Pennsylvania Democrat Leaves Party, Endorses Trump Over Concerns About Extremist Ideologies and Israel Policy
In a significant political shift, Steve Rosenberg, a lifelong Democrat from Pennsylvania, announced his decision to leave the Democratic Party and endorse former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election. In an interview on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom” with Dana Perino, Rosenberg highlighted his concerns about the Democratic Party’s growing embrace of what he called “extremist ideologies” and its stance on Israel as key factors in his decision.
“If you’re a Jew, if you’re pro-Israel, there’s only one candidate here,” Rosenberg stated, emphasizing that Jewish voters should be particularly focused on the future of Israel during this election cycle. He pointed to members of Vice President Kamala Harris’s inner circle as part of the problem. Rosenberg accused Harris of surrounding herself with individuals he described as having strong anti-Israel and pro-Iran sentiments.
“Actions speak louder than words,” Rosenberg argued. “Kamala Harris has surrounded herself with some of the worst Jew haters that there are. Maher Bitar, Philip Gordon, Ilan Goldenberg—he’s got a nice name, but if you look at their records, they are pro-Iran. They are not pro-Israel.”
Rosenberg expressed grave concern for Jewish voters, stating that the survival of Israel and Jewish communities should be the primary issue in the 2024 election. He described the current political climate as a fight for survival, warning that other issues, such as climate change or abortion rights, would become irrelevant if existential threats to Jewish lives are not addressed. “All those issues won’t be there if we’re dead in four years. They’re trying to kill us,” Rosenberg said.
Historically, Jewish voters have largely supported Democratic candidates, but Rosenberg believes that quiet support for Trump is growing within the community. Despite hesitancy among some, he argued that many Jewish voters are beginning to reassess their political alignment in light of current global threats, particularly those facing Israel.
“Some are afraid to say that they’re going to support Donald Trump for whatever the reasons are,” he explained. Rosenberg also criticized those who refuse to vote Republican due to concerns surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot. “They’re worried about what happened on January 6th, which is insanity to me, because they’re not worried about what happens in the country every single day, which is 10 times worse than January 6th.”
In closing, Rosenberg urged Jewish voters to prioritize their survival and Israel’s security over partisan loyalty. “If you are a Jew and you are worried and not worried about your literal existence, then I don’t know what else to tell you.”
As the 2024 election approaches, Rosenberg’s departure from the Democratic Party highlights a growing rift within the Jewish community over how best to navigate issues of Israel, extremism, and political allegiance.