JB Pritzker of Illinois: America’s First-Ever Jewish President?

JB Pritzker, America’s first Jewish president.  It sounds crazy, I know.  This is not meant to be an endorsement but rather an opinion about how an audacious idea could become reality and what that would mean for Jews in America, Jews in Israel and for America itself.  Before you throw your well-earned cynicism against the wall, or spit out your juice as you read this blog, come along for a quick “magical, mystery tour” of how and why JB Pritzker might be the perfect antidote to the Trump debacle.

PRITZKER THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Is he an impeccable candidate? As we all know, there is never a perfect candidate.  That being said, Pritzker might just be a very strong contender for the presidency.  Coming from Illinois, Pritzker has executive experience governing an influential state. And Illinois is a natural political platform and provides national visibility to make the argument as to why he should lead the country.

In a time of exhaustion, angst and anxiety surrounding the Trump era, Pritzker projects competence and has positioned himself as an aggressive defender of liberal democracy versus populism and extremism.  Simply, he is the opposite of Trump.  Also, in contrast to Trump, he would likely use his wealth to generate independence from donor pressures.  He is not afraid of being seen as rich and I doubt he would use the Office of the President as a factory for corruption, influence peddling and graft.

On the slightly boring side of things – and after all this Trump drama, who is not yearning for a little bit of “boring”? – he can be seen by Democrats as steady, focused on management and dedicated to the maintenance of our democratic institutions.  Wouldn’t that be a welcome change?

Pritzker has always been a staunch supporter of Israel and he retains much support among the Democratic mainstream.  One could argue the Illinois governor represents a kind of old-school, liberal Zionism approach.  He is strongly pro-Israel, decidedly anti-Hamas and dedicated to Israel’s existence and security.  He supports a two-state solution and has become increasingly uncomfortable with Israel’s internal political polarization.  It’s not like he wants to dictate to Israel what it should do; rather he seems to want to support Israel and not try to become a folk-hero to Israelis – unlike the current president.   That being said, my guess is he would prioritize fixing America and focus less on foreign affairs, or at least try to.

PRITZKER IN HIS OWN WORDS

You just have to listen to some of what Pritzker says and you get the sense he is comfortable in his own skin, is his own man and is unafraid to say what he thinks.  His communication style comes across as authentic in an era of personality, AI images and the normalization of lying.

Some Pritzker quotes to consider and enjoy:

• “Early childhood education is an urgent educational, economic and moral imperative. Without it, we face a long-term national economic security crisis.”
• (Trump) “…is a racist and a bigot and a xenophobe and a liar.”
• “When you destroy social justice, you are disparaging the very foundation of Judaism.”
• “Leadership means setting a moral tone.”
• “He loves to make fun of people anyway he can. Frankly, that’s how you know he is afraid of you.”

And my personal favorite:

• “Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here.”

WHAT COULD A PRESIDENT PRITZKER MEAN FOR AMERICAN JEWS?

Pritzker’s ascension to the Oval Office would represent the clearest signal of Jewish integration and acceptance in American history.  Presumably, most Jews would shep nachas over seeing this all too real barrier – a Jew can never be elected president – come tumbling down.  It would reinforce the idea of American exceptionalism, especially the idea that America remains uniquely open to anyone.

There is no question Jewish holidays, Jewish traditions and Jewish concerns and issues would receive tremendous public attention.  This may simultaneously be good and bad. But how amazing would it be if paying attention to “all things Jewish” was just, well, normal?

It’s very likely a Jewish president would create much worry for many Jews.  They would stress about backlash to a Jewish president and/or resentment – real or perceived – toward Jews in general.  But I have to ask, would it be any worse than it is today?  Maybe a President Pritzker is just the antidote American Jews need in these trying times.

WHAT COULD A PRESIDENT PRITZKER MEAN FOR ISRAEL?

While the symbolism of a Pritzker presidency would be truly historic and inspirational, it would almost certainly ensure that any agreement or disagreement between the United States and Israel would drive greater scrutiny and emotional reactions.  Pritzker might feel the need to showcase “independence” from Israel to avoid being seen as “the Jewish president” with “dual loyalty.”

Israelis and their leaders will likely assume a deeper cultural understanding between the Jewish president and the “land of milk and honey.”  This could drive a closer cultural connection but create complicated political differences.

Israel’s adversaries would certainly parrot the propaganda that anything a Pritzker Administration does in support of Israel is due to his being a Jew.

WHAT COULD A PRESIDENT PRITZKER MEAN FOR AMERICA AFTER TRUMP?

First, Pritzker’s election would mean a dramatic shift away from nationalistic-populist politics to pluralistic, institutional politics.  The American people would be sending to the country and the world a message of inclusion and a commitment to the enduring promise of a diverse America.

Pritzker supporters would argue his election is proof of America’s openness and resilience in the face of creeping fascism.  It would dramatically test America’s tolerance for change – and assuming America did not break – would reinforce the strength of the American experiment.

Perhaps most important, a Jewish president following the Trump era would become a defining cultural moment for politics and beyond.

PRITZKER: A LONG-SHOT BET?

Long-time political strategist, James Carville, led the charge to bring Bill Clinton from Little Rock, Arkansas to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in 1992.  Still an astute political operative, Carville is not shy about his opinions.

It might be wise to heed Carville’s comment on Pritzker:

“If I had to say one guy…if I were like betting the Kentucky Derby and I saw this 12-to-1 horse and I said, ‘Yeah, I want to get a price,’ I’d take JB Pritzker.’”

Anyone care to make a wager?