OBAMA LOSING JEWISH SUPPORT IN KEY SWING STATE — BUT WHY NOW?

Florida is home to one of the largest Jewish demographics in the United States. In fact, the Sunshine State falls behind only New York, California, and of course, Israel, when it comes to the world’s Jewish population centers.

What’s more, Jews overwhelmingly vote Democratic — and more so than any other demographic to date — even though liberalism seems, at first glance, incompatible with Jewish ideals and values.

To illustrate just how strong Jewish support for Democrats is, take into account that Obama, arguably the least Israel-friendly U.S. president to date, garnered a staggering 78 percent of the Jewish vote. Not even Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who many view as liberal, could capture the hearts and minds of most Jewish voters. But recent polling data in the key swing state could suggest trouble — at least a modicum of it — is on the horizon for Obama where his Jewish support is concerned.

According to the Boston Globe, Jewish political activists and demographers posit that the president could lose anywhere from 3 to low-double-digits percentage points in the upcoming election. While this number may not seem significant, the Jews constitute a roughly 4 percent of the state’s population yet typically account for between 5 and 6 percent of voters in Florida.

Obama has, since the beginning, opposed what he refers to as “settlements” in Judea and Samaria, he has had an arguably contentious relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has proven ineffective in showing that the U.S. will do all it can to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions and also announced to the world that Israel should return to its “1967 borders” (when no such borders in fact exist). So what could be the cause for this somewhat significant dip in Jewish support?

Israel Hayom political columnist Richard Baehr told TheBlaze that while there might not be room for excitement just yet, he is certain Republicans will do better among Jews this election, both “nationally and in Florida.” He reminded that Florida, because its Jewish population is older and comprises a higher percentage of women, will still do worse than a state like New York, for instance, that has a higher Orthodox and Russian-Jewish percentage. This is likely why Anthony Weiner’s seat turned GOP when he stepped down.

“There is clear concern on Obama’s side about diminished Jewish support,” Baehr said. “I think 30 percent is a reasonable target for our side in Florida and nationally.”

Indeed, “a small shift in the Jewish vote can make a difference,” Ira Sheskin, a University of Miami professor and director of its Jewish Demography Project told the Globe.