I write this, not in the hopes of changing the mind of anyone who has decided to vote for Donald Trump for president (the idea that my letter would be so persuasive as to change the minds of MAGA supporters is a fantasy that I certainly do not believe), but rather because there may be readers who are curious, or perhaps even troubled, about statements made in several recent columns and letters in The Link about both the nomination of Vice President Harris and President Biden’s relationship with Israel.
First, the idea that the nomination of Vice President Harris is somehow undemocratic or otherwise improper is quite simply a canard made by people whose goal is discrediting any Democratic candidate. But regardless of motivation, the accusation is unjustified. In a primary, although candidates’ names appear on the ballot, voters are actually selecting delegates to a convention, not directly choosing a nominee. This is similar to the general election where they are actually voting for electors to the Electoral College, not directly voting for president. The latter case can be proved by the fact that both Al Gore and Hilary Clinton won the popular vote, but lost the election because their opponents each won more electors.
In this year’s primary, Joseph Biden won the most delegates and they pledged to support him so long as (1) he remained a candidate or (2) did not release them to vote for someone else. Were this not the case, there would be no point in having a convention, since the nominee would be picked by popular vote. In a contested convention, delegates often switch allegiances many times during the convention, and this is true in both parties.
Once Biden withdrew, his delegates were free to cast their vote for whomever they deemed prudent. One may disagree with a delegate’s decision, but we elect them to make that decision, and the process was legitimate and appropriate. We can Monday morning quarterback the process that led to Biden running and then withdrawing, but that is irrelevant to the question of what actually happened.
Second, the accusations about Harris’ selection of a vice president are equally spurious. Had she selected Gov. Shapiro, the same people criticizing her would still be doing so, just making up different reasons why he was a poor choice. Her only job in making a selection was to determine who would be the best person to help her win. Assuaging Republican critics was not likely on her agenda, nor was virtue signaling to Jews. No one can truly say who was the best choice since there is no way to test it or know if any choice would make a difference.
Finally, neither party has an unblemished record on Israel. One can point to horrible decisions by presidents of both parties, including reported antisemitic statements made by Republican cabinet members and presidents. One can also point to support given by both Democratic and Republican administrations to Israel. Despite claims to the contrary, neither side is pure Zionist or philo-Semitic.
And yet, I cannot recall a president who, notwithstanding his deep (and sometimes expressed) reservations about Israeli government actions, has been so supportive of Israel, both in rhetoric and action, especially in the face of extreme pressure both internationally and at home, and at the risk of losing a critical election. President Biden’s unprecedented visit to Israel during a war, his commitment of weapons and of the American military to Israel’s defense, his unwavering and expressed belief in Zionism as a moral imperative, all point to his being the most Zionist president in American history.
And there is no evidence that Vice President Harris would change any of the policies, even if she does not share his deep emotional attachment to Israel. Unlike Prime Minister Netanyahu, I do not find a willingness to express empathy with the horrendous losses faced by Palestinians to be problematic in the least, or in any way anti-Israel. It should be noted that despite extreme pressure from the progressive wing, the Democratic Party put a hostage family on the podium and kept the anti-Zionists out of the hall. The message was clear to those open to listening: Anti-Zionism was unwelcome at the DNC.
Recognize that the majority in both parties remains pro-Israel. If you really believe that one party will do a better job than another party on issues like healthcare, the economy, protection of constitutional rights, the environment, veterans and military families, and support for Israel, then go ahead and support that party.
But if you support a party or candidate mainly because your friends, family, social circle or social media feeds lean one way or the other, then perhaps you are no different from the college students who scream “Free Palestine” without knowing anything other than that their progressive friends are demanding they do so.
