The fringe of the right-wing of American politics has always had an antisemitic element. This is not a new phenomenon. Many thought that Pat Buchanan had a clear animus towards the State of Israel. He had a large following in the Republican Party, despite never winning a primary election to become the Republican nominee for President. But his followers were not supportive of him because of his hostility to the State of Israel as much as they supported him due to his clear support for what would be called today “American First” principles.
Today, it is different. One of the main reasons that Tucker Carlson is so popular is because of his sharp turn against supporting the State of Israel. One of the main phenomenon among young Republicans today is an anti-Jewish and anti-Israel attitude. It has become stylish for young Republicans and young Democrats alike to support Hamas and accuse the State of Israel of war crimes.
And it is not just Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens. It has become normalized to at least be “even-handed” about Israel’s war against Hamas, and usually more acceptable to accuse Israel of being the aggressor and the guilty party. One could argue that Tucker Carlson only switched sides when he saw which way the wind was blowing in the younger crowd of Republicans.
I doubt it. It is more logical to assume that what was a hidden attitude over the years has now become an opinion that is no longer worthwhile to hide. These days, an anti-Israel attitude can help boost a political pundit’s career more than it can hinder it’s popularity. Jewish pro-Israel donors cannot outspend Qatari and Saudi money.
The Republican Party is being tested. Let’s see if it stands up to the immoral norms that are taking hold in it’s midst. If not, living in the United States of America will become more and more precarious for many Jews.