The XX Factor: Slate women blog about politics, etc...

Jews and Voting

In answer to your question, Torie, I don't think the Democrats need to worry about the Jewish vote, because as far as I'm concerned there's no such thing as the Jewish vote. Saying "Jewish" these days is about as descriptive as saying "Christian." Sure, there are some rough similarities between Reform Jews, Orthodox Jews, and even Atheist Jews, just like there's a twice-removed family resemblance between Protestant Evangelicals and Roman Catholics. But as far as voting goes, it's crazy to think that Lubavitchers and say, Woody Allen, would root for the same team.

The fact that more Jewish Floridians are voting for Republicans than they used to is, I think, a simple reflection of Florida's swing state status. Poll Jews in New York and I think you'll find that they have blue blood, just as they always did.