Israel has lost Americans - Today, Explained Recap

Podcast: Today, Explained

Published: 2026-03-12

Duration: 26 min

Guests: Ross Barkin

Summary

Support for Israel among Americans, particularly younger Democrats, has dramatically declined amid the Iran war and escalating tensions in Gaza. The episode examines the political, cultural, and economic implications of this shift in U.S.-Israel relations.

What Happened

The episode delves into how the Iran war and Israel's actions in Gaza have led to a significant decline in American support for Israel, particularly among younger voters and Democrats. Gallup data reveals that for the first time since 2001, support for Israel among Democrats has dropped below 50%, with younger voters overwhelmingly favoring the Palestinian cause.

Ross Barkin, columnist at New York Magazine, explains how Israel's influence on U.S. foreign policy is being questioned across party lines. He notes that figures like Senator Lindsey Graham openly admitted to coaching Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on lobbying President Trump to join the war against Iran. This has raised concerns about the disproportionate role Israel plays in shaping American military actions.

The episode highlights how the war has resulted in significant human and economic costs. Over 140 U.S. service members have been wounded, seven killed, and gas prices have surged by 43 cents per gallon. Civilians in the Middle East are bearing the brunt, with over 1,300 Iranians, 500 Lebanese, and 11 Israelis killed within a week.

Democratic politicians like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries criticize Trump's unilateral decision to enter the war without Congressional authorization. Meanwhile, younger progressives are calling for conditional military aid to Israel and accusing the U.S. of enabling human rights violations in Gaza.

The episode explores notable shifts within the Democratic Party. Figures like Gavin Newsom, traditionally pro-Israel, have started using terms like 'apartheid state' to describe Israel, signaling a dramatic change in political rhetoric. This shift reflects growing dissatisfaction with unconditional U.S. support for Israel.

Republican dynamics are also examined. While the party's leadership remains staunchly pro-Israel, grassroots MAGA supporters and younger conservatives are questioning Trump's alignment with Israel. They argue that the war contradicts Trump's 'America First' promises, creating a divide within his base.

AIPAC's influence is waning as both Democratic and Republican candidates increasingly reject its donations. The episode cites Tom Malinowski, a former congressman who lost his seat partly due to AIPAC’s opposition, as an example of the organization’s aggressive tactics alienating mainstream Democrats.

The episode concludes by questioning the future of U.S.-Israel relations. While Trump and Netanyahu maintain a strong alliance, the next decade could see significant changes, especially as younger politicians and voters from both parties push for a reevaluation of this relationship.

Key Insights

• For the first time since 2001, support for Israel among Democrats has fallen below 50%, with younger voters overwhelmingly backing the Palestinian cause. This shift reflects a generational divide in how Americans view the U.S.-Israel relationship.
• Senator Lindsey Graham admitted to coaching Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on lobbying Donald Trump to join the war against Iran. This blurs the line between U.S. and Israeli interests, raising concerns about who drives American foreign policy.
• Since the war began, over 140 U.S. service members have been wounded and gas prices have surged by 43 cents per gallon. The economic and human costs are mounting, while civilians in the Middle East face catastrophic losses.
• Democratic leaders like Gavin Newsom are now calling Israel an 'apartheid state,' a term rarely used by mainstream politicians. This marks a dramatic shift in rhetoric as younger progressives push for conditional aid and criticize U.S. complicity in Gaza.

Key Questions Answered

What does Ross Barkin say about shifting U.S. support for Israel on Today, Explained?

Ross Barkin notes a significant decline in Democratic support for Israel, with Gallup data showing a shift from a 26-point preference for Israel to a 46-point preference for Palestinians among Democrats. He attributes this to younger voters' growing sympathy for the Palestinian cause and skepticism of Israel.

How is AIPAC losing influence in U.S. politics according to Today, Explained?

The episode highlights AIPAC's declining clout as more politicians reject its donations and criticize its aggressive tactics. For instance, Tom Malinowski lost his seat partly due to AIPAC's opposition after offering mild criticism of Israel.

How is the Iran war shaping U.S. politics as discussed on Today, Explained?

The Iran war has led to significant casualties, economic strain, and political divisions in the U.S. While Republican leaders remain pro-Israel, grassroots conservatives question Trump’s alignment with Israel, and younger Democrats are calling for conditional aid and stronger criticism of Israeli policies.