Staff Reports
Michigan’s upcoming Democratic presidential primary is expected to bring attention to the political fallout of President Joe Biden’s response to the Israel-Hamas war. An effort by supporters of Palestinians in Michigan, a critical battleground state, plans to protest Biden’s handling of the international conflict by either refusing to vote for him in the primary or marking themselves as “uncommitted.”
Dawud Walid, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations’s Michigan chapter, highlighted the significant political energy among Michigan’s Arab and Muslim Americans, emphasizing their potential to sway the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. Walid expressed widespread dissatisfaction with Biden’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict, citing concerns over the administration’s support for Israel and its handling of the situation.
It’s happening in Michigan. Muslims slowly but surely becoming a political force.https://t.co/0X0VseSrMi
— Mister Peabody (@hector_peabody) February 26, 2024
Support for Palestinians in Michigan has gained momentum, with protests disrupting Biden’s public appearances and prominent figures, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, backing the “uncommitted” campaign. The movement poses a serious challenge to Biden’s leadership in the primary, particularly after special counsel Robert Hur’s report raised questions about his age and memory.
The president’s stance on Israel has sparked nationwide demonstrations, with young activists leading the charge, and the “uncommitted” campaign in Michigan is seen as a direct pushback against Biden’s candidacy. Sameh Elhady, vice chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party’s Arab American Caucus, underscored the community’s discontent and its potential impact on the election’s outcome, warning that Biden’s success in Michigan is not guaranteed.
On the other hand, Michigan’s Jewish community, while dynamic, is smaller in comparison, potentially placing Biden at odds with different factions within the state. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a vocal supporter of Biden, urged voters to consider the broader implications of their decision, emphasizing that not supporting Biden could contribute to a second term for GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump.
Walid also critiqued Biden’s broader policies, including his approach to Saudi Arabia and Yemen, pointing out a growing dissatisfaction with the administration. Meanwhile, Dearborn Democratic state Rep. Erin Byrnes labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza as a “genocide,” calling for an immediate ceasefire and more proactive diplomatic measures to support Palestinians.
As Michigan’s political landscape becomes increasingly charged, the “uncommitted” campaign is being closely watched as a potential indicator of Biden’s electoral prospects in the state. The movement’s success in the primary could foreshadow broader challenges for Biden in November, particularly considering the high number of absentee ballot applications.
Looking ahead, the Biden campaign faces an uphill battle in winning over Michigan’s Arab and Muslim Americans, who remain skeptical of the president’s policies and his chances against Trump in the general election. Despite the campaign’s efforts to appeal to Michigan voters, the growing momentum behind the “uncommitted” movement presents a formidable obstacle for Biden’s reelection bid.
