Well, the debate was no “game changer” but it was definitely advantage Team Obama last night, which was the verdict on the second of the three televised Presidential debates.
Deciding to solicit the view of the Jews, I watched proceedings at the Galapagos Art Space as part of Debate Watch 2008, a nationwide string of Jewish themed screenings organised by AJWS-Avodah Partnership.
Contrary to the perspectives of older Jews reported in Monday's posting, the support amongst younger Jews of New York - certainly judging by last night's crowd - is strongly pro-Obama. In a pre-debate panel, Sara Horowitz - a remarkable social entrepreneur, and founder of the Freelancers Union - took a poll of the crowd to find that almost half had been without health insurance at some time over the past three years. Hearing then Obama describe healthcare as a "right", not a "responsibility" as McCain proclaimed, underlined a fundamental difference between the candidates and why Obama is attracting their vote.
The question now is whether the older Jews of Florida can be persuaded. As the New York Times reports, if Obama emerges victorious, Sarah Silverman can claim a modicum of credit. But Sarah Palin has been in the swinging sunshine state for the past two days campaigning on the ground, which in a twist of events may be causing more harm than good.
With Yom Kippur starting tonight, there will be time for reflection on change in our lives. The New York Jewish Week reminds us that the day may also mark a reflection on the change in Administrations too.
Wishing you an easy fast.
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