Professor Questions 'Most Crucial Election' Narrative, Cites Dormant Public
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Professor Asher Cohen argues that the current Israeli election, despite political rhetoric, appears dormant with little public engagement. He contrasts the dramatic claims of its criticality with a lack of large rallies and widespread activity, comparing it unfavorably to the intensity of the judicial reform protests. Cohen suggests the "crucial election" narrative is often used to boost turnout, but believes this election cycle lacks the exceptional public fervor of past critical elections.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Professor Asher Cohen questions the narrative of the current election being the most crucial in Israeli history.
- Cohen observes a lack of public engagement, large rallies, and intense political activity on the ground.
- He contrasts the current subdued atmosphere with the heightened intensity of protests against judicial reform.
- The professor suggests the "crucial election" label is often used by politicians and media to increase voter turnout.
- Cohen believes that while important to some, the current election lacks the exceptional public fervor of past critical elections.
Professor Asher Cohen of Bar-Ilan University is questioning the widespread narrative that the current election is the most crucial in Israel's history. In the fourth episode of "The Political Workshop," Cohen argues that despite the dramatic pronouncements by politicians and media outlets, the situation on the ground appears far more subdued.
Cohen points to the absence of large political rallies, widespread public activity, and a general sense of a heated political struggle as evidence of this dormancy. He suggests there is a significant disconnect between the "dramatic declarations about the fate of the country" and an election that, so far, seems "rather sleepy." He asks voters to consider what they observe around them, questioning where the supposed criticality of the elections is evident.
He draws a comparison to the period of protests against the judicial reform, which he describes as a time of "ten times" the feeling that the struggle was fateful, with intense public engagement, debates, and confrontations. In contrast, he finds the current atmosphere lacks a similar intensity, noting the lack of prominent rallies and significant field activity.
Cohen acknowledges that the term "crucial election" is not new and is often used to motivate the public and increase voter turnout, both by political parties and the media. He likens it to a catchy headline designed to attract attention. While not dismissing the elections' potential importance for those seeking a right-wing government or a change in leadership, he maintains that this subjective feeling does not make the current election cycle uniquely critical compared to previous ones where a close contest for power existed.
He admits that the quiet atmosphere raises questions about public interest and is uncertain about its exact cause, but reiterates his observation that "every time it's crucial," implying the term is frequently overused.
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