Jews in American Politics: Introduction by Senator Joseph I. Lieberman - Tapa dura

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. -- Matthew E. Berger * 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. -- Sen. Joseph Lieberman * CNN * The book is a useful tool and an excellent resource. * Political Studies Review *

Jews in American Politics brings together a complete picture of the past, present, and future of Jewish political participation. Years in the making, this monumental work includes thoughtful and original 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 the media, the lobbies, and in other arenas in which American government operates powerfully, if informally.