Majority of US Jews Still Back Obama

A clear majority of Jewish Americans—some 60%—still support President Obama, Gallup finds. That figure is 14 points higher than his overall 46% approval rating, a gap that matches the average since the president entered office. US Jews’ approval of Obama’s performance is statistically unchanged from April’s 64%, and aggregated daily polls reveal no major change in Jewish Americans’ opinions of Obama following his May 19 speech on Israel, which drew harsh criticism from some leading Israel supporters. (A Politico piece from a week ago isn't so sure he's OK with Jewish voters.)

Looking at Jewish Democrats specifically, Gallup finds that 86% approved of Obama’s work before the speech, while 85% approved afterward, marking no statistical change. Meanwhile, 32% of US Jews disapprove of Obama’s performance, about average for this year. Those who regularly attend synagogue are more critical of the president than those who don’t often attend, matching a more conservative streak among the former group. (More Jews stories.)