And I wish he We didn’t sneak in relatives whose appli- would handle the border crisis differently. cations to come here were denied. They I’m not exactly sure why those people are in stayed living in fairly poor conditions in cages. Send them back. Israel. There is a law and there needs to be respect for the law.
hunt. I think the “evidence” is no different from what any other politician has done and will do. I believe Trump hides less of what he does versus other politicians. His crude and unpolished manners make him at least honest. I also think the good he’s done for this country outweighs anything he’s told another country to look into. Do you expect any surprises in the election? I’ll be surprised if Trump doesn’t win a second term. I think his supporters are just quieter because they don’t want to be harassed, but I think he has an incredibly strong support base.
What do you think about the impeachment inquiry? I feel they are on a witch
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NEVADA
Felipe Goodman
Age: 52 Location: Las Vegas, NV Party: Democrat Occupation: Rabbi Jewish denomination: Conservative Current 2020 choice: Pete Buttigieg and Joe Biden 2016 choice: Hillary Clinton News sources: The New York Times, The Times of Israel, The Jerusalem Post Family: Married with three children over 18
Goodman is a Mexican immigrant. He was an assistant rabbi in Mexico City before joining Temple Beth Sholom in 1998. Named one of America’s most inspiring rabbis by The Forward in 2013, he participated in a series of White House meetings with President Barack Obama on relationships with the Jewish community and on Israel’s security. One reason he became a U.S. citizen 12 years ago was so he could vote. What are the top three issues that concern you most? My top three issues are the composition of the Supreme Court, support for the State of Israel and, believe it or not, a woman’s right to choose. I have a fourth: guns. We have a duty as Jews to preserve human life, and we’re not doing it. Why are abortion rights so important to you? It’s clear to me that the life of the mother comes first. I want to be on the side of caution. Jewish law says that when the life of the mother is in danger, we need to terminate the pregnancy. Therefore, I do
not want reproductive rights to be touched. Do you have any make-orbreak issues? I could never vote for a candidate who doesn’t outright support the State of Israel or won’t uphold the relationship between Israel and the United States the way it is today. I also could never vote for somebody who doesn’t support reproductive rights and some sort of different approach to guns.
think like him or her. I need a leader who children can look up to. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Republican or a Democrat.
Nevada Total Jewish population 76,200 Percent of total population 2.5% Jewish voter party identification Democrat: 44.2% Republican: 20.3% Independent: 32.8% Other: 2.8%
Why do you support Pete Buttigieg? I admire his military experience, and I think he has really interesting ideas. I would like this country to be in the center again and I see him in the center of the spectrum, even though for some people his being gay puts him completely out of the realm of reality. To me, he is the ideal candidate, but I don’t think that’s going to happen, so I go back and forth between him and Biden. I have to be realistic about who can beat Trump.
As an immigrant yourself, how do you feel about the current immigration situation? I’m very upset. 2016 presidential results Clinton: 48% Immigrants are being treated Trump: 46% like pariahs. I understand that 2018 midterm results not everybody who wants asyGovernor lum can get it, and people Democrat: 49% should come here legally. But Republican: 45% there are so many ways to solve Senate this crisis. I’m so frustrated Would you vote for any Democrat: 50% because when George W. Bush Incumbent Republican: 45% Democrat? I don’t think was in office, he tried to solve I could vote for Elizabeth House it and Democrats didn’t let Democrat: 3, Republican: 1 Warren or Bernie Sanders. him. Then Obama tried and They’re radicals, and I the Republicans didn’t let him. don’t like radicals on either These immigrants are like a political football. side. I also don’t like how Sanders relates What traits matter to you most in a to the State of Israel, and I don’t really presidential candidate? I want some- like Warren. I don’t know why, but I don’t body who does not demean the position trust her. of president of the United States and who can uphold the position with dignity. I want someone who can be the president of all Americans, not only the ones who 44
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Who would you vote for if one of them is nominated? If there’s an independent candidate, I may vote for them. I would do that for sure before I voted for Trump.
MICHIGAN
Sander Eizen
Age: 21 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Party: Republican Occupation: Senior at the University of Michigan, majoring in political science; minoring in computer science Jewish denomination: Modern Orthodox Current 2020 choice: Andrew Yang 2016 choice: Wrote in Marco Rubio News sources: National Review, Twitter, Bipartisan Policy Center, Students for Carbon Dividends Family: Single. Father is a retired firefighter and mother is director of training for a geriatric consulting firm
Eizen grew up in a Modern Orthodox household in Oak Park, Michigan. He attended Jewish day school starting in nursery school and went to an Orthodox Zionist sleepaway camp. At the University of Michigan, he attends events at Hillel and the Jewish Resource Center, and lives in a house with eight students who come from Modern Orthodox or “Conservadox” backgrounds. extended family are all Democrats. When they visited recently, my 11-year-old cousin started going off on how he loves Bernie Sanders. I’m just like, yo, we’re going to have a conversation about economics today. I’m sure my aunt loved that. But we’re very civil about it. We agree on so much more than we disagree on. It’s just a matter of how we want to get to a better place for everybody. What issues do you care about most? Probably Israel, climate change and the rule of law.
Did growing up in a religious Zionist environment affect your political views? I think it profoundly forced me to think more historically about Israeli politics and shaped my centrist/center-right views on Israel. But I don’t think religion has a big influence on my political views overall. I like making arguments from a nonreligious standpoint, because if you’re talking to somebody who isn’t religious, and you start using religion as your reasoning for your stance, then you’ve already lost them. Is there political conflict in your family? Not really. More than ever I agree with my dad politically. He’s kind of transformed from a union Democrat to an “everybody sucks” libertarian. But the rest of my
in a candidate? Honesty and integrity. If you don't have core values and beliefs, or you flip-flop on those things, then I don’t know why you’re running for president. Well, I do know—it’s for your ego. But if you’re the leader of the free world, you should have some moral grounding. I don’t like Trump because he doesn’t check off any of those boxes. Do you support impeachment? Not at the moment. Impeachment is both the apex of our democracy and a dangerous path to go down and should be saved for the gravest of circumstances. It remains to be seen if this is one of those moments.
Are any policy positions make-or-break for you? I want a climate policy that Michigan puts a price on carbon emisTotal Jewish population sions in the way that can116,200 didates like Pete Buttigieg, Percent of total population Andrew Yang and John 1.2% Delaney are talking about. Jewish voter party Instead of using that tax revidentification enue to fund government Democrat: 47% Republican: 17.1% programs, the money would Independent: 32.9% be rebated to the American Other: 3% people in quarterly dividend 2016 presidential results checks. It puts clean energy Clinton: 47% on the same playing field Trump: 48% as dirty energy. Positions 2018 midterm results like free college for all and Governor Medicare for all don’t make Democrat: 53% sense to me. Free college for Republican: 44% all devalues college educaSenate tion and isn’t fair to people Incumbent Democrat: 52% who have already paid off Republican: 46% their debt. House What kind of personal traits matter most to you
Democrat: 7, Republican: 7, Independent: 1
Would you vote for any of the Democratic candidates? I would 100 percent vote for Andrew Yang. He actively seeks conversations with people who disagree with him, and I think that’s a very compelling way to lead—by unification versus division. Pete Buttigieg is interesting to me. Not necessarily because I agree with him, but because I think he’s absolutely brilliant. I would vote for Amy Klobuchar because she’s very moderate and is one of the most bipartisan senators right now. Do you anticipate any surprises? Andrew Yang is very popular among young people, and young people drive debates in a strong way. You’ll definitely be seeing more of him.
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NORTH CAROLINA
Kathy Manning
Age: 62 Location: Greensboro, NC Party: Democrat Occupation: Attorney Jewish denomination: Conservative Current 2020 choice: Joe Biden 2016 choice: Hillary Clinton News sources: The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Politico, CNN, MSNBC, three or four podcasts, candidate websites Family: Married with three children
Manning, an immigration lawyer, was the first woman to chair the Jewish Federations of North America. She led a local campaign for Operation Exodus, the national effort to raise money to resettle Soviet Jews after the Soviet Union changed its immigration policy and allowed Jews to leave. In 2018, she ran for Congress, losing to the Republican incumbent, Ted Budd, with 45.5 percent of the vote. separation of powers and is accountable to the American people. After that, health care is a huge issue for me. The system is overly complicated and costly, and probably less effective than in many other Western countries. Next, I would say gun safety and women’s health. Climate change is obviously critically important—and even more so because we have an administration that’s rolling back protections and causing even more damage.
How does Judaism affect your political views? All my political views are affected by my values, and my values come from my religion. Many of the things that have me so upset about what’s going on in our country right now are things that are contrary to my values. Separating children from their parents when they’re trying to immigrate to this country and putting children in cages goes completely against who we are as Jews. We have been refugees; we have been exiles. And we are taught to welcome the stranger. What issue do you care about most? The priority is getting a president in office who is willing to abide by the law, respects the 46
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to have a positive impact on the country and the American people. And I’m looking for somebody who can win.
Who do you think most aligns with those traits? Right now, I’m leaning toward Joe Biden. He’s moderate and practical, and I think he can win in a general election. I also have great respect and admiration for him, for his many years of service and the personal tragedies that he’s overcome that make him the Is Israel an important compassionate person he is. issue for you? Yes, it’s critThe recent revelations involvical that Jews are not only ing Ukraine demonstrate able to live peacefully in that Trump is doing his best their ancestral homeland, to eliminate Biden, who he but that there is one counclearly considers his toughest North Carolina try in the world that is willopponent. I just watched Biden Total Jewish population ing to stand up for Jews and on a CNN town hall, and he 112,500 accept them when they’re seemed to be focused, relaxed Percent of total population in trouble. This is parand in control despite all that 1.1% ticularly important duris going on around him. So I Jewish voter party ing this period of rising wouldn’t count Biden out yet. identification anti-Semitism. What traits matter to you most in a candidate? I’m looking for somebody who is aspirational but who also has a practical bent, because I want somebody who can lead in a way that allows us to get things done. I want somebody who has relevant experience, somebody who is running for the right reason: that they really want
Democrat: 45.4% Republican: 20.4% Independent: 32.2% Other: 2%
2016 presidential results Clinton: 47% Trump: 51% 2018 midterm results Governor n/a Senate n/a House Democrat: 3, Republican: 10
Who else do you like among the Democrats? I am absolutely not a Bernie Sanders supporter. I like Elizabeth Warren; I think she’s incredibly smart, energetic, thoughtful. I think she’s a great communicator. And I think she’s doing it for all the right reasons. My concern is that her position on the corruption in our government may be a bit extreme and will scare off people who are in the middle.
FLORIDA
Lynne Toporov
Age: 76 Location: Sarasota, FL Party: Republican Occupation: Retired, former assistant to the news director at KYW Radio in Philadelphia Jewish denomination: Unaffiliated Current 2020 choice: Donald Trump 2016 choice: Donald Trump News sources: Fox News, conservative radio station AM 930 WLSS Family: Married with three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren
Toporov grew up in an agnostic Philadelphia family surrounded by Democrats. Her grandfather was a Communist. She was confirmed but does not consider herself religious and does not currently belong to a synagogue. She always voted for Democrats, including President Barack Obama, until about four years ago when she started listening to conservative talk radio and found she connected to what she heard. What issues do you care about most? feel Trump did anything wrong speakImmigration: I care about the borders and ing to that president of Ukraine. I mean, that all these people have been coming, he’s allowed to speak to anybody, and why hundreds of thousands of people coming in they’re coming down on him the way they like crazy. And nothing is being done except have for speaking to him, this doesn't make now the president is starting to get a han- any sense to me. I am appalled by what Joe dle on things by putting up the wall. Guns: Biden did and his son with all that money. I wish no one had guns. I really mean that. I just don’t understand how he could have I can understand back in the day, when this done something like this. That’s how I feel. country started, that you needed weapons Biden has really made me upset. to defend yourself. But this is a Are there disagreewhole different time now. ments among your Are there any make-or-break f a m i ly a n d f r i e n d s issues for you? I’m fearful the about politics? I used Democrats have gone so far to to look forward to getthe left that they’re definitely ting together with our becoming socialist. That’s a bigfamily on Sundays and Florida gie for me. I would never ever we’d talk about differTotal Jewish population vote for anybody who has gone 736,300 ent things and politics socialistic. Percent of total population would come up. Some What personal traits matter to you most when picking a candidate? I value honesty and integrity and cannot stand what’s going on in this country right now. It just makes me ill the way President Trump is picked on. I’ve never heard of any president being treated with such disrespect in my entire life, and I’m 76 years old. I can’t stand to watch shows like Jimmy Kimmel or any of those other shows because all they do is put our government down. I just turn them off. What do you think about House Democrats investigating President Trump? I don’t
3.5% Jewish voter party identification Democrat: 48.1% Republican: 20% Independent: 29.2% Other: 2.7% 2016 presidential results Clinton: 48% Trump: 49% 2018 midterm results Governor Incumbent Democrat: 49% Republican: 50% Senate Democrat: 49.9% Republican: 50.1% House Democrat: 13, Republican: 14
were Republicans, some were Democrats, but you would have a nice conversation about all kinds of subjects. You can’t do that today. I have tried. I have also tried to talk to my friends about political issues. I can’t. They have come down on me like you wouldn’t believe. I can’t even go to some of their houses now because of it. I am just appalled by what’s happened.
Do you plan to vote for Trump in 2020? Yes,
I feel he’s accomplished a hell of a lot in the short time he’s been in office compared to some other presidents. I voted for Obama twice, believe it or not. Compared to Trump, I don’t think Obama did one heck of a thing. Is there anything you’d like to see Trump do differently if he’s re-elected? I don't like that he constantly talks about how wonderful he is. That rubs me the wrong way. I’d like him to be a bit more presidential. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 / MOMENT
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OHIO
Nina Stanley
Age: 68 Location: Cincinnati, OH Party: Democrat Occupation: Retired nurse Jewish denomination: Unaffiliated Current 2020 choice: Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg 2016 choice: Hillary Clinton News sources: CNN, MSNBC, internet, “reads everything” Family: Divorced with one daughter, one grandson
Nina Stanley’s “very liberal” leanings haven’t budged since May 4, 1970, when bullets fired by the Ohio National Guard struck down four fellow students at Kent State University during the Vietnam War protest. “I was shot at. A friend pushed me down. I had never heard gunfire in my life and had no idea they were using live ammunition. When I got up, I said something like, ‘I didn’t know blanks could do that to you.’” Which two or three issues do you care about most? All issues pale in comparison to getting Trump out of office. But I believe dealing with climate change is the most important, followed by reproductive rights and health care.
Which other candidates do you like? I will vote for any Democrat. I don’t care for Bernie, but I would vote for him. I could vote for Elizabeth Warren. I think she’s smart, even though I don’t agree with her about everything. I’m a lifelong Democrat but I would gladly have Republicans such as John Kasich or Mitt Romney in the White House rather than this guy. When Kasich was governor of Ohio, I didn’t agree with his policies, but he’s a normal person.
Do your feelings about Israel affect your political views? Israel isn’t among my top five issues. I’m very against the Netanyahu government. He’s ruining the country. My brother lives in Israel, and he’s religiously conservative, very concerned about safety. I’ve been to Israel many times. But I can’t support a country where they love Trump like that. Ohio
Total Jewish population
What traits matter most to you in a candidate? The number one thing is whoever I support has to be honest. I don’t think the country can survive a second term of Trump. A lot of the time I say, I’m glad I’m old! The country as we know it will not survive. My daughter is friends with a Jewish man from Mexico and his Israeli wife. They have two children who are dark, and kids taunt them in school. Things are happening. 48
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Why is Biden one of your 161,400 top choices? Right now, Percent of total population Mayor Pete is my top choice, 1.4% but I also support Biden. Jewish voter party Trump and the Republicans identification have been muddying Biden Democrat: 48.1% up like crazy, but I think he’s Republican: 18.4% an honest, good person. He Independent: 30.7% Other: 2.8% may not be the most liberal or progressive, but he can 2016 presidential results Clinton: 44% win. You can put Biden in Trump: 52% Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, 2018 midterm results and he can relate to those Governor people. I talk to a lot of Democrat: 47% Jewish ladies who are not Republican: 50% as liberal as me. They didn’t Senate vote for Trump, but they say Incumbent Democrat: 53% they would vote for Biden. I Republican: 47% know their husbands voted House for Trump, but they won’t Democrat: 4, Republican: 12 admit to it.
Are there conflicts in your family about politics? My brother and I have disagreements, but we don’t talk about that. We speak often, and I love him; he’s my brother. If he wasn’t living in Israel, he would vote for Trump. He was a liberal Columbia University grad. The change in him is unbelievable. Do you support impeaching Trump? I’m okay with the impeachment inquiry. Whatever they want to do. That phone call was illegal; he is guilty, and they should file charges on that one phone call. Do you anticipate any surprises in the campaign? If things go the way it looks, maybe the Republicans will have a different candidate for president. But who knows?
VIRGINIA
Alan Zimmerman
Age: 61 Location: Charlottesville, VA Party: Democrat Occupation: Financial journalist Jewish denomination: Conservative Current 2020 choices: Elizabeth Warren, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar 2016 choice: Hillary Clinton News sources: The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine’s Intelligencer, CNN, MSNBC, occasionally Fox News, Talking Points Memo, the blog Blue Virginia, the conservative website Bearing Drift Family: Married with three children in their 20s
Zimmerman was president of Congregation Beth Israel in Charlottesville during the Unite the Right march in August 2017. Zimmerman remembers standing on the steps, watching armed neo-Nazis shouting “Heil Hitler.” He was “not surprised that there is anti-Semitism in America—I’m not naïve—but that it could be displayed so brazenly and even proudly in the streets of an American city was frankly shocking.” How would you describe your politics? For most of my life, I considered myself a Democrat. But in the last two years I’ve felt that the party system isn’t working for me. I decided I will now vote based on positions and values, not party. But I suspect, given our current political climate, that 98 percent of the time I’ll vote for Democrats.
on an anti-Israel platform and be a viable candidate. But I also think we should recognize that its approach to a lot of Palestinian issues is wrong. I don’t think it’s anti-Israel to be critical of Israel. Is politics a source of tension among friends and family? At some point in the last two or three years, I completely lost interest in engaging in political discussions with people who don’t agree with me. The conversations lead nowhere and left me thinking less of the person. My way of dealing with it is to avoid those subjects altogether.
Does religion affect your political views? Absolutely. I think certain core Jewish values are indisputable, like welcoming the stranger. To me, that means we should be opening our arms to refugees. The question shouldn’t be how do we keep refugees out, but how do we accommodate them? Virginia What issue is most important to you? My top issue by far is health care because it’s personal to me. My youngest son is a type 1 diabetic and on the autism spectrum. The main reason I’m still working is for the health insurance. Our main concern is our son finding reasonable health care after his 26th birthday. Because of the autism, it’s unlikely he’ll find a job that offers insurance. And since he is diabetic, if protections for pre-existing conditions go away, he’ll have some real problems. How do you feel about Israel? Israel is very important to me. I don’t think anyone could run
Total Jewish population 166,200 Percent of total population 1.9% Jewish voter party identification Democrat: 48.6% Republican: 17.7% Independent: 31.1% Other: 2.6% 2016 presidential results Clinton: 50% Trump: 45% 2018 midterm results Governor n/a Senate Incumbent Democrat: 57% Republican: 41% House Democrat: 7, Republican: 4
What do you think about the Democratic field? I think it’s good overall, but I don’t like Bernie Sanders. As for Joe Biden, I think his time has passed. It’s not about his chronological age; he’s just from another era. I think as a nation and as a progressive movement, we need to be looking ahead. That said, if he is the nominee, I will enthusiastically support him. Elizabeth Warren appeals to me most, followed by Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar. How do you feel about Donald Trump’s presidency? I’m very concerned about white supremacy and anti-Semitism. The Unite
the Right rally marched past our synagogue in 2017. I think Trump has given a license to elements in society that are anti-Semitic and racist, and we need to find a way to address it. The president needs to provide some moral leadership, especially in difficult times. Do you support impeachment? There is little doubt in my mind that he deserves it, not just for this Ukrainian stuff, but also for what came out in the Mueller report. So in that sense, I support it. I’m undecided about whether it is a good political strategy; time will tell, though I tend to think it will be a net negative for Trump and the Republicans. Sometimes, though, you just have to do what’s right and let the chips fall where they may. The Jewish Political Voices Project welcomes you to share your opinions by respectfully commenting at momentmag.com/jpvp NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 / MOMENT
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