Issue 77: An American-Israeli Voting for Kamala Harris

My thoughts on the eve of Election Day 2024

According to the US Department of Defense FVAP (Federal Voting Assistance Program), in 2022 an estimated 4.4 millions US citizens lived abroad. Of that population, around 2.8 million were eligible to vote. But available data shows that most Americans abroad don’t participate in presidential or midterm elections, either because the process of overseas voting is too complicated or because of lack of motivation and interest.

In the past, I would have definitely described myself as an unmotivated expat. This is due, in part, to the fact that I chose to leave the United States in order to forge a new life in a new land. I’ve often felt I had less familiarity with the issues motivating American voters (those who DO vote) and at a personal level less investment in the outcome.

Over time my attitude has changed. Despite living abroad, my bonds to the the United States have deepened in the last decade. Spending four years in Washington DC while working on my PhD reeducated myself and my family on American society and culture. Because I work for an American university, I am in regular dialogue with American students and colleagues. I listen to 538 Politics, Tara Palmeri’s Somebody’s Gotta Win, and read plenty. I understand the issues - both big and small - that are central to this year’s election. Furthermore, as a foreign affairs expert I accept the premise that, as an eligible voter in one of the world’s most influential countries (and without question, the most important democratic country), the US presidential election always has global consequences and it would be hypocritical for someone like me to analyze, criticize, and pontificate on US policy while shirking my responsibilities as a citizen. After the events of the past year, where my corner of the world - and that of millions of people - was directly impacted by US foreign policy decisions, it would be negligent not to vote. And as a parent, I have a continued responsibility to the American national enterprise if my children ever wish to take advantage of their citizenship. For these reasons, I submitted my overseas ballot.

I voted for Kamala Harris and I’d like to share a few reasons why. The most important principle guiding my decision was trying to determine which candidate will be the best president for the United States of America. Who will best be able to advance policies that will benefit the most Americans economically and socially, and who will provide security (in all of the word’s diverse definitions) for the United States and her allies. Who will best be able to work across both sides of the aisle to advance as much of a bipartisan agenda as is possible during a period of extreme polarization. Who will best be able protect individual liberties. Who will best be able to maintain the foundational principles of American democracy while remaining flexible to the necessary changes and reforms the country requires.

I have my share of doubts and criticisms of Kamala Harris. If she wins, you’ll read my evaluation of her performance over the next four years. When I measure her record and statements against those of Donald Trump, however, these concerns recede dramatically. In my opinion she is the more trustworthy, competent, and predictable candidate.

It is possible that you have read up until this point and are now scratching your head, asking, “Wait a second, Gabi is an American Jew (12th or 13th generation I might add). He is also an Israeli. He served in the war. How could he possibly be in favor of Kamala Harris?” And you may have read in recent weeks that Trump is viewed more favorably by Israelis than Harris. My opinion may be a minority one, but I’m going to share it anyway.

I believe a good president for America is de facto a good president for Israel. In other words, if the US is being steered in the right direction it will automatically serve Israeli interests. That applies even in the event the next administration delivers some tough love and executes policies that the Israeli government doesn’t support (which I believe will happen no matter who wins). As Sophocles wrote in Oedipus Rex, “To throw away an honest friend is, as it were, to throw your life away.” The United States is the closest thing Israel has to an honest friend, and honest friends are so hard to come by.

What concerns me is the trajectory of US politics. Increasing polarization will damage both America’s ability to function at a high level domestically as well as its credibility as a democratic power trying to maintain global order (high enough bars on a good day). Polarization will negatively impact the economic and physical security of America’s most vulnerable populations (including American Jews), and it will risk the safety of her allies. Inevitably this path would be bad for Israel, a direct beneficiary of the post-WWII order established and maintained by the United States. Israel needs a strong and healthy America. It needs bipartisan support from both Republicans and Democrats. It needs an America in dialogue with the world. That America is more likely to endure (and possibly mature) if Kamala Harris is president.

To put it differently, we could have a lively debate about the how the stylistic differences between Trump and Harris will color our understanding of US-Israel relations and the execution of US foreign policy in the Middle East over the next four years, or discuss whether the Biden administration - including Harris - handled the past year with the Netanyahu government responsibly. But if the next US president encourages polarization, doesn’t effectively address the issues plaguing American society and politics, and walks away from the global stage then such conversations become irrelevant.

Feel free to disagree.

If you are an American citizen, I hope you at least disagree AND go out and vote.

So many around the world are unable to elect their leaders. If you are among the fortunate few who can, please don’t let it go to waste.

Thanks for taking the time to read. As always, I welcome your comments and questions.

Best,

Gabi