Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Hey, Jews Should Be Conservatives, Not Liberals: Podhoretz

Following 'false messiah' Obama is bad politics, bad religion: Podhoretz

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 10, 2009 8:43 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Jewish voters backed Barack Obama over John McCain last year by a staggering 57 points—the most resounding mandate from any group other than African Americans. That bewilders neocon Norman Podhoretz, who argues in the Wall Street Journal that both Judaism and the Jewish experience endorse "the infinitely precious virtues of the traditional American system." Alas, Podhoretz writes, for many fellow Jews, liberalism "has superseded Judaism and become a religion in its own right."

On questions from abortion and gay rights to assisted suicide, Jews are the most reliably liberal group in America—despite the fact that Jewish law opposes all of them. But more broadly, the flourishing of poor immigrants into one of the richest ethnic groups should make Jews conservatives, he writes; they, more than anyone, should defend America's "moral values and socioeconomic principles." Hopefully, Podhoretz writes, "the exposure of Mr. Obama as a false messiah" will drive Jews away not just from the president, but from liberalism itself.

Barack Obama, then a presidential candidate, visits the Western Wall in Jerusalem in July 2008.
Barack Obama, then a presidential candidate, visits the Western Wall in Jerusalem in July 2008.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong/FILE)
In this July 23, 2008 file photo, US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, listens to Israel's President Shimon Peres,
In this July 23, 2008 file photo, US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, listens to Israel's President Shimon Peres,   (AP Photo/Baz Ratner, Pool, File)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

In virtually every clash between Jewish law and contemporary liberalism, it is the liberal creed that prevails. For many, moving to the right is invested with much the same horror their forefathers felt about conversion to Christianity. -

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
WHSteinlauf1
Jan 14, 2010 4:37 AM CST
I have been gone from Liberalism for at least 25 years. Once ~ when I was very young, foolish and naive, I was registered in the American Socialist Party!?
Stuart
Sep 11, 2009 12:34 PM CDT
More than a 'run from the right' as so many posters here claim, I think Jews are drawn to the left by Judaism. Justice Justice shall you pursue. Tikun Olam or Repair the world, etc are all fundamental concepts in Judaism. These values are part and parcel of the Left, not the Right
bacimom
Sep 11, 2009 2:59 AM CDT
Jay, I sincerely hope your usage of Masonic imagery doesn't demean the Masons.

 
Barack Obama • Jews • Norman Podhoretz • Judaism • liberal • the Jewish vote • conservatism

More Newser Stories

'First Jewish President' Delights Chicago Faithful

Clinton Cancels Event After Palin Invited, Too

Obama: Israel's Security Is Sacrosanct

Jewish Voters Aren't Feeling Obama

2010's Lesson: Move to Center
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne