Al Franken Would Make a Great President

[Behind the Aegis]

87. Vastly different.

I grew up in the South. My father was military, so I grew up all over. Also, my father was a lay rabbi, as many places we went had no rabbi. I have had my life threatened because I was a Jew on a number of occasions, not to mention the number of times I have endured anti-Semitic rhetoric, stupidity, and hate. Also, "Dem presidents" have, in fact, carried Southern states.

You are correct in that anti-Semitism isn't just a scourge of the right, it is a problem on the left too. As for stereotypes, there is no such thing as a truly "positive" stereotype. The use of "positive" stereotypes is not a compliment and, generally, those who use them will also be hiding a few negative ones too. While my personal experience is different from you, I am willing to assert I may also have an educational edge. I studied anti-Semitism for years, still do on occasion. It was part of my master's degree, along with general diversity training and specializing in LGBT issues, too.

I didn't say, nor imply, Seinfeld and Israel were "meaningless", I think, however, you are assigning value to them which is misplaced. I know plenty of people who enjoy Jazz and rap, but hate black people. I know scads of people who are married to women, but are raging sexists. I have encountered more than few people who enjoy "gay" things, but don't like gay people and think "gay" marriage is an abomination (some in our own party). So, to claim that people's "love" for Israel and Seinfeld is some sort of predictor of philosemitism is misleading.

Also, the US is not the least anti-Semitic country in the world. Not according to recent surveys done by the ADL. Shockingly, in an updated survey of several countries, it appears anti-Semitism has risen and in the US, by a percentage point, to 10%. More: http://global100.adl.org/

Should Franken choose to run, anti-Semitism will be an issue. How big will it be? I am not completely certain, but I would guess it will play more of a part than it does in campaigns against those who aren't Jews, and, sadly, that will also include those on the left and democrats.