Bud Hockenberg (92), a Republican from Des Moines IA, is the former president of the Des Moines Jewish Federation and a founding member of what is now the Republican Jewish Coalition, as well as of Iowans Supporting Israel, a bipartisan group. He is a fourth-generation Des Moines resident and former president of the Conservative synagogue Tifereth Israel. He is still a “very active” attorney and recently attended his 52nd consecutive AIPAC conference.
We are providing the unfiltered opinions of voters interviewed for this project. Those views are based on their understanding and perception of facts and information from a range of sources. In some cases, that information may be misleading or incorrect.
What do you think about the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic?
The federal response is perfect.
What do you think about the response in your state/community?
Iowa’s response has been adequate.
Has the threat from the virus been overblown?
The threat from the virus has not been overblown; it is serious.
If you are a Trump supporter or leaning toward voting for Trump, has his administration’s response to the pandemic affected your support for the president?
The Trump administration’s response to the pandemic has increased my support for him.
During the most recent debate, who do you think was strongest in responding to questions about the pandemic—Joe Biden or Bernie Sanders? Who do you think won the debate?
Joe Biden had the strongest response to the pandemic. I think Joe Biden won the debate.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Yes, each American has a mutual, human responsibility!
I’d genuinely love to hear more elaborate answers to these questions.