Posted on 08/12/2004 3:55:50 PM PDT by veronica
WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush appealed directly to the American Jewish community this week, in a glossy booklet sent to American Jewish organizational leaders that highlights his good relations with the community, its leadership, and with Israel.
The appeal is considered another step in Republican efforts to win over Jewish votes from the Democratic party.
The 26-page booklet, entitled "President George W. Bush - A Friend of the American Jewish Community," outlines the history of Bush's relationship with the American Jewish community, the struggle against anti-Semitism, the war against terror, and assistance to Israel.
"Today, Jews in America know they have a steadfast friend and defender in the Oval Office," the booklet states in its introduction.
Only 19 percent of American Jews voted for President Bush in the 2000 election, and since then Republicans have been making a significant effort to woe the Jewish vote on November 2.
The booklet is studded with full-page pictures of Bush at various Jewish events, and notes Bush's statements against anti-Semitism and against the statements of Mahatir Mohammed, former prime minister of Malaysia. It also highlights administration action against terror, including Bush's declaration that the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades is a terror organization, and the arrest of Hamas fund-raisers in the U.S. Bush also presents disengagement as a central achievement in his support for Israel.
"For Yasser Arafat, the message has been clear," the booklet states. "While he was a frequent White House guest during the last administration, he has never been granted a meeting with President Bush."
At the end of the booklet the White House presents a series of quotes from prominent Jewish leaders supporting Bush. A number of those quoted said they had not given permission for their statements to be used, and had not intended them to express political support for Bush.
The National Jewish Democratic Coalition (NJDC) criticized the White House for publishing the booklet.
"This is completely inappropriate," said David Harris, NJDC deputy executive director. "It is something a campaign should be putting out, not the White House. It is overtly political."
And those aren't empty words.
He didn't have to tell me - his actions make it plain.
President Bush received over 50% of the under-30 Jewish vote in 2000, and I expect those #s to be even higher this time.
Yep, Yasser the Terrorist practically lived in the WH during Clinton's 2nd term. Bush, otoh, doesn't even acknowledge the creep (unless he's talking about the need for a change in the Palestinian leadership).
And a ping for those on Alouette's list, she's away from her computor.
...and bttt.
Who knows, it could happen and let's be hopeful.
I know a fair number of other Jews who usually vote Democrat who will be voting for Dubya this time. In fact, I know quite a few who are independents who will be voting straight R because the Democrats have gotten so nutty.
It looks less phony that it would if it were John Kerry, but it still look staged.
My understanding is that it is considered polite (required) for a Gentile to wear a yarmulke if he is at a Jewish event. Obviously in synagogue, and I suppose at other times too, bar mitzvahs and so forth. They'll generally provide yarmukles if wearing one is expected, and I'm certain the presidential etiquette people got it right in this case.
Just as I would have a problem with a non-Catholic receiving communion at Mass (were I Catholic).
That is generally prohibited, with some exceptions -- very different.
I was not aware of this. Thanks. I withdraw my picky observation.
And of course the Presdent's etiquette folks would be on top of it. I was just struck by The Stain receiving communion at some RC church (in Africa, I think) after the whole Lewinsky thing. But with Clinton....
Thanks for the ping! I'm glad President Bush hasn't had Arafat to the White House. He's a known terrorist and has NO business on American soil. I know the former sleaze ball had Arafat at the W.H. when he was president, but President Bush has more class. I certainly hope the Jewish Democrats wake up to the RAT party, and support President Bush. ;-)
if you were, you would also have a problem with the apostles of the 1st century partaking of Communion, as none of them were Catholic either.
...probably a good thing I'm a Protestant...
Hope we never see this happen in the White House.
RITAL
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