Al Gore severely clings to his long-awaited bid to oust George W. Bush from office with legal maneuvers in 2000, making history. But a few months before that, he made history for choosing Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, an observant Jew, as his working mate.
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For the first time in history, a Hebrew American was listed as a member of a major democratic party’s presidential campaign.
The internet took immediate notice of Lieberman’s Jewishness, of training. The internet enjoys stories about breaking conventional norms and defining one’s personality. So this was like a moth to a flame—or a inferno to a Zippo.
But the voice, information sides, and stories they did with Senator Lieberman were remarkably different than how they covered Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s chances in 2024—and for good reason: Tomorrow’s Democratic Party is home to defiant, vocal antisemites.  ,
No all, of course, but enough to issue.
When Lieberman was tapped, antisemites were n’t but a key Democratic ballot union. Now they are.
You wo n’t be welcome in the GOP, but you’ll have a seat in the Democratic Party if you want Israel to be destroyed, think Jews have too much influence in American foreign policy, and think of the Palestinians as moral heirs to Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi.  ,
AOC may also perform for you.
The Democrat Party of 2000 had some pro-Palestinian tones, but they were in the majority. Back then, the Party of Donkeys was also lot Zionist. Other than a few unpleasant instances, blatant racism was a roadblock ( and, unless you’re an Al Sharpton or a Jesse Jackson, a career-killer ).
Today’s a many different time.
You wo n’t say Israel has a right to exist if you want to be a grassroots hero for the liberal community. That’s heresy! Instead, you’d claim the opposite—and blame those nasty, overbearing Immigrants for imposing an apartheid government against the noble, peace-loving native of the Middle East. At an absolute minimum, you’d help the Boycott, Divest and Sanction action to remove and undermine the Jewish status, but let’s be honest: If you’re a liberal advocate in 2024, then you’ll probably get waiving Arab colors, parroting Hamas talking points, and seeking Israel’s complete annihilation.
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This viewpoint is ( thank God ) very much in the minority in the rest of America, but it’s not in the community liberal movement. The same people who Harris needs to unlock the Get Out the Vote troops, cornerstone signs on telephone poles at 4 a.m., knock on doors, and install the Get Out the Vote military HATES Israel.
And if you’re a Jew?  ,
Then you’re suspicious from birth.
When Joe Lieberman was selected in 2000, the media not only applauded it as a historical milestone but considered his piety a political plus: Lieberman was well-known for his devout faith, which, the Democrats/media hoped, would contrast nicely with President Clinton’s cigar-tinged indiscretions.  ,
The possibility of liberal blowback was n’t even considered. But now, the truth is just too big to ignore:
USA Today: Josh Shapiro’s vice presidential prospects spark debate over Israel policy, antisemitism.
The Hill: Shapiro is a dream Democratic vice presidential nominee, but he’s Jewish
New York Times: Pro-Palestinian Groups Seek to Thwart Josh Shapiro’s Chances for Harris’s V. P.
NBC News: Josh Shapiro’s VP bid ignites debate over Israel and antisemitism
New Republic: The One Vice Presidential Pick Who Could Ruin Democratic Unity
Star Tribune: St. Paul council president calls Pa. governor a ‘ hardcore Zionist,’ says Kamala Harris should n’t pick him
Newsweek: ‘ No Genocide Josh ‘ Campaign Doubles Down as Shapiro VP Speculation Grows
According to The Nation, Josh Shapiro is a Poor VP Pick.
Salon: Picking Josh Shapiro could be dangerous for Harris
Two different Jews. Two very different reactions.
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The good news is, if you bypass the media and focus instead on the American people, our country has unquestionably moved forward: Overall, America has never been less bigoted, more tolerant, and more accepting of different religions and/or ethnicities. But there are exceptions.
When Jewish kids applied to college in the 1990s, they never worried about being harassed by angry, violent mobs who’d blame them for Israel’s existence. Antisemitism and the lack of response from campus security are, however, a real problem for Jewish students today. Now, they must worry about their personal safety.
And they’re not worried about Republicans.
A lot has changed in 25 years.
And yet again, the Jews are history’s canary in the coal mine.
