Pennsylvania Democrat Breaks Ranks, Endorses Trump Over Harris
Steve Rosenberg, a Pennsylvania Democrat, made headlines this week by announcing his support for former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Rosenberg cited Trump’s strong pro-Israel policies as the key reason for his endorsement, stating on America’s Newsroom" that the former president's stance is crucial for the survival of the Jewish community, as Fox News reports and noting that Kamala Harris' position on the conflict presents a real danger.
In his interview, Rosenberg did not hold back his criticism of certain members of the Democratic Party, claiming they have aligned themselves with individuals and policies that are detrimental to Israel. He pointed to Harris, accusing her of surrounding herself with individuals he described as "pro-Iran" rather than pro-Israel.
"Actions speak louder than words," Rosenberg remarked, referencing Harris's advisors, including Maher Bitar, Philip Gordon, and Ilan Goldenberg. Rosenberg argued that these figures had supported policies that were harmful to Israel's interests.
Harris’s Comments on Israel Prompt Criticism
Rosenberg's remarks came shortly after Vice President Harris addressed the ongoing conflict in Israel at the National Association of Black Journalists in Philadelphia.
During her speech, Harris mentioned her support for a pause on the use of 2,000-pound bombs, though the exact "deal" she referred to remains unclear.
Rosenberg suggested that Harris might be signaling support for either a two-state solution or a possible hostage deal, both of which he views as misguided approaches that could harm Israel’s security.
He contrasted this with Trump’s record, particularly his close relationship with Israel during his presidency, which Rosenberg believes should resonate with Jewish voters in the United States.
Jewish Voters Torn Over Trump
While Rosenberg voiced his clear support for Trump, he also acknowledged that some Jewish voters are hesitant to publicly back the former president. He attributed this reluctance to fears surrounding Trump’s controversial actions, including the January 6th insurrection.
However, Rosenberg dismissed these concerns as "insanity," claiming that the daily threats faced by Israel and the Jewish community far outweigh the events of Jan. 6, 2021.
"If you're a Jew, if you're pro-Israel, there's only one candidate here," Rosenberg said, underscoring his belief that Trump is the only viable choice for Jewish voters concerned with Israel’s future. He added that many Israelis he encountered during a recent trip expressed similar sentiments, urging him to support Trump in the upcoming election.
Polling Data Shows Trump’s Support on Israel
Rosenberg's comments reflect a broader sentiment captured in recent polling data. A Fox News poll conducted this week showed that 52% of voters trust Trump more than Harris when it comes to handling the Israel-Hamas conflict. Harris, who has advocated for a diplomatic solution and pauses in military operations, garnered the support of 45% of voters on the issue.
This polling data indicates that a significant portion of the electorate sees Trump as a stronger ally to Israel, a perception reinforced by his recent remarks at the Israeli-American Council summit in Washington, D.C. At the event, Trump told Jewish voters, "You have a big protector in me," and criticized the current administration’s approach to Israel as insufficient.
Rosenberg Urges Jewish Voters to Act
Rosenberg emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning Jewish voters not to be distracted by other political issues. He pointed out that while topics like climate change and abortion may be important, they pale in comparison to the existential threat facing the Jewish community. "If you're not focused on being a Jew and being pro-Israel right now, we are in the fight for our literal lives," he stated.
According to Rosenberg, the Democratic Party’s shift toward the far left has alienated Jewish voters who prioritize Israel’s security. He encouraged these voters to reconsider their loyalty to the party, arguing that Trump has proven himself to be a steadfast ally to Israel throughout his political career.
Conclusion
Steve Rosenberg's endorsement of Donald Trump underscores a growing divide within the Democratic Party regarding U.S. policy toward Israel.
As Rosenberg calls for Jewish voters to prioritize their community’s survival and support Trump, polling data suggests that many voters are leaning in the same direction.
The upcoming election will likely see Israel remain a pivotal issue for Jewish Americans as they navigate the complex political landscape.