It seems like we\’ve been on the verge of 2004 for ages —
presidential election years always seem to distort the space-time continuum —
but now it\’s really upon us, and a lively year it is certain to be.
Question: What\’s behind Howard Dean\’s ongoing problems in the Jewish community?
Answer: No-holds-barred partisanship, especially among the anonymous attackers who are clogging the e-mail inboxes of Jewish leaders around the country, warning — without much evidence — that Dean would somehow be bad for Israel.
But the bitter attacks are having an impact; a frequently heard comment, at least in Jewish activist circles, is that many Jews who have voted Democratic all their lives will vote for Bush if Dean wins his party\’s nomination.
If you\’re confused about this week\’s developments in U.S.-Israel diplomacy, don\’t worry; you\’re not alone.
Nationally, the big question is whether Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) can parlay his strong performance on the 2000 campaign trail into primary wins if he runs for the presidency in 2004. Locally, the big question is this: corned beef or pastrami?
Rep. Peter King (R-NY) isn\’t Jewish, but this week\’s political about-face by the Long Island lawmaker reflected a mounting problem for Jewish backers of Texas Gov. George Bush.
