Jews in American Politics: Essays

by Sandy L. Maisel, Ira N. Forman, Joyce Antler, Robert A. Burt, Jerome A. Chanes

Overview

Joseph Lieberman's Vice Presidential nomination and Presidential candidacy are neither the first nor last words on signal Jewish achievements in American politics. Jews have played an important role in American government since the early 1800s at least, and in view of the 2004 election, there is no political office outside the reach of Jewish American citizens.

For the first time, Jews in American Politics: Essays brings together a complete picture of the past, present, and future of Jewish political participation. Perfect for students and scholars alike, this monumental work includes thoughtful and original chapters by leading journalists, scholars, and practitioners. Topics range from Jewish leadership and identity; to Jews in Congress, on the Supreme Court, and in presidential administrations; and on to Jewish influence in the media, the lobbies, and in other arenas in which American government operates powerfully, if informally. In addition to the thematically unified essays, Jews in American Politics: Essays concludes with an invaluable roster of Jews in key governmental positions from Ambassadorships and Cabinet posts to federal judges, state governors, and mayors of major cities.

Both analytical and anecdotal, the essays in Jews in American Politics offer deep insight into serious questions about the dilemmas that Jews in public
service face, as well as humorous sidelights and authoritative reference materials never before collected in one source. The story of the rich tradition of Jewish participation in American political life provides an indispensable resource for any serious follower of American politics, especially in election year 2004.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742528796
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	09/24/2003
Series:	Solomon Project Book
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	7.26(w) x 10.26(h) x 0.97(d)

About the Author

L. Sandy Maisel is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor and chair of the Department of Government at Colby College. He is also director of the Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement at Colby College.
Ira N. Forman is executive director of the National Jewish Democratic Council and the research director of the Solomon Project.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 The Lieberman Candidacy Part 3 I Themes, Trends, and American Political Institutions Chapter 4 Identity and Politics: Dilemmas of Jewish Leadership in America Chapter 5 At the Summit: Presidents, Presidential Appointments, and Jews Chapter 6 On the Hill: Jews in the United States Congress Chapter 7 On the Bench: The Jewish Justices Chapter 8 Movers, Shakers, and Leaders: Jewish Party Politicians Chapter 9 Who Does What?: Jewish Advocacy and Jewish "Interest" Chapter 10 A Part and Apart: Jewish Americans, the Media, and American Politics Chapter 11 The Politics of Minority Consciousness: The Historical Voting Behavior of American Jews Chapter 12 Still Liberal After All These Years?: The Contemporary Political Behavior of American Jewry Chapter 13 Right Turn?: Jews and the American Conservative Movement Chapter 14 Famished for Justice: The Jew as Radical Chapter 15 Activists and Organizers: Jewish Women and American Politics Chapter 16 Israel and Beyond: American Jews and U.S. Foreign Policy Chapter 17 Hosts, Not Visitors: The Future of Jews in American Politics Part 18 II Rosters of Jewish Leadership and Voting Chapter 19 A Jewish Cabinet Officers Chapter 20 B Jews in the United States Senate Chapter 21 C Jews in the United States House of Representatives Chapter 22 D Jews on the United States Supreme Court Chapter 23 E Jewish Governors Chapter 24 F Jews Holding Statewide Constitutional Offices Chapter 25 G Jewish Mayors of Major Cities Chapter 26 H Concentration of Jewish Population, 1800-2000 Chapter 27 I Jewish Voting Patterns in Selected Elections

What People are Saying About This

Hal Bruno

This is a fascinating and comprehensive study of the role Jews have played in American politics and government. Along with documenting their many unique contributions, it is a tribute to thier own determination and to the democracy that gave them the opportunity to overcome the barriers of anti-Semitisim.

Michael Barone

Jews have long played an important role in American Politics—behind the scenes and, increasingly, in the spotlight. Jews in American Politics tells the story from colonial days to the nomination of Joseph Lieberman for vice president in 2000, and fills a place that has been vacant for too long on our political bookshelves.

Joseph I. Lieberman

The experience I had during the 2000 presidential campaign has only deepened my feelings about public service. It reinforced my basic faith in the goodness and tolerance of the American people, my belief that there is an important role for idealism in public life, and my conviction that each individual can make a contribution to a better society. It has also convinced me as never before that American Jews have an important and special role to play in the civic life of this great country. . . . That is the spirit I hope readers—particularly young readers—will draw from this important book.

Barbara Boxer

Reading Jews in American Politics is like finding a missing puzzle piece. Never before has there been such a detailed account of Jewish political experience. Using thought provoking essays and compelling statistics, this work tells us where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. It is a must-read for anyone interested in politics and any person with a love of history and heritage.

Editorial Reviews

Jews have long played an important role in American Politics—behind the scenes and, increasingly, in the spotlight. Jews in American Politics tells the story from colonial days to the nomination of Joseph Lieberman for vice president in 2000, and fills a place that has been vacant for too long on our political bookshelves.

Michael Barone

Maisel presents a comprehensive and readable compendium on the history and present role of Jews in American politics. Here, in one place, is an encyclopedic rendering of Jewish political life in the U.S. in a readable and professional manner. This book belongs in all libraries, academic and public, where the question of Jewish participation in politics is a concern. Highly recommended.

CHOICE

Maisel presents a comprehensive and readable compendium on the history and present role of Jews in American politics. Here, in one place, is an encyclopedic rendering of Jewish political life in the U.S. in a readable and professional manner. This book belongs in all libraries, academic and public, where the question of Jewish participation in politics is a concern. Highly recommended.

Choice

A wonderful new book.

National Journal

This volume examines Jews' participation in politics disproportionate to their numbers. It also shows the important role religion has played in shaping Jewish attitudes toward justice and communal responsibility.

The Washington Post

Reading Jews in American Politics is like finding a missing puzzle piece. Never before has there been such a detailed account of Jewish political experience. Using thought provoking essays and compelling statistics, this work tells us where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. It is a must-read for anyone interested in politics and any person with a love of history and heritage.

Senator Barbara Boxer

This is a fascinating and comprehensive study of the role Jews have played in American politics and government. Along with documenting their many unique contributions, it is a tribute to thier own determination and to the democracy that gave them the opportunity to overcome the barriers of anti-Semitisim.

Hal Bruno

The experience I had during the 2000 presidential campaign has only deepened my feelings about public service. It reinforced my basic faith in the goodness and tolerance of the American people, my belief that there is an important role for idealism in public life, and my conviction that each individual can make a contribution to a better society. It has also convinced me as never before that American Jews have an important and special role to play in the civic life of this great country. . . . That is the spirit I hope readers—particularly young readers—will draw from this important book.

Joseph I. Lieberman

The experience I had during the 2000 presidential campaign has only deepened my feelings about public service. It reinforced my basic faith in the goodness and tolerance of the American people, my belief that there is an important role for idealism in public life, and my conviction that each individual can make a contribution to a better society. It has also convinced me as never before that American Jews have an important and special role to play in the civic life of this great country. . . . That is the spirit I hope readers—particularly young readers—will draw from this important book.

Senator Joseph I. Lieberman

Maisel presents a comprehensive and readable compendium on the history and present role of Jews in American politics. Here, in one place, is an encyclopedic rendering of Jewish political life in the U.S. in a readable and professional manner. This book belongs in all libraries, academic and public, where the question of Jewish participation in politics is a concern. Highly recommended.

Choice Reviews

This is a fascinating and comprehensive study of the role Jews have played in American politics and government. Along with documenting their many unique contributions, it is a tribute to thier own determination and to the democracy that gave them the opportunity to overcome the barriers of anti-Semitisim.--Hal Bruno, former political director, ABC news

Reading Jews in American Politics is like finding a missing puzzle piece. Never before has there been such a detailed account of Jewish political experience. Using thought provoking essays and compelling statistics, this work tells us where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. It is a must-read for anyone interested in politics and any person with a love of history and heritage.--Senator Barbara Boxer, (D-Calif.)

Jews have long played an important role in American Politics--behind the scenes and, increasingly, in the spotlight. Jews in American Politics tells the story from colonial days to the nomination of Joseph Lieberman for vice president in 2000, and fills a place that has been vacant for too long on our political bookshelves.--Michael Barone, U.S. News and World Report

From the Publisher