Jews Favor Obama, Survey Says, But ...

... by a thinner margin than they supported fellow Dem Kerry in '04

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 30, 2008 12:40 PM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama has a big lead among Jewish voters, according to a survey by the American Jewish Committee. But his 57% support, to 30% for John McCain and 13% undecided, is “a bit lower than one would expect,” a group exec tells VOA News. At this time in 2004, John Kerry had 69% of the vote, which grew to 76% by Election Day.

More popular than Obama himself is running mate Joe Biden, who draw 73% approval to 37% for GOP counterpart Sarah Palin. The survey also sheds light on Jewish interests. Though some 29% said they feel very close to the state of Israel, just 3% listed it as their top concern this election; the economy and health care were the major favorites.

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Barack Obama speaks at rally in Kissimmee, Fla., yesterday; both he and Republican rival John McCain have been actively courting the state's voters, of whom Jews make up as much as 5%. (AP Photo)

30% of Jewish voters surveyed by the American Jewish Committee supported John McCain, with 57% for Barack Obama and 13% undecided. (AP Photo)

Barack Obama prays at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo)

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While, like most other Americans, they are still uncertain about how to solve the current economic and financial crisis, American Jews say they trust Democrats more than Republicans—62 to 28%— to find a way to fix the mess. - Mohamed Elshinnawi

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Jews Favor Obama, Survey Says, But ...