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Israeli in american eyes

Good news from Gallup about how Israeli is perceived in America. Contentions.Noah Pollak observes

There are a couple of interesting things about these numbers. For one, it appears that the recent Walt-Mearsheimer fracas did absolutely nothing to disabuse ordinary Americans of their affection for Israel. Another is the continuing trend of Republicans being significantly more favorably disposed to Israel than Democrats — in the latest survey, Israel is viewed favorably among Republicans by a remarkable 84 percent, compared to 64 percent among Democrats.

More significant than Walt-Mearsheimer, is that despite generally biased coverage, most Americans still favor Israel. That isn't the case in Europe where a poll a few years ago found Israel to be one of the biggest threats in the world. Of course, European media bias is certainly much worse than the American version.

Shmuel Rosner looks at Republican/Democrat split

So what's new about this new survey? Not much. And some of the more troubling political trends are in play more than ever.

For one: "Israel, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq are all viewed more favorably by Republicans than by Democrats".

Are they trying to tell us something?

Apparently they do, because the Democrats seem to be far less supportive of Israel than Republicans. The margin is significant - 20% (84% GOP, 64% Dem. Note that they dislike Iran and the Palestinian Authority in similar numbers). And one can argue that 64% is still very nice, a clear and unshakable majority. But imagine this: If Democrats would have been as favorable of Israel as Republicans, Israel would have been at the top of the list, second only to Canada and Britain.

The NJDC may say support for Israel is bipartisan. But this poll shows that it is stronger on the Republican side. Simply put, if one accepts the policies advocated by Democratic politicians, one is likely to be not as supportive of Israel as someone who embraces Republican positions on those same issues. That doesn't mean that there aren't exceptions.

Neither Rosner nor Pollak mention a result of polling in the past: Regular church-goers are more likely to be supportive of Israel than those who don't attend as often.

The Jewish Virtual Library traces a similar question going back to 1967: with which side do you identify with more: Israelis or (Palestinian/Arabs)?

The overall average from 1967 - 2007, shows that Americans are more sympathetic towards Israel by a nearly 4 - 1 margin. The low point appears to be during the 1982 Lebanon War. Anyone who remembers the media coverage can understand that. The biggest surprise is that the highest support for Israel registered during the term of President Bush 41.

Crossposted on Yourish.

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