Ira Forman

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Is the American Jewish community becoming increasingly disenchanted with President Obama?  Maybe yes, maybe no. Either way, on August 16, Obama took steps to bolster his image among American Jews by tapping Ira Forman as his campaign’s Jewish outreach director. Forman is former head of the National Jewish Democratic Council, a former Clinton administration official, and co-editor of the 2001 book “Jews in American Politics.”
“For those who believe that President Obama is in trouble with the Jewish community, Ira Forman is just the right medicine,” said William Daroff, the Jewish Federations of North America’s chief lobbyist and a former official at the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Forman will have his work cut out for him.
According to exit polls, Obama won 78 percent of the Jewish vote in 2008. Most recent polls, however, have his approval rating among Jews down to 60 percent – at best.
Will Forman help?
Matt Brooks, executive director of the Republican Jewish Committee, has his doubts.
“The feelings of the Jewish community are baked in the cake already,” said Brooks.