Staff Reports
The Republican Jewish Coalition has reason to pop the bubbly as they cheer President-elect Donald Trump’s growing appeal among Jewish voters, suggesting it may be the best showing for a GOP candidate since 1988. A recent voter analysis from Fox News and the Associated Press revealed that while Vice President Kamala Harris still holds a commanding lead with 66% of the Jewish vote, Trump has managed to elevate his support to a respectable 32%. It seems some Jewish voters are starting to reconsider their allegiance, perhaps even coming to terms with the idea that not all Republicans are boogeymen.
The numbers reveal a trend that should warm the hearts of right-leaning folks. In 2020, Trump could only muster 30% of the Jewish vote, and in 2016, he was at a paltry 24%. With the latest figures showing a one-third increase in support since his first campaign, it looks like Trump is finally getting through to some of the Jewish electorate. This shift isn’t just anecdotal; it has given the RJC cause for celebration, with their pollster explaining that this represents a significant leap in GOP appeal among Jews.
“This election demonstrated that the traditional Jewish community who overwhelmingly supported Trump is now in the drivers seat and a part of the establishment.”
My interview with @RabbiPW https://t.co/LWNFliaRbr
— Tuly Weisz (@tulyweisz) November 7, 2024
Factors contributing to this shift probably include the ongoing conflict in Israel and the accompanying rise in antisemitism that has sparked protests and heightened concerns among voters. In a world where radical groups like Hamas are in the headlines and accompanied by a chorus of left-wing politicians who seem to sympathize with them, it’s no wonder that some Jewish voters are reconsidering their traditional party loyalties. Many are realizing that a vote for Trump may correlate with a stronger stance on Israel and a safer environment domestically.
Despite the positive spin from the RJC, it’s important to note that not everyone is ready to join the GOP parade. According to CNN’s exit polling, Harris managed to secure 79% of the Jewish vote, leaving Trump with a mere 21%. However, the RJC is quick to dismiss these findings as fluky, arguing that they were based on a limited geographic and demographic sample, failing to capture the larger Jewish voting block in states like New York and New Jersey. With only 460 respondents, these polling results could hardly be representative of the over 3 million Jews in the U.S.
The RJC has also poured significant resources into their advertising strategy in battleground states, investing $15 million to micro-target Jewish voters who might swing toward Trump. Ads highlighting concerns over rising antisemitism and the crisis in Israel have been strategically deployed, reaching individuals right in their living rooms. With such a modern approach to campaigning, it’s clear that the RJC isn’t messing around and is keen on making strides for the GOP foothold within the Jewish community.
As the 2024 election approaches, the implications of these results will be closely watched. With a significant chunk of the Jewish vote in play and rising skepticism about the Democratic party among traditionally left-leaning voters, Trump’s team may very well be onto something. If nothing else, the apparent shift offers a smorgasbord of reasons for conservatives to cheer, indicating that political allegiances can and do change—especially when safety and unwavering support for Israel become the focal point of voter concern.
