Jews in American Politics: Essays

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. This work brings together a complete picture of the past, present and future of Jewish political pariticipation. Aimed at students and scholars alike, this monumental work includes 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 th emedia, the lobies and in other arenas in which American government operates powerfully, if informally. In addition to the thematically unified essays, the book concludes with a roster of Jews in key governmental positions from Ambassadorships and Cabinet posts to federal judges, state governors and majors of major cities. Both analytical and anecdotal, the essays here offer an insight into serious questions about the dilemmas that Jews in public service face, as well as humourous sidelights and authoritative reference materials. The story of the rich tradition of Jewish participation in American political life aims to provide a resource for any serious follower of American politics, especially in the election year 2004.