Janice R. Andrews
During a recent interview, former President Donald Trump made controversial remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming that she “doesn’t like Jewish people” despite being married to a Jewish man, Doug Emhoff. The comments, which were aired on Tuesday on WABC radio, have drawn a lot of criticism and discussion.
Trump’s Charges
Trump said in the interview that Harris appeared uneasy at their meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week. Trump remarked, “You can see the disdain.” First of all, she dislikes Israel. Second, she despises the Jewish people. Everyone is aware of it, including you and me, and no one wants to admit it.”
Trump has made a point of calling his political rivals antisemitic in an effort to take advantage of rifts over the Israel-Hamas conflict that exist within the Democratic Party. This tactic ignores some of his own contentious behaviors, such feeding a white supremacist who denies the Holocaust at his club in Florida. Trump has escalated his criticism on Harris in light of the possibility that she would unseat President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee.
Harris Campaign Reaction
In response to Trump’s remarks, James Singer, a spokesman for the Harris campaign, declared, “America is stronger than the hate, terror, and vile insults of Donald Trump. Vice President Harris thinks that instead of dividing our nation, Americans want a president who looks to the future rather than looking back, who strengthens rather than weakens families, and who has a vision for the future rather than moving us backward.”
Trump’s Persistent Adversity
Trump reaffirmed in the interview his earlier remarks that Jewish people who support the Democratic Party should “have their head examined” and that they are “fools” for doing so. “They have let Jewish people down since Obama at a level that nobody could believe,” Trump said.
Trump went on to attack Harris, saying, “She despises Israel and the Jewish people even more than Biden did.”
Statement from Radio Host
The interview moderator, Sid Rosenberg, brought up Harris’ spouse, Doug Emhoff, remarking, “He’s Jewish like Bernie Sanders is Jewish.” Are you joking with me? Donald Trump nodded, and Rosenberg kept calling Emhoff a “crappy Jew” and a “horrible Jew.” After then, the topic of discussion turned to more criticism of Harris.
Prior Allegations and Responses
Similar accusations regarding Harris’ dislike of Jews were made by Trump last Friday during his speech to a Christian audience at a Turning Point USA gathering in Florida. His comments have drawn criticism on a regular basis; in March, for example, he said that Jews who support Democrats “hate Israel” and their faith.
Being the first Jewish spouse of a national political official in the United States, Doug Emhoff has been a vocal opponent of antisemitism. At the vice president’s mansion and the White House, he has openly observed Jewish customs like hanging mezuzahs and organizing Passover parties.
Regarding Trump’s comments on Tuesday, Emhoff’s staff chose not to respond.
Emhoff’s Daughter and Trump’s Campaign
Ella, the daughter of Emhoff, has also come under fire from Trump’s campaign for posting a link to a fundraiser page for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees on social media. The European leaders have rejected Israel’s unfounded accusation that the group sponsors terrorism, which has led Israel to want to ban the group.
Concerning Sid Rosenberg
“Sid and Friends in the Morning” is hosted by New York City-based Jewish Republican radio broadcaster Sid Rosenberg on 77 WABC. Renowned for his thought-provoking demeanor, Rosenberg has a track record of making contentious remarks, such as disparaging remarks toward tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. He is still well-known in conservative media despite his prior scandals, frequently hosting visitors from Trump’s closest circle.
Final Thoughts
The discourse around Trump’s stance towards Jewish voters and his rapport with the Jewish community has been rekindled by his latest remarks. These comments will probably spark further conversations about antisemitism and how political language shapes public perception as the political climate heats up.
