AIPAC Lobbies Just Like Everyone Else Lobbies

By Tracy Caruso On Oct 13, 2025 0 Copy Link Print

Some Americans are confused or alarmed about the singling out of AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. AIPAC is simply one of the many lobbying groups in this country. Its mission is straightforward: to advocate for the interests of Israel in U.S. policy. This is nothing unusual. Every country, union, industry, and popular product has lobbying efforts here. They lobby to protect their interests, promote their goals, and advance their communities. That’s the foundation of American democracy in action, not an attempt to take over America.

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Israel does it, teachers do it, and even honey bees do it. Lobbying efforts are responsible for efforts to change laws and even cultural perceptions in our country. The purpose is to get a seat at the table and be heard, not to take over America.

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Poland’s history in America offers a fascinating example. For decades, Polish people were the subject of endless jokes. In the U.S., Polish jokes were practically a staple of comedy. Even popular TV shows like “All in the Family” repeatedly made fun of the Polish son-in-law as a stereotype of ignorance or foolishness. These jokes fed into a false and hurtful image of Poles as unintelligent or backward.

But Poland, with its proud history, rich culture, and hardworking citizenry, didn’t quietly accept this negative stereotype. Around 2017, the Polish government took strategic action. They hired American public relations and lobbying firms to help change the narrative swiftly and effectively. Polish-American organizations, working for decades to build political influence, joined these efforts to promote a more truthful and positive image of Poland and its people.

Americans used to make fun of Poland, but Poland got smart and, through a massive lobbying and marketing campaign, gave them a whole new positive image.

These efforts sought to highlight Poland’s many contributions—from technology and entrepreneurship to arts and culture—and combat decades of harmful stereotyping. They are a reminder that lobbying isn’t always about legislation or dollars; it’s also about reclaiming dignity and respect on the world stage.

Fast forward to today, and the impact is clear. Polish jokes have virtually disappeared from mainstream culture, replaced by a recognition of Poland as a vibrant, modern country. Campaigns like “We Did It in Poland,” launched as recently as 2025, amplify the message of a dynamic nation full of innovators, creators, and achievers. This cultural turnaround, fueled by determined lobbying and public relations work, proves that strategic advocacy can change even deep-rooted perceptions.

Interestingly enough, the most obscure groups lobby in ways that most of us never consider. The Balloon Council lobbies for the interests of foil and latex balloon producers, working to educate regulators and consumers about balloons’ joys and economic benefits.

The California Dried Plum Board, formerly the California Prune Board, successfully pressured the FDA to officially endorse “dried plum” as more marketable, especially to female consumers. Market research showed that the idea of prunes turned off women aged 30 to 50, as the image was one of something old people ate. Prunes are dried plums, a name much more appealing to the people they were marketing to. Fast forward to now, and many children will tell you they’ve never heard of a prune, while happily eating a dried plum. This is all due to lobbying.

Prunes were for the old, but thanks to lobbying efforts, dried plums are a delicious, healthy snack for all that keeps things moving.

Every group, country, product, and food has a lobbyist connected to it, and all are advocating politically for their interests. Money is what gets them through the door to the seat of opportunity. This is happening and always has, though most of us don’t know about it. Every lobbyist advocates for something—be it a neighborhood, a nation, a product, or a profession. AIPAC isn’t trying to “take over” America. All who lobby want a seat at the table, for their interests to be heard and considered, and to thrive in their own right. Promoting one’s interests is how capitalism works, and it’s as American as it gets.

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Tracy Caruso

Tracy Caruso is the President/Owner of Delray Beach Executive Suites. In December of 2022, she was appointed by Governor DeSantis as a commissioner to the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. She is Chair of the Housing & Finance Authority of Palm Beach County.She is also a certified rape crisis counselor and trained literacy advocate. She currently serves on many boards including The Hispanic Vote and Propel. Tracy is married to State Representative Mike Caruso. She’s a stepmother of 7 and a mother of 2 toy poodles.