THE MEDIA LINE — US President-elect Joe Biden reflects the orthodoxy of the “two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. He is a committed, enthusiastic proponent of this idea as a way forward in the Middle East.
There is a competing political paradigm – “racial-justice politics” – that has gained, if not dominance, at the very least great influence with liberal and left-wing thinkers in America. This new politics, with its ideological base anchored in postmodernism and neo-Marxism, is powered by intersectionality and identity politics.
Inside the Democratic Party, it has garnered considerable authority and leverage. It has also made its way into mainstream American culture: From Hollywood to Twitter and Facebook, it is simply swimming in the American social and cultural mainstream.
Racial-justice politics has a particular Israel problem, and its Israel problem is expressed openly. It presents Israel through an ideological prism, arguing that it is a colonial enterprise, an outpost of Western imperialism in an overwhelmingly Muslim Middle East.
The prominence of the new political paradigm presents a difficult problem for President-elect Biden. Historically, he has rejected this reference system. But as president, he will feel intense pressure to please his left wing and gratify its convictions about Israel.
The prominence of the new political paradigm presents a difficult problem for President-elect Biden. Historically, he has rejected this reference system. But as president, he will feel intense pressure to please his left wing and gratify its convictions about Israel.
The question for Israel and today’s Israeli leaders is how well a President Biden manages the pressure coming from adherents of the new politics.
As the Democratic Party’s nominee, he was successful in rebuffing the new-politics radicals who wanted an anti-Israel statement in the 2020 Democratic Party Platform. His two-state views prevailed, and the platform calls for the creation of a “viable” Palestinian state and explicitly opposes “unilateral action” from either side.
The UN will be a significant test as to how well he continues to juggle the demands of the new politics, for the person President Biden appoints as ambassador will give us a clue.
If he were to appoint say, former two-term mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa, a popular, highly regarded and nationally prominent Latino leader, the news would be extremely well received in Israel. Villaraigosa knows Israel and is an outspoken friend.
A good choice for Biden. Works for Israel.
A good choice for Biden. Works for Israel.
But what if Biden were to choose Pete Buttigieg? The first gay UN ambassador checks some boxes.
Israeli leaders might find Mayor Pete credible. Buttigieg has been to Israel a number of times. In the past, he spoke favorably about the Jewish state. During the campaign, he became wobbly, striking out at Bibi.
But still, he’d likely be satisfactory. Good for Biden. Okay for Israel.
Or, Biden could choose Susan Rice or, say, Stacey Abrams. That would send a negative signal.
How well will a President Biden stand up to the radical pressure? Keep an eye on what happens with the UN appointment.
Michael Fenenbock is an American political strategist in a career that spans over four decades of providing tactical expertise to major campaigns.
Israel Needs to Watch Biden’s UN Pick
Michael Fenenbock, The Media Line
THE MEDIA LINE — US President-elect Joe Biden reflects the orthodoxy of the “two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. He is a committed, enthusiastic proponent of this idea as a way forward in the Middle East.
There is a competing political paradigm – “racial-justice politics” – that has gained, if not dominance, at the very least great influence with liberal and left-wing thinkers in America. This new politics, with its ideological base anchored in postmodernism and neo-Marxism, is powered by intersectionality and identity politics.
Inside the Democratic Party, it has garnered considerable authority and leverage. It has also made its way into mainstream American culture: From Hollywood to Twitter and Facebook, it is simply swimming in the American social and cultural mainstream.
Racial-justice politics has a particular Israel problem, and its Israel problem is expressed openly. It presents Israel through an ideological prism, arguing that it is a colonial enterprise, an outpost of Western imperialism in an overwhelmingly Muslim Middle East.
The prominence of the new political paradigm presents a difficult problem for President-elect Biden. Historically, he has rejected this reference system. But as president, he will feel intense pressure to please his left wing and gratify its convictions about Israel.
The question for Israel and today’s Israeli leaders is how well a President Biden manages the pressure coming from adherents of the new politics.
As the Democratic Party’s nominee, he was successful in rebuffing the new-politics radicals who wanted an anti-Israel statement in the 2020 Democratic Party Platform. His two-state views prevailed, and the platform calls for the creation of a “viable” Palestinian state and explicitly opposes “unilateral action” from either side.
The UN will be a significant test as to how well he continues to juggle the demands of the new politics, for the person President Biden appoints as ambassador will give us a clue.
If he were to appoint say, former two-term mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa, a popular, highly regarded and nationally prominent Latino leader, the news would be extremely well received in Israel. Villaraigosa knows Israel and is an outspoken friend.
A good choice for Biden. Works for Israel.
But what if Biden were to choose Pete Buttigieg? The first gay UN ambassador checks some boxes.
Israeli leaders might find Mayor Pete credible. Buttigieg has been to Israel a number of times. In the past, he spoke favorably about the Jewish state. During the campaign, he became wobbly, striking out at Bibi.
But still, he’d likely be satisfactory. Good for Biden. Okay for Israel.
Or, Biden could choose Susan Rice or, say, Stacey Abrams. That would send a negative signal.
How well will a President Biden stand up to the radical pressure? Keep an eye on what happens with the UN appointment.
Michael Fenenbock is an American political strategist in a career that spans over four decades of providing tactical expertise to major campaigns.
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Latest Articles
“I Love Life”: Paralyzed for Nearly Two Years, Dennis Prager Talks Gratitude and Happiness at Miami Gala
Memorial at Saban, Soraka Medical Center Mark Three Years Since Oct. 7; ‘Fauda’ Panel
Vegetarianism and Impossible Utopias
A Bisl Torah — Bar Mitzvah Lessons
A Moment in Time: October 7 – Beyond Black and White
Thorns and Thistles and Two Trees in the Garden of Eden
Print Issue: Making Jewish Fiction New Again | October 16, 2026
In a climate of anti-Jewish censorship, a new fiction imprint from Wicked Son will play a part in determining the future of Jewish fiction in America.
Rabbis of LA | Rabbi Taff and Aliyah
First of two parts
Michael Douglas Memoir, ‘One Helluva Ride,’ Is a Helluva Read
At 82, Douglas has survived cancer, is married to the love of his life, Catherine Zeta-Jones, has been in iconic films including “Wall Street” and “Basic Instinct” and grew up with the pressure of having a famous father, the legendary actor Kirk Douglas.
A Burst of Inspirational Art in Hadassah
What makes them special, in addition to their ethereal beauty, is that four of the paintings are of women; two others, while abstract, appear to reference the female.
‘We Had a Mission to Tell the World Our Story’: ‘Fauda’ Creator Avi Issacharoff
It is Episodes 7 and 8, which take viewers back to Oct. 7, that have generated some of the strongest reactions from audiences around the world.
Three Years Later: 1-in-5 Israelis Report Severe Mental Health Impairment
PTSD diagnoses among children and adolescents in Israel rose almost 2.5-fold after Oct. 7. Clalit Health Services is reaching out to thousands of patients each week who have not reached out for any mental health treatment.
Jewish Charter Schools Take a Step Forward
The possibility of tuition-free Jewish religious education is moving closer to reality.
Jon Polin Wants Answers, Not Revenge, Three Years After Oct. 7
One day before the three-year anniversary of the Oct. 7th attacks, the father of slain hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin called for a national commission of inquiry, spoke about what comes next for him and Rachel, and said punishment for Israel’s failures is not what he seeks.
Oct. 7 Survivors Share Stories of Loss, Courage and Resilience
The memorial event was organized by StandWithUs in partnership with the Israeli-American Council (IAC), American Jewish Committee (AJC) Los Angeles, Temple of the Arts, the Consulate General of Israel and The Jewish Journal.
“Seeing Reality Clearly”: Noa Tishby’s Oct. 7 Address
This speech is my honest look at where we are as a Jewish community.
Beit Issie Shapiro Gala Celebrates Resilience, Independence and the Power of Possibility
Among the evening’s highlights was an inspiring address by Israeli Paralympic champion Moran Samuel, 44, whose remarkable journey from tragedy to triumph captivated the audience.
Proposition 37: The California Middle-Class Homeownership Act and the Future of Jewish Community in Los Angeles
Housing costs affect whether younger families can remain near grandparents, educators can live near schools and congregations can sustain participation across generations.
Challahs in the Air — Rainbows Everywhere
Someday, I hope to make this rainbow challah with my granddaughters.
Table for Five: Noach
World Gone Wrong
Making Jewish Fiction New Again
In a climate of anti-Jewish censorship, a new fiction imprint from Wicked Son will play a part in determining the future of Jewish fiction in America.
Rosner’s Domain | Meet Galit: Israel’s Decider
If we are right, this election will be decided by a right-winger who agrees with her government on almost everything, except how hard to push.
Torah Portion: Noah
Here is yet another example of the Torah’s eternal relevance.
Noah’s Ark: Building a World of Giving
The enduring lesson of Noah’s Ark is that a better world is built not simply by insisting upon our rights, but by embracing our responsibilities.
Abraham and the Tower of Babel: What Is the Connection?
Human beings are fraught with many inclinations, some good, some bad, including the desire for particular societal outcomes, grand visions, monolithic ones — exemplified by the Tower of Babel — not guided by Godly right and just action.
Pray Go On
I’ve never been able to pray, whatever that is. I remember trying to back when I was a kid in church but always kept hearing TV theme songs in my head.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.