In ten days, we will be experiencing a moment of national unity not unlike the Superbowl, though with likely a smaller audience and less interesting commercials. (Yes, I posit this as a challenge.)
For once, the majority of Americans have the same agenda, albeit for different players. On both sides of the political spectrum, onlookers have the same checklist–
(1) Will the other guy make it through the debate physically? Walk to and from the podium, look somewhat energetic standing there, and give the impression of at least moderate health?
(2) Will the other guy be able to seem to hear and understand questions and responses and coherently respond himself? (There are subcategories, like correctly remembering the names of close associates and major world leaders).
(3) How will the other guy respond to questions about felony convictions for himself or close family members?
(4) What about Israel?
(5) What about Ukraine?
(6) What about the economy? (The more economically advantaged the viewer, the less concerned they might be about the current situation, and, as always, the focus will shift dramatically according to tax bracket.)
The first three questions would be almost unheard of in prior elections (well, age has lurked, but not like this), and the perceived answers might decide the vote for many people,
The last three (#6 to a lesser extent) are all about the Jews. Yes, even the war in Ukraine is perceived by some through the lens of antisemitism as I have written before. And economic matters — now, more than ever, the old trope of “Jewish control of XXX (fill in banks, markets, media, etc.)” lurks beneath the surface.
But, most overtly, the issue of Israel. Antisemism will decide this election. I have discussed before how antiZionism=antisemitism, especially on the left side of the spectrum. But you don’t need to look for subtleties any more — Jews=Israel. Israel=Jews. There is a significant Arab-American population in many swing areas, and there have been many who have written about the influence this may have on the election. Of course, popular vote of all Americans is not the issue. We have an electoral college, a “game” that can be “gamed.”
So, where are the Jews in all of this? All over the spectrum as to the issue of Palestinians and the war. As a positive, many who sort of forgot that being Jewish meant anything other than eating bagels now sense that even though they are ONLY “culturally Jewish” to themselves, others see them differently. As a negative, as has been the case since the Middle Ages, Jews are the scapegoats for many things. As a new development, they are no longer seen as weak victims working their evil by stealth and secret magic, but overt perpetrators of genocide and oppression. (And seen as supporting Fascist Nazi interests in Ukraine — Jewish Nazis).
So in ten days, the country will watch a televised mental status testing of our future president, and witness the latest in the thousand-year story of, “What do we do about the Jews”.
PS Both candidates have Jewish children-in-law and grandchildren. Just an observation.
Wandering Jew 