In an unexpected political shift, Rona Kaufman, a feminist and former Obama supporter, has announced her plans to vote for Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick, citing dismay with the Democratic Party's stance on Israel.
A fissure within the Democratic Party over Israel has prompted a former supporter to side with Republican candidates in Pennsylvania's upcoming elections according to The New York Post.
Rona Kaufman, a law professor at Duquesne University, has expressed disillusionment following the recent debates within the Democratic Party regarding Israel, especially in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Kaufman, who has a deep family connection to Israel, found the party's inability to uniformly support Israel deeply troubling.
The internal division among Democrats, particularly visible following statements by some members calling for a reduction in U.S. support for Israel, has led Kaufman to reconsider her political affiliations.
She remarked on the appeal of the Republican perspective for its strong stance on Israel.
Kaufman’s political transition was profoundly personal and influenced by family ties to Israel. Her grandparents resettled there after the Holocaust, and her father served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Furthermore, her daughter Naomi Kitchen currently serves in the IDF and has been directly affected by regional threats.
The tension within the Democratic Party was heightened when Rep. Summer Lee, a Democrat, called for a cease-fire while accusing Israel of genocide, a statement that Kaufman vehemently disagrees with.
This, alongside others’ threats to boycott Vice President Kamala Harris over her stance on Israel, underscored for Kaufman a significant departure from her values.
On Oct. 7, the anniversary of a lethal attack by Hamas, Kaufman declared her firm support for what she terms "peace through strength," a principle she believes is best upheld by the Republican candidates. Her dismay was further articulated in her comments about the feelings of betrayal and desertion she experienced from the Democratic Party.
In the upcoming elections, Republican Dave McCormick is attempting to unseat long-time Democratic Senator Bob Casey. McCormick's efforts to court Jewish voters, who make up 3% of Pennsylvania's electorate, seem to be resonating with Kaufman and possibly others who share her views and concerns.
Despite her shift in partisan support, Kaufman acknowledges Pennsylvania’s other Democratic senator, John Fetterman, for his consistent support of Israel.
She commended Fetterman for demonstrating what she described as moral clarity and integrity, a stark contrast to her views on the broader party dynamics.
The schism in the Democratic Party regarding Israel has led to starkly divergent views on U.S. military support. Kaufman’s criticism extends to the handling of Middle Eastern policy alignments, particularly criticisms of Israel’s military actions which she finds unjustified and harmful to the Israeli state.
McCormick’s campaign could be pivotal in shifting the political landscape in Pennsylvania, especially if more traditionally Democratic Jewish voters align with Kaufman's perspective.
Her endorsement highlights the potential political repercussions of party division on foreign policy issues.
Kaufman’s decision was not made lightly. It stemmed from a deep-seated connection to Israel and a belief that current Democratic strategies and remarks jeopardize not just political but family ties and safety. Her narrative is laden with emotions tied to historical and familial bonds that transcend mere political allegiance.
In summary, Rona Kaufman’s shift in political allegiance illuminates broader issues within the Democratic Party concerning Israel.
Her support for Republican candidates underscores a potential shift among voters who feel the party has diverged from its traditional stances on key foreign policy issues.
The upcoming elections will reveal how widespread such sentiments are among the electorate.