Slow learners

Ami Horowitz, for the Weekly Standard, thinks that the Jewish vote might help re-elect President Bush. She notes, for example, that if Bush can obtain 40 percent of the Jewish vote, as Ronald Reagan did in 1984, it could put him over the top in Pennsylvania. Bush captured about 20 percent of the Jewish vote in 2000, and, while he should significantly exceed that figure this time, I lack enough faith in my fellow tribesmen to think that his support will reach 40 percent. On the other hand, Horowitz points out that John Kerry has said he would consider Jimmy Carter and James Baker to be his envoys to the Middle East, so I suppose there is hope.