Features
Is 2020 really the year for America’s first Jewish president?
As Sanders and Bloomberg surge, here are their paths to victory.
WASHINGTON (JTA) — Bernie Sanders and Mike Bloomberg have much in common besides running for the Democratic nomination for president: They’re in their upper 70s, had hardscrabble upbringings and have had contentious relations with the party whose endorsement they now seek.
And both are seeking the chance to make history as the first-ever Jewish presidential nominee.
Sanders, the Vermont senator, made a strong bid for the Democratic nomination four years and has sustained his avid supporter base into this campaign. Bloomberg, a billionaire media magnate and former mayor of New York City, is mounting his first drive for national office.
Together they represent the best chance ever for a Jewish American to hold the nation’s highest office. At one point this week FiveThirtyEight, the leading forecaster of presidential politics, gave Sanders a 1 in 2 chance of winning the nomination and Bloomberg a slim chance of his own — meaning that a Jewish candidate was seen as more likely than not to be the ultimate nominee. (The chances have declined since, even though Sanders won the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday, February 11.)
The candidates also reflect a tension within the American Jewish community. While most Jewish Americans are Democrats, some are more progressive inheritors of the left-wing activism that characterized early 20th-century Jewish politics. Others, wary of protecting their assets in uncertain times or deeply attached to Israel and the right-wing politics that have prevailed there for a decade, take a more centrist approach. For them, a candidate like Bloomberg is potentially attractive.
The path between now and November is long and winding, and it’s totally possible that neither Sanders nor Bloomberg will ultimately appear on the ballot. But here’s how they could — and why that matters for U.S. Jews.
Sanders’ path to the nomination is clear, if uncertain
The Sanders equation is widely known: Leverage the campaign’s large, committed volunteer base to get out the vote in every primary. Because the elections are no longer winner-takes-all, Sanders can pick up delegates in every primary — and can chip away toward a plurality by the end of the primary season.
He has his eye on California, where voters tend to be progressive. The Golden State looms large because it has the largest delegate take — 416 of the 3,768 delegates who vote in the first round at the convention — and because this year it moved up its primary from June to Super Tuesday, the March 3 date when 16 nominating contests take place.
Walking away from California with a majority of the delegates would deliver momentum to the candidate.
Sanders has visited the state far more than any other candidate, acording to the Sacramento Bee. And at least until Bloomberg entered the Democratic race in November, he also was spending more money there than any other White House hopeful.
In past years, it was generally clear by early May who the candidate would be for both parties. In 2020, however, with a crowded Democratic field and the end of winner-take-all primaries, the same timeline might not hold true. That means Sanders and his supporters are under pressure to execute a high-level ground game in every state going forward.
Bloomberg’s path would be eased by Sanders’ success
Bloomberg, who is funding his own campaign, also is making a play for California. He has spent $13 million on advertising there and campaigned in the state while the other candidates focused on the early states once considered critical to securing the nomination: Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada.
Bloomberg is likely pleased to see Sanders take the early lead — the Vermont senator and progressive flag-bearer essentially tied in Iowa with former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg before eking out a victory in New Hampshire. A strong Sanders performance in the early nominating contests will help clear the deck of moderates heading into Super Tuesday, leaving the center lane open to Bloomberg.
The former mayor has campaigned in all the Super Tuesday states and built up his staff in them, as well as in the states that vote on the two subsequent Tuesdays, before investing in other states. That’s a clear indicator of how much he is investing in being a major force by mid-March.
The goal, according to people familiar with Bloomberg’s strategy, is to amass enough delegates throughout the primary season that he becomes the presumptive centrist. If that happens, and Sanders maintains his grip on the left, the Democratic Party will have to reckon with the identity issue that mirrors the divide within American Jewry: Do we swing left or carve out a middle lane? Bloomberg is banking on Americans making the second choice — and picking him to face off against incumbent Donald Trump in November.
“The results from New Hampshire show that Democrats must urgently consolidate around a candidate who can beat Donald Trump, and Mike Bloomberg is best positioned to build the broad coalition necessary to win in November,” a Bloomberg campaign spokesman told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
What about a contested convention?
According to FiveThirtyEight, there is currently a 1 in 4 chance that no one candidate will win enough delegates through the primary process to guarantee a choice at the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee in July.
If it comes down to Bloomberg and Sanders, Bloomberg — or more precisely his money — may have the advantage. The 3,979 pledged delegates will be relieved of their pledges after the first round of voting, and they will be joined by 770 or so “superdelegates,” congressional lawmakers and party officials among them.
That’s a crowd that’s ripe for the enticements that Bloomberg has been known to deliver to constituencies that otherwise might be less than charmed by him. Bloomberg is known for his generosity to the campaigns and causes of potential supporters. He also had a record as mayor of using his own money to mute opposition.
As a presidential candidate, Bloomberg has racked up endorsements from African-American lawmakers and mayors — many of them past beneficiaries of his largesse — as a means of blunting his past embrace of discriminatory “stop and frisk” policing. It seems to have worked (and Bloomberg has also apologized for the practice): A Quinnipiac poll shows Bloomberg making headway among African-Americans.
If not now, then …
Let’s say that by June, Elizabeth Warren, the progressive, is duking it out with Pete Buttigieg, the centrist. Thus no Jewish nominee this year.
But the notion that a Jewish nominee was unelectable (one that Bloomberg once cited to explain why he chose not to run in 2008) has nonetheless been all but erased. Who’s waiting in the wings? Democrats adored Rep. Adam Schiff of California for his role leading the impeachment of Trump, and there was talk on social media of a possible Schiff run for the presidency.
And Trump’s campaign manager, Brad Parscale, has said that the Trumps are set to become a Kennedy-like dynasty.
Say what?
Parscale at California’s Republican Party convention last August.
“I think you see that from Don Jr. I think you see that from Ivanka. You see it from Jared. You see it from all,” he said.
That would be Trump’s Jewish daughter, Ivanka Trump, and her Jewish husband, Jared Kushner.
Features
From One Border to Another
By ORLY DREMAN A year ago at Chanuka/Christmas I wrote an article titled “From Darkness to Light” (from-darkness-to-light-december). I cannot believe a year has passed, yet the descriptions of what’s happening in Israel are the same: national trauma, nightmares, physical pain, people still depressed and worried, hostages being murdered in captivity. The state of the nation can be pictured as a broken heart – immersed in collective sadness. The whole country is one big monument. I have a huge Israeli flag by my front door because every few days there is a a funeral journey where everyone stands at the side of the road with flags to escort another fallen soldier on his last way to the cemetery. Girlfriends do not meet at coffeeshops. Instead we meet at these funeral journeys.
On the other hand, citizens continue to volunteer by sending food packages to soldiers and helping the tens of thousands of families whose loved ones are in the front and more.
Since a couple of weeks ago was the one year anniversary of the return of some of the hostages in the only deal to date, there are still one hundred hostages – women, men, and children – including the elderly, all still being held in Gaza. The films that Hamas releases to put pressure on citizens so that they, in turn, will put pressure on the government, show the hostages looking emaciated and pale, with black under their eyes -skinny, starved, depressed, crying and begging to be saved. They are alone in the dark, dozens of meters underground, sitting in metal cages in dark tunnels closed from both sides by metal gates, less than the height of a human and the width of a single mattress. They are not allowed to shower so they have skin diseases- inhuman conditions which they are still experiencing and which are crimes against humanity. The hostages who will return in the future will not be the same as those who were released after 55 days. For our selfish government the hostages are just a burden reminding them of their big failure on Oct. 7th 2023. If they do not sign an agreement to bring them home now, then we can all understand that, God forbid, if a massacre like the one that happened on October 7 were to happed again – on any of our borders (being surrounded by Muslim enemies), there is nobody to save us. It is hard to grasp this reality. The rehabilitation of our society cannot happen before all the hostages are returned. Seasons are passing, holidays are happening, and the winter has begun again. The families of the hostages are traveling around the world meeting kings and presidents and begging for help, but our government is hard-hearted. Bibi wants to “win” the war, keep fighting in Gaza, and forget about our hostages.
Most of the children in Israel are suffering from anxiety attacks, avoid leaving home, do not interact socially, are nervous, and do not eat or sleep well. They hear sirens, their parents are recruited to the army, they have been evacuated from their homes and moved several times – having to change schools and friends. The events of Oct 7: the murders, the kidnappings, the brutality, the length of the war, the number of soldiers and citizens killed, the wounded- all of these influence the children dramatically. At our home we were playing a game with our grandchildren. They would come up with a letter and the adults had to guess what word the child was thinking of. A granddaughter gave the letter H. After us giving up and not being able to guess the word, she said it was “Hamas.” It appears that is what children are preoccupied with. When we invite new friends, before they decide to come, they always ask if we have a shelter. (Thank God we do). Our granddaughter, 9 years old, was asked why they study Arabic at school. She replied: ”So we can understand what the terrorists are saying.” Children are afraid to walk in the house alone, they are in constant fear and return to sleeping with their parents. It is a state of chronic stress. We are a post traumatic generation. People are much less happy than in the past. Since we have several memorial days during the year when the siren is sounded and we observe a minute of silence, like on Holocaust day, Memorial day for all the soldiers killed in the wars trying to save the country, and Oct. 7th day- children don’t know whether to run to the shelter when the siren sounds or to stand still.
There is a ceasefire right now with Lebanon in the north, but the chances of it holding are 50-50. We just signed that cease fire and another front from Syria opened, because the president’s regime there was overthrown by Al Qaeda/ISIS rebels. We do not know what to expect. After a year and a quarter, we stopped hearing war planes, but now, because of Syria, we hear them again.
We are lacking 10,000 soldiers. Men in their forties who were already released from the army are getting called again. The wives of 15,000 reservists have been carrying the burden of their prolonged absences for 15 months already. They are losing income and paying a heavy price for parenting alone and not enjoying the company of a spouse. Many have become widowed. Business closing signs are all over the place. We owe them so much.
Sixty thousand citizens were evacuated from their homes in northern Israel 15 months ago. They are dispersed in 100 hotels around the country. Whole communities were dismantled and their members became refugees. People lost all their stable, familiar circles. Thousands of homes and roads were destroyed and must be rebuilt. Tourism is dead in the whole country. The government of Lebanon is a hostage in the hands of Hezbollah, which took over that country. The U.N soldiers are afraid to do anything against Hezbollah’s wishes or they will be killed. Hence they have became collaborators with the terrorists.
At the central square in Teheran, Iran there is a clock counting time backwards for the time remaining until the year 2040, the year Iran says it intends to annihilate Israel. We cannot wait passively for that year so, hopefully, with a new administration in Washington we will have the opportunity to remove the tyrant regime in Iran.
It has become “cool” to be antisemitic and anti-Israel around the world. The “herd” is following Muslim propaganda and lies and does not know the truth. Our government’s public relations campaign has failed. We have to get to those who don’t know enough.
Chanukka is approaching and our lights are the volunteers in the hospitals, in the field, nursing homes… those visiting the elderly, the lonely, the families who need help. This is what gives us comfort: the spirit of solidarity. This is what makes us a great nation – our people. The real Israeli who shares his brother’s pain. So we must be grateful for the good things in life and maintain hope.
Happy Chanukka and Merry Christmas!
Features
The Allure of Cherry Scents in Modern Fragrance Trends
Cherry-scented perfumes have become the new darling of the fragrance world. Thanks to their fruity notes and unique ability to bring out sophistication and warmth, cherry perfumes are an emerging trend in the modern world of scents.
One of the most famous perfumes of the generation is the Tom Ford Lost Cherry and the well-loved fragrance is simply unbeatable. They’re so developed, deep, and warm. For customers looking for a more affordable option, perfumes like Ambery Cherry have found a nice middle between luxury and attainability.
Why Cherry Scents Are Having a Moment
Cherry fragrances offer sophistication, freshness, and complexity. These perfumes strike a perfect balance between sweetness and adulthood, making them suitable for any occasion and mood. Cherries are a symbol of indulgence, delectability, and nostalgia. There are several fragrance users who want more than just a nice and simple scent; they’re looking for a story too.
For this reason, a lot of perfumers have gotten extra inventive with their cherry notes, including other notes that establish a unique story. Almond notes, tonka bean, smoky undertones – anything that can place wearers directly on a unique pedestal in an olfactory universe. With this newfound creativity, cherry-scented perfumes have become a genre of their own in the world of luxury perfumes.
Cherry Fragrances and the Senses
Just imagine the moment when someone with cherry fragrance sprays it on their skin. The first notes that blossom through are of tangy, sweet cherry juice. You are then transported to an orchard bathed in sunlight. That is the kind of sensory experience you get with a cherry fragrance.
They’re the right mix of elegant and playful and warm and bold. Again, the likes of Tom Ford Lost Cherry have raised the bar when it comes to making a perfect fragrance. This has, in turn, resulted in the likes of Ambery Cherry becoming easily available to the masses.
Cherry Scents as Personal Statements
Fragrances are not just some additional accessory but an extension to your personality. Cherry fragrances, with their warmth and alluring nature, allow the wearer to make some pretty unforgettable, striking statements everywhere they go. The kind of people who stop and give them a try are people who enjoy timeless elegance while remaining modern and fresh! There is something about cherry fragrances that intrigues you. You just can’t pinpoint what it is but they smell divine.
Finding the Perfect Cherry Fragrance
Given that cherry fragrances are so hot right now, you might find yourself doing a double take as you try to navigate your next move. The best way to decide is to choose one that aligns with your personal style. If your tastes run to the daring and complex, Tom Ford Lost Cherry might tickle your fancy.
If you are after a comparable experience at a more appropriate price tag, there are options like Ambery Cherry as alternatives. They make cherry perfumes accessible to everyone, no matter how deep their pockets are. This will only mean that more of us will experience and fall in love with this note.
Embrace the Cherry Trend
Cherry perfumes are for everyone but many already know this, especially now that there are affordable alternatives. For those who are regular shoppers at luxury perfume counters, don’t let this amazing scent escape your growing collection. Welcome to the beautiful world of cherry perfumes. Now that there are pocket-friendly yet luxurious editions, what is stopping you from considering them?
Features
Exploring the Technology Behind CrazyVegas’s Seamless Gameplay
With the fastest load speeds, the smoothest play, the most reliable form of security and so many more exciting extras, going with this CrazyVegas online casino really is like magic. But what’s behind all these, you ask? What are the crazy ins and outs of the system that continually delivers the fun and excitement to you, the player?
Advanced Servers for Lightning-Fast Performance
Nothing ruins an awesome gaming experience quite like lag — or bugs. Overheated servers, not enough server-pressure points, and even the choice of a hard drive over a solid-state drive because if the host is lagging, you’re lagging. And at CrazyVegas, we don’t do “lagging,” or its little brother, downtime.
Because as cool as all of the above is and more, we are focused on keeping the good times rolling with as little interruption on your desktop, tablet, or mobile and hassle-free infrastructure.
Cutting-edge Graphics Powered by HTML5
The design makes or breaks the online casino. Some even say it’s as important as games. With HTML5 used in CrazyVegas, there’s nothing to worry about. The game design and graphics look and act just about the part. All modes can be played on any size screen without a clumsy or confusing transition.
From playing that latest slot to getting into that poker final and anything in between. There’s a clear view of all the visuals and there are no visual bugs that make it painful on the eyes. All thanks to magical HTML5.
AI and Machine Learning for Personalized Experiences
Beneath the system, the AI and machine learning algorithms are creating a uniquely designed gaming world for each player. CrazyVegas uses AI to analyze players’ input and then provide real-time gameplay and promotional offers depending on this player’s preferences.
If the AI detects this player has a preference for games that require more strategy (e.g. BlackJack) then this could result in higher table games or even more game tips to help you play and win. This has made the system create an experience built for the people who play it. But decentralized at the same time.
Secure Transactions with Blockchain Integration
Security is paramount in any online casino, and CrazyVegas doesn’t disappoint. By utilizing blockchain technology, this online casino can provide an unprecedented level of security (and transparency) online — beyond anything else in the industry. With blockchain, user funds are safe and games are fairer.
Any transaction (e.g., deposit, withdrawal) is encrypted and transmitted securely, channeled onto a decentralized contract ledger that ensures your money plus data are safe from any kind of hack.
Mobile Optimization
With the days we live in now, online gaming is a form of relaxation and this casino is just as good as its competition. It is mobile-friendly, meaning a customer can play whenever, wherever!
Thanks to the design and discomfort of cookies, this online casino is for any player. It doesn’t matter if you are at home or just about anywhere, you can definitely play your favorite games on your mobile.
Fair Play with RNG Technology
One of the most important aspects of online gaming is fairness. CrazyVegas has this well covered and uses Random Number Generator (RNG) technology throughout its games to ensure that all game outcomes are entirely random.
Third-party independent testing ensures this remains the case, and our users can be certain they are all in with a fair and equal chance. And with us, the gameplay really is a play that can be trusted!
The Future of Gaming at CrazyVegas
As technologies evolve, we evolve too. CrazyVegas always follows the edge of the possible and even more, providing all the incredible tech pieces to give you more depth and more awesomeness in your gambling. Imagine walking into your VR casino, chatting with other players and a dealer in real time, or using AR to make your gambling appear right on your dinner table! All the tech pieces are endless, and we will take it all to provide the best new experiences to our players.
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