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 Diana, click here.
Age: 41
Occupation: Project manager, community activist
Location: Warwick Township, PA
Party Registration: Democratic
Jewish Denomination: Reform
2020 Vote: Joe Biden
Current 2024 Vote: Kamala Harris
Family: Married, two children
News Sources: The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Bucks County Courier-Times, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Atlantic
Who are you voting for and why?
I am voting for Kamala Harris and I am really excited about her presidency. I remember really enjoying her debate answers during the 2020 election cycle and thinking she was incredibly smart and qualified. I can’t lie. I’m excited to choose a Black woman who is a strong leader. Regardless of any criticism of Biden, I still believe that he has been a very good president, and he enacted a lot of really helpful policies, especially for the middle and lower classes. I would have definitely voted for him. I wouldn’t have been as excited as I will be to vote for Harris. I don’t know what it would take for me to vote for Trump.
What are your greatest hopes for Harris and fears for Trump?
With Trump as president, I feel like there’s really no chance for our democracy to continue to survive. I think if Trump wins, it might be the end. If he loses, there will still be a threat because of his supporters. So it’s not as easy as saying, if we elect Harris, everything will be fine. It’s not that simple. But I believe if Harris is elected, we’re giving ourselves a chance for democracy to prosper.
Which candidate would be better for U.S. policy toward Israel?
I don’t think Trump cares about Israel or anything but himself. The Republican Party—and, to be fair, some of the people on the left—have used Israel for politics and Jewish people as a dog whistle. I’m not going to blame Jews who vote for Trump, because I understand why they’re doing it. But in terms of his policies, I don’t think Trump is a friend to Jewish people; he’s a friend to Netanyahu, and that’s about it.
Are you concerned about antisemitism at home?
I’ve been concerned about antisemitism ever since Trump was elected. He’s had a lot of far-right antisemitic friends and allies, and looking at the Republican Party, it’s been taken over by those who have very questionable beliefs about Jewish people and minorities. But there’s no denying that there is a problem with antisemitism on the far left now as well. It’s not only disappointing, it’s heartbreaking. I consider myself part of the progressive side of the Democratic Party, but a lot of progressives are antisemitic under the guise of “free Palestine.” Having all that hate on the left is not productive for our community. And the majority of Jewish people in the United States are Democrats, so it’s not a smart strategy to alienate your Jewish constituents. I think the interesting thing with NY Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is that she has attempted to very publicly combat antisemitism. Even if it’s lip service, she’s still done it, and I think it’s one of the reasons she keeps her seat. She knows how to “play the game.”
Regardless of your choice, are you confident democracy will emerge from the 2024 election unscathed? What about the chances of post-election political violence?
I do worry, because if Trump loses, and I really hope he does, I can only imagine his supporters will be even more upset than they were when he lost in 2020. And he’s already setting the stage for election denial. I worry about the end of democracy, period.
Do you ever feel despondent, like the country is in for a tough time politically no matter who wins?
I think we’re in for conflict for quite some time. And it’s so exhausting. We can’t be fighting for our lives every election. And that’s what it has become.