Publisher's Synopsis
Joseph Lieberman's Vice Presidential nomination was neither the first nor last word on signal Jewish achievements in American politics. Jews have played an important role in American government since the early 1800s at least, and in view of the 2000 election, there is no political office outside the reach of Jewish American citizens. For the first time, Jews in American Politics brings together a complete picture of the past, present, and future of Jewish political participation. Years in the making, this monumental work includes thoughtful and original chapters by leading journalists, scholars, and practitioners. Topics range from Jewish leadership and identity; to Jews in Congress, on the Supreme Court, and in presidential administrations; and on to Jewish influence in the media, the lobbies, and in other arenas in which American government operates powerfully, if informally. In addition to the thematic chapters, Jews in American Politics includes over 400 biographical profiles of prominent Jews throughout American political history, and concludes with an invaluable roster of Jews in key governmental positions from Ambassadorships and Cabinet posts to federal judges, state governors, and mayors of major cities. Part reference and part reflection, Jews in American Politics offers deep insight into serious questions about the dilemmas that Jews in public service face, as well as humorous sidelights and authoritative reference materials never before collected in one source. The story of the rich tradition of Jewish participation in American political life provides at once the perfect gift for every Jewish home as well as an indispensable resource for any serious follower of American politics.
