Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Prologue: The Lieberman Candidacy Part 3 Part I Themes, Trends, and American Political Institutions Chapter 4 Identity and Polity: Dilemmas of Jewish Leadership Chapter 5 At the Summit: Presidents, Presidential Appointments, and Jews Chapter 6 On the Hill: Jews in the U.S. 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 Part II Biographical Profiles Part 19 Part III Rosters of Jewish Leadership and Voting
L. Sandy Maisel is the William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor and chair of the Department of Government at Colby College. Ira N. Forman is executive director of the National Jewish Democratic Council and the research director of the Solomon Project.
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 (D-Conn.), from the Introduction*
He keeps kosher. He walks to shul. He doesn't campaign on
Saturdays. He has a wife named Hadassah. He gabs in Yiddish.
Mainstream historians will remember the 2000 presidential election
campaign for its emptiness, its closeness, its flirtation with
endlessness. But Jews will remember it for the Democratic
vice-presidential nominee, and for his Jewishness. . . .The
nomination came at a moment in history in which it was not
unrealistic to believe that Americans of all flavors were less
inclined to stress their differences than to celebrate the
breakthroughs of another of the groups that provide the American
stew with its richness and spice. That was the achievement, and the
meaning, of the extraordinary selection of Joseph Isador Lieberman
to join the Democratic ticket in what would prove to be an
extraordinary political year.
*David M. Shribman, From the Prologue, The Boston Globe*
This book is a first of its kind—an all-in-one encyclopedia that
both chronicles the Jewish political experience from Oscar Straus
to Joe Lieberman and critically analyzes what it all means.
Well-written, insightful, and full of useful information, Jews in
American Politics is a must-read for the scholar, the student, and
the average citizen alike.
*Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.)*
This book is a brilliant description of the texture and rich
heritage of Jewish involvement in American politics. What will
really surprise many people is the geographic and ideological
diversity of those Jewish Americans who led the way over the
years.
*Daniel R. Glickman, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and
former Congressman (D-Kans.)*
It's a sign of the increased maturity of American society that
Jewish candidates for elected office are now able to run without
anti-Semitism posing a serious obstacle in most parts of the United
States. And it is a sign of the maturity of American Jews that we
are willing to discuss this openly without fear of provoking an
anti-Semitic reaction. This book is an excellent example of that
discussion—thoughtful, informed, and informative.
*Barney Frank, former Massachusetts congressman*
Reading Jews in American Politics is like finding a missing puzzle
piece. Never before has there been such a detailed account of the
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.)*
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 their own
determination and to the democracy that gave them the opportunity
to overcome the barriers of anti-Semitism.
*Hal Bruno, political director, ABC News (retired)*
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*
Labled as a Solomon Project Book, this volume should be included in
all our Reference Collections. It is a complete history of American
Jewish politics and the people who contributed to that history. L.
Sandy Maisel and Ira N. Forman are to be complimented on this great
compilation.
*Journal Of Nietzsche Studies*
An excellent source of both fact and analysis.
*Publishers Weekly*
A fascinating compilation of essays and biographical sketches
examining Jewish participation in American political life and
government. Anyone with an interest in history, government, or
politics will want to read the book or browse for chapters of
particular appeal.
*The Jewish Community Association Of Austin*
The book includes an introduction by Lieberman, a series of
scholarly essays on Jews in American life, an all-but-mandatory
encyclopedia of Jewish politicians, and several databases vital to
political addicts. I know what I'll be reading this winter
*The Boston Phoenix*
Jewish young adults who read this book may be motivated to consider
careers in public service. Parents who read it may encourage their
children to contemplate such careers. The book may instill in some
readers a senses of pride in Jewish contributions to American
government.
*Cleveland Jewish News*
The book is a 'tsimmes' of history, biography, facts, and figures
of who's in and who's out. Of why many Jews have shifted to the
right while a good portion remained liberal. Of issues other than
Israel that mark our consciences. It includes a list of suggested
reading and a roster of co-religionists in cabinet, ambassadorial,
and mayoral positions as well as those in the House and Senate.
Political junkies make space on your desks.
*B'nai B'rith Magazine*
Great Chanukah Gift for political buffs and students of American
politics and history!
*The Sourse Israel*
This volume examines Jews' participation in politics
disproportionate to their numbers (about 2 percent of the U.S.
population). It also shows the important role religion has played
in shaping Jewish attitudes toward justice and communal
responsibility.
*The Washington Post*
A useful reference volume and a highly readable contribution to
political historiography, chronicling American Jewish politicians.
Alongside surveys of such big topics as identity, Jewish
involvement in the radical left, and the turn toward
neoconservatism, the book contains a selection of short biographies
and useful lists. At best, a book to have on your desk for odd
moments of quiet. At worst, bin Laden's greatest nightmare.
*The Weekly Standard*
This complete history of American Jewish politics and the people
who contributed to that history should be included in all our
reference collections.
*Journal Of Nietzsche Studies*
This book fills a vacuum, documenting the contributions of two
centuries of Jewish experience in the history of American
Politics.
*Foreword Reviews*
The editors are to be commended for creating a useful reference
work that will be used for years by students of U.S. politics. This
book will be a welcome addition to reference desks and general
collections in libraries across the country.
*CHOICE*
This book adds to our understanding of Jews in American
politics.
*St. Louis Jewish Light*
The book is useful and handy in format.
*gem*
A wonderful new book.
*National Journal*
The collection of essays, Jews in American Politics, is not simply
a 'locate the landsman' exercise but an attempt to address a number
of issues—such as Jewish political behavior, Jewish advocacy and
the relationship between politics and Jewish identity—along with
important demographic information on over 400 biographical
profiles.
*Jewish Telegraphic Agency*
A work of rich merit, brimming with data, Jews in American Politics
is likely to engross expert and layman alike.
*Hadassah Magazine*
Handsome and authoritative book. This volume will entertain, inform
and inspire. . . . Encyclopedic book.
*Forward*
The book contains a wealth of scholarly information.
*J. The Jewish News Weekly of Northern California*
A major contribution to American Jewish history. We are indebted to
the editors for a thorough exploration of the subject. The
thought-provoking essays are written by an outstanding group of
political scientists, historians, political practitioners and
journalists.
*Heritage: Florida Jewish News*
A remarkable and comprehensive new book.
*Chicago Sun-Times*
...a treasure trove of Jewish trivia. Jews in American Politics
will be a major reference and resource for Jewish political
scientists and any Jew involved in or interesed in the Jewish
contribution to the American political system. It may also serve to
stimulate the entrance of future generations of Jews into
politics.
*Michigan Jewish History*
Only two other Jews have sought a major party nomination for the
presidency, according to the book Jews in American Politics.
*New Jersey Jewish News*
Ira Forman, co-editor, said the tradition of reform politics in
Minnesota and Wisconsin opened the door to Jews.
We can learn that words hurt. And I wouldn't say though, though a
lot of people, I'm sure, have forgiven both Jesse Jackson and
Robert Byrd for what they've said in the past, a lot of people have
not forgotten those words.
*CNN*
The book is a useful tool and an excellent resource.
*Political Studies Review*
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