I am an American patriot, a liberal Democrat, someone of Jewish decent and someone convinced that Donald Trump represents a unique and existential threat to American democracy.

Having stated those premises, I find Bibi Netanyahu to be essentially the equivalent of Donald Trump--plus about 40 IQ points. Better, but not fundamentally different. However, Israel is and has been under a credible existential threat since its foundation 76 years ago, and thus, as a Jewish American, I am prepared to give its government wide latitude in determining how best to preserve Israel's existence. That said, I pray that the next election will produce a more balanced government coalition in Israel, one that recognizes and adheres to fundamental Jewish ethical principles.

The United States' democracy is also under threat--but from Donald Trump. As such, I am convinced that every true American patriot must vote for the Democratic candidate, whatever their underlying political philosophy may be. Once the scourge of this clever phony is safely in the rearview mirror, we can go back to arguing about marginal tax rates and the proper degree of government involvement in our nation's economy. But as long as the GOP remains the captive of this self-seeking, unscrupulous demagogue, everyone must vote for the Democratic candidate, regardless of their underlying political views.