Romney Chooses GOP Extremists over the Vast Majority of American Jews
Listed in: Israel, Other Domestic Policy, NJDC News, Press Releases
WASHINGTON, DC- The National Jewish Democratic Council today chided Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney for siding with the extremist wing of the Republican Party instead of the majority of American Jews when it comes to the issues that matter to the American Jewish community - including social security, Medicare, and truly bipartisan support for Israel. NJDC President and CEO David A. Harris said:
“Mitt Romney’s overt pandering to the extremist wing of the Republican Party places him deeply out of sync with the vast majority of American Jews. His tacit support for the congressional Republicans’ budget and his declared support for repealing President Barack Obama’s health care reform legislation both show that he does not stand with America’s seniors, middle class, and those who need government assistance the most. Further, Romney’s patently false claims about President Obama’s lack of support for Israel send the incorrect message that the United States is anywhere but behind Israel on the global stage.”
Over the last few months Romney has transformed into the ultimate political chameleon by running away from the positive health care legislation he passed as governor of Massachusetts because of its similarities to President Obama’s legislation. [CNN, May 16, 2011] He intends to repeal the health care reform package should he become president. [The Washington Post, June 2, 2011] Romney has also tacitly supported the congressional Republicans’ budget that slashes the social safety net without pushing back on any of the deep cuts that negatively impact many Americans, including seniors and those who are most dependent on government assistance. [The Hill, May 27, 2011]
Recently on Israel, Romney’s claims about President Obama and Israel demonstrate that he is more interested in scoring political points with those seeking to make Israel a partisan wedge issue than keeping discussions based on facts and the reality of the U.S.-Israel relationship. [Politico, May 19, 2011]
Romney’s sprint to the far right of the Republican Party in advance of his announcement today indicates that the GOP has become beholden to its radical activists and rigid ideologues. It is the latest demonstration that the Republican Party has moved far away from the values of most American Jews and that the GOP cannot be relied upon to fight for the issues of concern to the American Jewish community.
