[uncbob]

Actually Hillary is thought to have gotten about 54% of the NY State Jewish vote, below her statewide margin and well below the 80% Gore received. Lots of split ballots.

That shows the problem
Jews still vote liberal except when they perceive it a problem for Israel
That's why Hillary didn't get as much as Gore.
Some Jewish voters saw her as friendly to the Arabs

If Bush wins a quick victory in the Middle East and the Jewish voters perceive Israel as safe it will be back to the democrats for the liberal segment of the Jewish vote

[SJackson]

If Bush wins a quick victory in the Middle East and the Jewish voters perceive Israel as safe it will be back to the democrats for the liberal segment of the Jewish vote

I don’t think that’s the problem, and I don’t think GWB will pick up that many votes based on Israel, the war on terror perhaps.

Hillary wasn’t about Israel. At the time the peace process was in full gear, supported by most liberal US Jews. The Oslo War (aka al aska intiftada) had just started. If it was disappointment with Israel policy, they wouldn’t have overwhelming voted for a continuation of the Clinton policy under Gore.

Hilliary kissed Suha (sp?) after uttering a version of old libels (poisoning children) and was outed over her *ew bastard comment. She came off as a Jew hater. That was the issue, not Israel, and yes, that hatred will often transcend the liberal bias of many Jews.

If the Rep’s pick up Jewish votes it will be from demographic change, particularly economic and tax policies which appeal to younger voters. A backlash against perceived liberal anti-Semitism, yes, but I don’t think it’s perceived yet. Support for Israel, in the top 5 issues perhaps.