WASHINGTON – American Jews increasingly back Obama: Jewish support for democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has increased dramatically in recent weeks, peaking at 74%, a Gallup poll shows.
The figure equals the Jewish support enjoyed by Democratic candidate John Kerry four years ago.
According to the survey, only 22% of Jewish voters support Republican candidate John McCain.
Back in June, Obama enjoyed the support of 62% of Jewish voters. The figure declined slightly to 61% in July, before starting to rise gradually to 66% in August and 69% in September, before peaking at 74% in October. Meanwhile, the Jewish support for McCain dropped from a peak of 34% in July.
Notably, the 2000 elections featured an all-time high in terms of Jewish support for the Democrats, when Al Gore and running mate Joe Lieberman won 80% of the Jewish vote, yet still failed to win the elections.
The growing Jewish support for Obama and declining support for McCain appears to be the result of two factors: The economic crisis and Sarah Palin's designation as vice presidential candidate.
In the American Jewish Committee's annual poll, published ahead of Rosh Hashana, 57% of respondents expressed their displeasure with Palin's nomination, while only 37% expressed support for the Alaska governor.
In the same poll, 54% of Jews said the most important election issue for them was the economy. Meanwhile, only 3% said Israel was the most important issue for them.