Synopsis:
Jews in American Politics brings together a complete picture of the past, present, and future of Jewish political participation. Years in the making, this monumental work includes thoughtful and original chapters by leading journalists, scholars, and practitioners. Topics range from Jewish leadership and identity; to Jews in Congress, on the Supreme Court, and in presidential administrations; and on to Jewish influence in the media, the lobbies, and in other arenas in which American government operates powerfully, if informally.
Review:
This is a fascinating and comprehensive study of the role Jews have played in American politics and government. Along with documenting their many unique contributions, it is a tribute to their own determination and to the democracy that gave them the opportunity to overcome the barriers of anti-Semitism.--Hal Bruno, political director, ABC News (retired)
Only two other Jews have sought a major party nomination for the presidency, according to the book Jews in American Politics.--Matthew E. Berger "New Jersey Jewish News "
Reading Jews in American Politics is like finding a missing puzzle piece. Never before has there been such a detailed account of the Jewish political experience. Using thought provoking essays and compelling statistics, this work tells us where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. It is a must-read for anyone interested in politics and any person with a love of history and heritage.--Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)
Ira Forman, co-editor, said the tradition of reform politics in Minnesota and Wisconsin opened the door to Jews.
This book is a first of its kind--an all-in-one encyclopedia that both chronicles the Jewish political experience from Oscar Straus to Joe Lieberman and critically analyzes what it all means. Well-written, insightful, and full of useful information, Jews in American Politics is a must-read for the scholar, the student, and the average citizen alike.--Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.)
He keeps kosher. He walks to shul. He doesn't campaign on Saturdays. He has a wife named Hadassah. He gabs in Yiddish. Mainstream historians will remember the 2000 presidential election campaign for its emptiness, its closeness, its flirtation with endlessness. But Jews will remember it for the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, and for his Jewishness. . . .The nomination came at a moment in history in which it was not unrealistic to believe that Americans of all flavors were less inclined to stress their differences than to celebrate the breakthroughs of another of the groups that provide the American stew with its richness and spice. That was the achievement, and the meaning, of the extraordinary selection of Joseph Isador Lieberman to join the Democratic ticket in what would prove to be an extraordinary political year.--David M. Shribman, From the Prologue, The Boston Globe
This book is a brilliant description of the texture and rich heritage of Jewish involvement in American politics. What will really surprise many people is the geographic and ideological diversity of those Jewish Americans who led the way over the years.--Daniel R. Glickman, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Congressman (D-Kans.)
We can learn that words hurt. And I wouldn't say though, though a lot of people, I'm sure, have forgiven both Jesse Jackson and Robert Byrd for what they've said in the past, a lot of people have not forgotten those words.--Sen. Joseph Lieberman "CNN "
The experience I had during the 2000 presidential campaign has only deepened my feelings about public service. It reinforced my basic faith in the goodness and tolerance of the American people, my belief that there is an important role for idealism in public life, and my conviction that each individual can make a contribution to a better society. It has also convinced me as never before that American Jews have an important and special role to play in the civic life of this great country. . . . That is the spirit I hope readers--particularly young readers--will draw from this important book.--Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (D-Conn.), from the Introduction
It's a sign of the increased maturity of American society that Jewish candidates for elected office are now able to run without anti-Semitism posing a serious obstacle in most parts of the United States. And it is a sign of the maturity of American Jews that we are willing to discuss this openly without fear of provoking an anti-Semitic reaction. This book is an excellent example of that discussion--thoughtful, informed, and informative.--Barney Frank, former Massachusetts congressman
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