In 1979, President Jimmy Carter faced a significant loss of support from the Jewish community due to diplomatic missteps and miscommunications. The Carter administration’s error at the United Nations led to a drop in Jewish voter support, ultimately costing Carter the election to Ronald Reagan. Fast forward to 2024, where the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict between Israel and Hamas has raised concerns among Jewish voters. President Biden’s actions have strained relations with Israel, and his response to the conflict has led to increased tensions within the Democratic Party. The progressive flank’s support for terrorist entities like Hamas and Hezbollah has created a rift within the party, prompting organizations like AIPAC to invest in primary battles against progressive candidates.
As the 2024 election approaches, the Biden administration’s approach to Israel may impact Jewish voter support. While Donald Trump’s popularity remains low among Jewish voters, the hesitation and ambiguity of the progressive wing on issues related to Israel may push some Jewish voters away from the Democratic Party. The rise of antisemitic incidents on campuses and the strong support for Israel among American voters could influence the outcome of the election. Overall, the handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the stance on antisemitism within the Democratic Party may shape Jewish voter behavior in the upcoming election.
