Was Trump's statement about Jews antisemitic? My algorithmic definition says yes.

The New York Times reports:

Former President Donald J. Trump, speaking on Thursday at a campaign event in Washington centered on denouncing antisemitism in America, said that “if I don’t win this election,” then “the Jewish people would have a lot to do with a loss.”

Was what he said antisemitic?

First, we must look at the entire statement, not just the excerpt. At the IAC event, he said::

I'll put it to you very simply and as gently as I can.  I wasn't treated properly by the voters who happen to be Jewish. I don't know, do they know what the hell is happening?  

If I don't win this election, and the Jewish people would really have a lot to do with that if that happens because at 40% that means 60% of the people are voting for the enemy, Israel in my opinion will cease to exist within two years, and I believe I'm 100% right.

At the antisemitism event, he said:

In my opinion the the Jewish people would have a lot to do with a loss. If I'm at 40%, think of it, that means 60% of voting for Kamala who in particular is a bad Democrat .

My first impression was that the statement was not antisemitic, but it could incite antisemitism. If Trump loses, he pretty much told his supporters that it would be (partially) the Jews fault. This is a breathtakingly stupid and irresponsible thing to say. It is not purposeful incitement, but the effect is the same.

But gut instincts are not what is needed to determine whether a statement is antisemitic or not.  

This is a perfect application for the EoZ Algorithmic Definition of Antisemitism. As an algorithm, it is far more objective than any other definition out there. So let's run his statements through the algorithm:

Under this definition, Trump's statement was antisemitic. It was denigration of Jews as a group (whether he considers Jews a people, ethnic group or religion doesn't matter for this purpose.)  

Even if his statement is true, it doesn't make it less antisemitic. He attacked the (overwhelmingly Democratic) American Jewish community as a whole. 

One could argue that it is his respect for Jews that prompts him to say things like this, that he holds them to higher standards. But that is not a defense. Imagine if he had said that any potential loss would partially be the fault of Blacks - it is obvious that this would be considered racist. 

Trump could have used the same statistic and turned it into a positive from his perspective. He could have said that only 24% of Jews voted for him in 2016 and now polls say that number has gone up to 40%, a remarkable 67% increase, and he could have used that statistic to inspire the audience to increase that number even further. 

The statement was stupid, inciting and antisemitic, and although Trump would never do it, he should apologize. 

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