Posted on 08/14/2012 11:33:36 AM PDT by EricTheRed_VocalMinority
Last week I attended a four-day Jewish conference. Having attended it several times over the past several years, I am fully aware of the prominently left-liberal leanings of the crowd (which has comprised anywhere from 500-1200 people).
That has meant righties like myself have had to tread lightly when political discussions come up. I pick my battles carefully and stick in my two shekels only when I’m pretty sure my audience is somewhat open to debate without confrontation or ad hominem attacks. In fact, my usual contingent of friends at this conference—all left-of-center—know where I stand and we’ve actually engaged in lively debates around the meal tables.
Anyone else of my ideological ilk at this conference I’ve been able to count on one hand. And I didn’t expect that to change this year ‘round. But what follows is something I did not expect:
Someone at this year’s conference thought it would be a good idea to hold lunchtime discussions on various topics regarding Judaism, but the one that caught my eye immediately was, “Barack or Mitt: Who’s better for the Jews.” Assuming I was going to be the token Romney supporter, I eventually mustered up enough courage to sign up for that one.
When I walked into the classroom there were only three other people. None of us had met before and after introductions I immediately assumed I was going to be the lone Romney supporter: There was a woman in her late 40’s/early 50’s from Washington State, a young woman around 30 who was from Boston and a graduate of the very left-feminist Bryn Mawr College, and a young man in his early 20’s from Washington, D.C.
Well, you can imagine my surprise when both young people explained how their constantly being surrounded by nonstop liberal ism had turned them into hard core Republicans! Granted, their social predilections were more on the liberal side but still, these two young people knew well enough to vote Republican in 2008 and they were definitely going to it again in November. Only the older woman was a Democrat, and even she said she was coming to this discussion with an open mind about the other side!
About 45 minutes into our discussion, during which we three Republicans were as respectful and tolerant toward the lone Democrat as possible, a fifth person came in. He was around 70 and I’ve known him through this conference for many years. He’s your staunch liberal Democrat, and during those Bush years, he and I had gone back and forth quite passionately, so his entrance into the debate really riled things up. Still, at this Jewish conference, Republicans still outnumbered Democrats.
Then another woman (mid 50’s?) came in to the classroom, but not to join the convsersation. She was delivering the workshop that was scheduled in that room following lunch and came early to set up. Well, not even five minutes after our conversation continued, that woman piped in from the opposite corner of the room, and proceeded to deliver the most delicious anti-Obama rant I’d heard all week!
So, to tally up, at a conference of around 500 predominantly liberal Jews, I was sitting in a classroom where people were invited to discuss the upcoming presidential election and Romney supporters outnumbered Obamabots 2-1!
Where were the other Obama supporters, I thought? Were they busy participating at a lunch conversation in another classroom? Why were they not here making a case for their Golden Calf?
Whatever the reason, you can imagine I left that lunch discussion a little more optimistic about Obama and the Jewish vote. Don’t get me wrong, I am fully aware he’ll get the majority of us. But it seems it won’t be as much as last time around.
They’ll wake up when the dems start to smash their windows and confiscate their money for the betterment of the collective.
‘Twas indeed a small sample size, but still capable of providing hope.
We can only hope.
Part of both clinton and obozo wins were mitzvahs — paid for by others.
It certainly is interesting that you were able to find yourself in the majority in such an environment.
What also is interesting it the small number who chose NOT to attend.
I suspect that it indicates an “enthusiasm deficit” on the part of the Obama supporters.
Request a “do-over”
It certainly is interesting that you were able to find yourself in the majority in such an environment.
What also is interesting is the LARGE number who chose NOT to attend.
I suspect that it indicates an “enthusiasm deficit” on the part of the Obama supporters.
This says a lot about turnout, now doesn’t it?
I find that my liberal friends just don’t want to talk about the election. Obama’s embarrassing them.
Might not be quite as large as 2008 but I’ll bet the farm obammy gets the vast majority of Jewish votes.
Ya think American Jews give a crap about Israel?
No way cause they’ll still vote for the one who is trying to end Israel.
That sounds positive for winning Florida. On a side note: Is anyone seeing Obama/Biden 2012 bumperstickers or yard signs?
This isn’t 1976 .....many (most?) American Jews couldn’t care less about Israel.
Where is Ed Koch ? I saw him on FNC a year ago angrily denouncing 0 and saying he would not go to Florida to campaign for him like he did in 2008 . Do the Dems have him tied up in a closet somewhere ?
You are an optimist! I’m not so much.
The session was sparsely attended because the liberals attending the conference already know they are supporting Obama and so is everyone they know. There is nothing for them to discuss nor are they feeling pressured to defend obama. Everyone is on the commie bandwagon except for your sweet heart and a few others.
If you’d like to be on or off, please FR mail me.
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Big question: Why do you think that the the discussion session on the presidential election was seemingly so poorly attended with this most vital election less than three months away?
You could definitely think this, but the most interesting and amazing part of the article is the lady who sauntered in to set up the next meeting. She wouldn't have been there if she hadn't come in to set up the meeting, and even she voiced a strong opinion against Obama. You have to wonder how many others there may not have attended the meeting, but felt along the same lines concerning Obama.
Then another woman (mid 50’s?) came in to the classroom, but not to join the conversation. She was delivering the workshop that was scheduled in that room following lunch and came early to set up. Well, not even five minutes after our conversation continued, that woman piped in from the opposite corner of the room, and proceeded to deliver the most delicious anti-Obama rant I’d heard all week!
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