Men on New York’s West Side Look a lot Like Bernie Sanders — or Larry David

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky

Image by Getty/YouTube
The harsh reality (or not so, depending on your predilections) is that if you’re a man of a certain age, you’re hair is white, you’re Jewish — and especially if you wear spectacles — someone may think you’re Bernie Sanders.
Or a relative.
Just ask Larry David.
So The Forward decided to have a little fun ahead of Monday’s Iowa caucus and visit David’s old haunts on Manhattan’s West Side to find some Bernie (who’s Brooklyn-born) look-a-likes to talk politics.
Harry Cardemon, who’s “80 going toward 90”, is a staunch Democrat and can’t decide between Sanders and Clinton. With regard to the candidate’s appearance he says, “He looks like some other people I’ve met.” He was accompanied by Rita, who clarified that she was his wife, not his girlfriend.
Joseph Levie, 87, likes Sanders but thinks he’s promising too much too fast. Oh yeah, he adds: “He’s not good for the Jews.”
Martin Rich, 74, says he’ll vote for the most electable Democrat, who he doesn’t think is Bernie. “I don’t think the country as a whole will elect a socialist. Maybe New York state would. Maybe New York City would.”
Mr. Engelson, who declined to give his first name, says he’s about 10 years older than Sanders, who is 74, and leaning toward the Vermont senator. “Would I vote for him? There is a good possibility. 60% yes,” he said.
Robert Adler, 79, gets a bit tongue-tied when talking about Clinton’s rival. “I would be very happy if he succeeds. Unhappy, I’m sorry. I take that back. No I’m not happy with him.”
This is a moment of great uncertainty. Here’s what you can do about it.
We hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, we’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s independent Jewish news this Passover. All donations are being matched by the Forward Board - up to $100,000.
This is a moment of great uncertainty for the news media, for the Jewish people, and for our sacred democracy. It is a time of confusion and declining trust in public institutions. An era in which we need humans to report facts, conduct investigations that hold power to account, tell stories that matter and share honest discourse on all that divides us.
With no paywall or subscriptions, the Forward is entirely supported by readers like you. Every dollar you give this Passover is invested in the future of the Forward — and telling the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
The Forward doesn’t rely on funding from institutions like governments or your local Jewish federation. There are thousands of readers like you who give us $18 or $36 or $100 each month or year.
