That “ugly statement” was 100% true.
The Jewish vote is a democrat constituency.
Perhaps Baker should have phrased it more diplomatically?
“Regardless of our course of action, the Jewish vote will go to whoever is running as a democrat and whatever we accomplish will be undone...”
There, is that better?
A situation caused to a large extend by Republican bigots like Baker.
Reagan got 39% of the Jewish vote in 1980.
31% in 1984
Bush I got 35% in 1988.
Secretary of State Baker, a bigot, tells Jews like me who voted for Bush to go FU*K ourselves. Classy from a Republican official.
Surprise, surprise, Bush I drops from 35% in 1988 to 11% in 1992, and though I wasn't one of them I can't blame any Jew for voting for Clinton over a President who tolerates bigotry.
And no, there's been no recovery, and yes, Republicans defend Bakers bigotry.
Let me also say that for an official to base American foreign policy on the voting habits of a domestic minority should be a disqualification from office. Shame on Bush I for never addressing this.
The President's job is to do the right thing.
James Baker was apparently more interested in returning favors and using the power of of the US government for if-you-scratch-my-back-I'll-scratch-yours deals.
Baker is beneath contempt and did not deserve to serve in the Reagan administration.
I lose more respect for Kemp every day.
They are historically reliable Democrat voters and, for the life of me, I don’t know why. The Democrats have never made a habit of acting in their best interests, in fact they have consistently lent support to their sworn enemies, here and abroad. I realize that reformed Jews (the vast majority) have always been excessively liberal regarding social issues (especially abortion), but now they they act increasingly willing to throw Israel under the bus. What really kills me, the two groups that hate them most in America, the blacks and the muzzies, have enjoyed virtually unwavering Jewish support. Sheer lunacy on their part, it seems.