The fall of the 'first Jewish president'?

In a nation like Israel that's still consumed by last week's bloody shooting spree that killed eight young students in a Jerusalem yeshiva, the fate of one more scandal-plagued U.S. politician normally wouldn't even register.

But New York's Democratic Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who was forced to resign this week, isn't just any politician. The former crime-busting attorney general was also well known in Israel as the fastest-rising Jewish politician in America.

As far back as 2003, Spitzer was courting Israeli decision makers with an eye on the statehouse and perhaps more. In his run for governor, Spitzer relied on close ties with New York City's Orthodox Jewish community to rally voter and financial support.

Widely tabbed in Israel as a solid contender to be America's first Jewish president, Spitzer hasn't evoked much sympathy following revelations of his involvement with high-priced call girls as the alleged Client #9 on FBI tapes. The nature of his transgressions — infidelity, public hypocrisy — have most Israeli commentators concluding that he had it coming. The tone has been one of disappointment in a wayward son gone wrong.

— Ashraf Khalil in Jerusalem

This item is also appearing in a slightly different form on the Babylon & Beyond blog.

                                                            Photo: Credit: Alejandra Villa / Newsday

Comments

[virginia]

Zionists shouldln't be too worried...the only reason McCain "rose miraculously" to be the "nominee" is because he has such close ties to Israel and Zionists in government (Lieberman, etc.). Knowing he won't live out his lst term as president, you can bet his recent visit to Israel gave him some "hints" on whom to choose as vice-president....look to the Zionists-leaning guy whoever the hell he might be. Clever way to get the top job through the back door. And...assurances that USA will stay in Middle East to protect Israel at our costs in servicemen and treasury.

[Howard]

Obama stated that as President of the United States he would definitely support Israel, however if you visit the liberal democratic blog sites, it's obvious that an overwhelming number of Obama's constituents are pro-palestinian and anti-Israel. This dynamic also exists with Jeremiah Wright and the church Obama attended for 20 years. Obama has to look like he supports Israel to win the Presidency, however what about after he gets elected ... if he gets elected. If it becomes politically expedient, will Israel become expendable, just as Jeremiah Wright did? In the meantime, numerous Jewish journalists, and politicians are endorsing Obama. I suppose this provides them with acceptance in the leftist progressive world, and or protects their individual success and ambitions, since Obama appears to be the next democratic candidate. Anti-semitism runs rampid just under the surface in society. I just hope that Obama will not betray the jews, if it becomes a way to appease the Islamic world.