https://forward.com/opinion/641130/josh-shapiro-governor-not-vice-president-jewish-amtisemitism-relieved/
But holding a Jewish candidate to a different standard from non-Jewish ones? That is clearly antisemitic, and it was already happening to Governor Shapiro. Not only was this rhetoric infuriating and unacceptable, but it was validating the Right’s claim that Israel’s critics are really just antisemites. The (hard) Left was proving the Right correct.
So, yes, I’m glad we don’t have to talk about that for the next three months.
At the end of the day, though, I feel a bit of sadness mixed in with my relief. Governor Shapiro is an American Jewish dream come true: a wildly popular governor who has integrated his Jewishness with his commitment to progressive causes. Like Joe Lieberman in 2000, he’s not just Jewish (not that there’s anything wrong with that) but actively, proudly, and demonstratively Jewish. He’s an exemplar of how Judaism and the pursuit of justice can enrich one another. He’s a role model for my kid.
And yet, the issues raised by his candidacy would have been a distraction. Progressives, liberals, and centrists need to be focused on stopping nationalist authoritarianism from taking hold in America. We can’t afford to waste our energy fighting off antisemitic attacks, trying to keep our communities safe, and fighting amongst ourselves. Let’s work toward building a society in which a brilliant Jewish politician can run for president and we can cheer him on without reservation — or dread.
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