So Operative DT writes in to ask the Czar what the hell is up when America’s Jewish population votes in massive numbers for Barack Obama, when the President has continuously propped up Iran while bitch slapping Israel around. The answer is not too complicated.

Jews, like Catholics, tend to vote whichever way they want.

Historically, Jews tended to vote from party to party as they wanted but generally favored Republican candidates since the very first (Lincoln). It was not until the early 20th Century that this rather changed.

Wilson advocated a League of Nations, which Jews hoped would end centuries of abuse in Europe. They voted for Wilson. Wilson responded by nominating Louis Brandeis to the Supreme Court, and recognized Jewish claims in Palestine. ולסנ, they said, ער איז אונדזער פריינד It can be hard to argue with that.

Roosevelt declared war against Nazi Germany, cementing the Jewish love of the Democratic Party. Truman, with his push for the United Nations and the formation of Israel, naturally enjoyed the same support. Carter’s tagalong involvement with the Israeli-Egyptian peace treay and Clinton’s pressure to have Jordan recognize Israel were key factors in keeping Jewish voters democratic.

Conversely, Nixon terrified them from his Unamerican McCarthy years. The elder Bush actually “forced” Israel to take scud hits from Iraq (which strategically was the right move to hold the coalition together; however, many American Jews felt it made Israel look impotent). And George W. Bush’s close relationship with Saudi royalty made American Jews very uncomfortable.

But, like Catholics, they do not vote as en bloc. The business élite among American Jews have always voted Republican—notably Reagan and both Bushes. Younger jews however are now turning increasingly Republican as well.

However, support for President Obama is eroding quickly. Obama entered the political scene at the same moment his mentor, Jeremiah Wright was screaming anti-semitic nonsense, and lately the President is seen to be cool at best—and anti-Israeli at worst—among American Jews.

The Jewish vote is something the GOP has never counted on; despite the fact no Republican president has ever overtly acted against Israel’s interests, they haven’t done anything spectacular either. Now would be a good time for a bigger, more-welcoming Republican party to start making some clear pro-Israel statements. A little love for Israel goes a long way in winning elections.

The Czar of Muscovy

Божію Поспѣшествующею Милостію Мы, Дима Грозный Императоръ и Самодержецъ Всероссiйскiй, цѣсарь Московскiй. The Czar was born in the steppes of Russia in 1267, and was cheated out of total control of all Russia upon the death of Boris Mikhailovich, who replaced Alexander Yaroslav Nevsky in 1263. However, in 1283, our Czar was passed over due to a clerical error and the rule of all Russia went to his second cousin Daniil (Даниил Александрович), whom Czar still resents. As a half-hearted apology, the Czar was awarded control over Muscovy, inconveniently located 5,000 miles away just outside Chicago. He now spends his time seething about this and writing about other stuff that bothers him.