As members of a minority, Jews well know the pride felt by a minority group when one of its own achieves. Sandy Koufax. Aly Raisman. Steven Spielberg. Not to mention, Albert Einstein. We feel we have a part in their success. That said, should fundamental decisions be made according to a vicarious ethnic, racial or religious association? As Jews, should we feel compelled to vote for Bernie Sanders?
It’s a somewhat ridiculous question, but in politics ridiculousness reigns — or at least that’s what many strategists think. Blacks vote for a black candidate; Hispanics for a Latino; Jews for a Jew; a women for a woman. Identity politics can be a form of bigotry all on its own. Identity politics: collective characteristics override individual qualifications.
In this election season, identity politics beckon, at least when it comes to religion and gender. Though many Jews are proud of Sanders running for president, it hasn’t secured him the “Jewish vote,” nor should it, nor is he pandering to it. He states his politics very plainly — if you agree, you support him; if not, not. His Jewishness doesn’t factor into the equation.
Hillary Clinton’s strategists — those who thought she had the female vote all sewn up —now realize, or at least we hope they realize, that many younger females care more about a politician’s politics than gender. We’re not just talking about female Republicans. According to CNN, a Wall Street Journal/NBC/Marist College poll in New Hampshire last week found that 64% of female Democratic voters younger than 45 backed Bernie Sanders; 35% supported Clinton.
Speaking of Clinton’s fallen coronation status, Colorado politicians should take note: A sense of entitlement can be self-defeating. If you want to get elected, you must convince voters that you are worthy of being their voice. Complacency on the campaign trail is a dangerous tactic.
Copyright © 2016 by the Intermountain Jewish News
