THE VEEP AND THE JEWSAugust 16, 2024

Kamala Harris’ pick for running mate—Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota—has raised new questions about Jews in America. 

In a recent New York Times article (“For Some Jewish Democrats, Heightened Worries About Anti-Semitism”), Jennifer Medina and Katie Glueck wrote, “For many American Jews, the prospect of Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania as a running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris prompted elation — a balm for the feelings of alienation and anger they have harbored amid a wave of anti-Israel sentiment and rising antisemitism. . . . For some, it confirmed or inflamed simmering fears about antisemitism on the left.”

The far left has long embraced antisemitism. For example, Jews played a major role in the Bolshevik creation of the Soviet Union, but Judaism—like all religion but more so—remained anathema. Many Jews were imprisoned or murdered during Josef Stalin’s reign and after.

Today, America’s left expresses concerns for the poor and marginalized. This was the condition of most Eastern-European Jewish immigrants who came here between 1885 and 1924. My grandparents and all but two great-grandparents included. Yet overall, Jews—those immigrants and the ones who came here before and after—created great success stories. 

What rankles the far left? Many other ethnic Americans continue to struggle while Jews have produced people like Josh Shapiro, qualified to win the Veepstakes and someday a presidential candidate. But in a nation that loves conspiracies and in which antisemitism has a long and ugly history—particularly on the far right—the Jews must wield some secret, evil power.

Corresponding to that, anti-Israel sentiment is high among the far left. I’m no fan of Bibi Netanyahu. I think he’s mishandled the response to Hamas’ disgusting October attack on Israel. But many in the far left share Hamas’ objective: Israel shouldn’t exist at all. Josh Shapiro—and I—supports Israel’s existence.

As to Jewish pride, Joe Lieberman, senator from Connecticut, was Al Gore’s running mate in 2000. He came close to serving in as VP. Hanging chards on Florida punch-card ballots prevented that. So, Shapiro’s candidacy would not have been a first.

Do most American Jews see antisemitism at work in Harris’ selection? I doubt it. We understand the politics involved. Kamala’s husband is Jewish. Would adding a Jewish Veep candidate and a potential Jewish second-lady win more votes in swing states or lose them? The decision to go with Tim Walz, who bears no fault for being white, was strictly political. First things first: win the presidency.

Let me add that many American Jews were relieved when Shapiro wasn’t picked. There remains much fear that a Jewish candidate will draw the increased ire of antisemites. In recent years, we’ve seen an upturn in antisemitic incidents, including violence and murder.

Will the United States ever accept another Jewish vice-presidential candidate? A major-party presidential candidate? (Which would be a first.) If Harris loses, Josh Shapiro may answer that question in 2028. If Harris wins, in 2032.

What will happen in November? Barack Obama was elected president for two terms. Kamala Harris—black and Indian—has a good chance to defeat Donald Trump. 

Antisemitism will never disappear in America. But the nation is changing. Has changed. Ultimately, the far left and the far right will have to adapt to Jewish legitimacy or become increasingly irrelevant.

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