Gallup poll: Democrats losing sympathy for Israel

[alp227]

The number of Democrats who feel more sympathetic toward Israelis than Palestinians has dropped 10 points in one year, according to a new poll.

In a Gallup poll released Monday, less than half of Democrats — 48 percent — say they sympathize more with Israelis than Palestinians when it comes to tensions in the Middle East. By contrast, 83 percent of Republicans sided with Israel. Fifty-nine percent of Independents answered similarly.

The percentage of Republicans who support Israel has risen in recent years. In a 2000 Gallup poll, about 53 percent of Republicans expressed sympathy for the Jewish state and that number has been steadily increasing. In this most recent poll from Gallup, only 7 percent of Republicans sided with Palestinians.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/democrats-israel-palestine-gallup-poll-115419.html

[aquart]

1. Sane people agree that bombing schools is wrong.

Israel needs for Bibi to lose this election. Hope this poll helps.

[malaise]

4. Very well said

[Scuba]

10. +1

[MH1]

2. If Israel would even make a half decent show of honestly supporting a peace deal

... like not continuing to build settlements in the West Bank, for one very basic one ...

then maybe this wouldn't happen.

I have many Jewish friends but rarely talk about this IRL because they are all over the place re: Israel. Some love Bibi, some despise him. It is sad.

[aquart]

6. A nation with PTSD might well behave that way.

Ever watch House Hunters International? The important feature you want in your Israeli home is a bomb-safe room IN your apartment. Not something we ever considered in Manhattan. Shocked the shit out of me. That's some level of terror day in, day out. Arafat succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. It was great for his bank account but benefit free for his people.

How do you talk peace with people who scare you that much?

What Americans, who believe boots on the ground is manly and forceful and brave, and attacking is always a sign of courage, never notice is that Israel's militant reactions are the textbook behaviors of a WEAK nation, not a strong one.

[bravenak]

11. If the Israeli's are scared, I cannot imagine how absolutely terrified the Palestinians are.

Their lawn seems to get mowed every few years like clockwork. Bombs over Gaza, constantly. And them not allowed to have the freedom and prosperity to build safe rooms. Hell, even schools and hospitals are bombing zones if yr Palestinian. Sad.

[TooPragmatic]

3. Bibi needs both Democrats and Republicans

Because he has already alienated everyone else. Losing Democrats would undermine the US-Israel alliance and harm Israeli foreign influence considerably.

[Wounded Bear]

5. You say that like it's a bad thing...

I support Israel's right to exist. I do not support many of the things they do in the Middle East. And I really don't support crassless manipulation of US public opinion and support for their nefarious reasons.

This stunt of addressing the US Congress by circumventing proper diplomatic channels is evil. It is becoming time to cut the cord on US-Israeli relations.

[TooPragmatic]

7. I didn't mean to imply much

Just stating the fact. I try to stay out of the conflict and have almost given up on there being a solution. Both do awful things to innocent people and perpetuate this fight.

I agree that Netanyahu overstepped on this one and harming relations with Obama and the Democrats could diminish Israeli position in the Middle East. Again just stating a fact. I dislike Netanyahu as a leader and I wish Israel votes for a more moderate leader.

[aquart]

8. Ah. Evil Jews trying to control America.

Isn't that special?

[Wounded Bear]

14. This is politics, not racism or anti-semitism...

My complaint is with Israel the nation, not Jews, the people.

I can differentiate. Can you?

[procon]

9. This stunt concocted by Boehner will have unintentioned consequences

The minute Netanyahu steps into the People's House at the sole invitation of the GOP and with the partisan backing of the Republican Party, it becomes a game changer. The new narrative will be:
"Israel sides with Republicans"
"Republicans welcome Israel's support in fight against the American President"
"Israel joins Republicans in opposing Democrats"
"Republicans invite Israeli leader to challenge America's first black president"

There's no way to walk back the optics on this one. Israel will be synonymous with Republicans as opponents of Democrats.

[riversedge]

12. It is sad.

[sinkingfeeling]

13. I lost sympathy for Israel long ago.

[4now]

15. Thank you Bibi

and Boehner too.