This interview is part of Moment’s Jewish Political Voices Project. To learn more about the project, click here. To see our other participants, click here. To see all posts from Adam, click here.
Age: 39
Occupation: Attorney
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Party Registration: Democratic
Jewish Denomination: Reform
2020 Vote: Joe Biden
Current 2024 Vote: Joe Biden
Family: Divorced, one daughter, one son
News Sources: Milwaukee Journal, Milwaukee Sentinel, Milwaukee Business Journal, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Ynet, The Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Drudge Report
Who are you voting for and why?
I haven’t made up my mind, but I won’t vote for Trump. I’ll always vote, though, so it’s either Harris or writing-in one of my best friends. I voted for Biden in 2020. We don’t have to register by party in the state of Wisconsin. When we go to vote in a primary, we ask for either the Democratic or Republican ballot. And I’ve taken primary ballots from both parties in different elections.
What are your greatest hopes and fears for each candidate?
My greatest hope of Harris being elected is we get back to a place of no more 80-year-old presidential candidates and fewer ideologues. My greatest fear right now is how Harris would handle issues related to Israel. My greatest hope for Trump is that he doesn’t do something too crazy if he’s elected. My greatest fear is that he will.
How big of a factor is U.S. policy toward Israel in your choice?
It is a major factor. While Harris is a bit more critical of Israel, she won’t substantially deviate from U.S. policy. The concern is that she could decide to apply a lot more pressure. The biggest concern with Trump is that, while during his presidency his policies had the effect of strengthening aspects of the American-Israeli relationship, he also weakened the bipartisan consensus. I’m also concerned that, at the end of the day, he doesn’t actually have a supportive position. If he thought it in his best interest to go against a strong Israeli policy, he would.
How concerned are you about antisemitism at home?
It’s a significant concern. My kids are eleven and nine, and I would be very nervous if they were going to college right now. I think it is an issue that is going to get worse, not better, in the immediate future. Millions and millions of dollars have been spent on increased security at all our Jewish institutions—the JCC, Jewish Family Services. All of our institutions have significant increases in security costs.
Are you concerned about the future of democracy in the United States and political violence post-election?
If the outcome is very close, I am concerned about ongoing election denial. I read that something like 20 to 30 percent of the country believes the CIA was involved in the Trump assassination attempt. So, if it’s a very close election and Trump disputes it, that will be the greatest challenge. But I don’t perceive democracy falling in this election.
Do you think the country is in for a tough time politically no matter who wins?
I think we have a tough road ahead in terms of the divisiveness of politics and the reality that while 70 percent of the time people agree on most things, half the country is going to be really upset by the outcome of the election. When you look around the world, there’s not a hell of a lot of people doing it a lot better.