Passover Statements from the Presidential Candidates

It is very interesting to me how each candidate gave their statements….

Clinton and McCain both addressed the basic idea of the holiday and wished from their families to the families who will be celebrating Pesach and good holiday. They both addressed the Exodus and the families that will join together to rejoice in the freedom that they received.

Hilary talked about the inspiration that she has from the Haggadah that we must remember the past so that we may become leaders and advocates for the future. McCain talked about his experience with families of Israeli soldiers who had been captured in 2006 by Hezbollah and how their families are celebrating the Passover holiday without them not knowing their whereabouts. I thought McCain and Clinton gave very nice remarks, ones that aren’t political or take any kind of religious stance but acknowledge the Jewish Holiday of Passover.

Obama’s statement interested me the most, the first part of his statement was not very different from that of the other nominee’s and it was very nice that he and his family wished a good holiday however, he used the words “we” and “us”. I find this most interesting because as I was reading it I thought to myself “does he think of himself as one of the Jewish people?” “Does he include himself in the religion that is celebrating this holiday?”

One of the things that annoy me most is when people who are clearly not affiliated with whatever they are speaking of whether a race, religion or anything else include themselves and use “we” and “us.” After reading his statement twice I realize that he was not including himself in the “we” or “us” but rather that he was referring to anyone should learn from the Passover story.

What does it say about Jewish identity that these three candidates specifically wished the Jewish people a good and joyous Passover? While the Jews may be a religious minority I have come to realize that Jewish people have made a name for themselves and I feel that is the reason why these candidates addressed us. While I might be wrong I have never heard political people discuss Ramadan or Kwanza. It is true that during the holiday season of Christmas and Hanukkah that if a person in politics wants to specifically say the holidays they will say both Christmas and Hanukah.

I think that these three candidates each recognize that the vote of Jews is very important to them and I often think that when anyone in politics makes statements just as these they do it not always because they really want to but because of the political gain that comes with it.

I hope everyone is having a good Pesach!!!!