Until Jan. 21, it seemed as if Israeli politicians had weaned themselves off the traditional election campaign visits to farmers markets and tiresome photos with vendors and shoppers. But then the chairman of Kulanu, Moshe Kahlon, arrived at the Mahne Yehuda market in Jerusalem and restored the most hackneyed Israeli election cliches to center stage.
Kahlon, of all people, who does not require a stamp of authenticity and popular appeal, should have skipped the market visit. Accompanied by an organized team of cheerleaders, it was straight out of the '80s. True, he and his Ashkenazi backup, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yoav Galant and former Israeli Ambassador to Washington Michael Oren, were warmly received and took the opportunity to once again convey the message that they are the real Likud Party, walking in the footsteps of late Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Three decades ago, when such visits were not yet an embarrassing campaign routine, Begin was the most popular politician in the markets.
