Biden’s positive stand for Israel over Gaza atrocities has yielded ill fate for him from the Arab and Muslim American communities. With the impending state primaries in Michigan, both Republicans and Democrats gear up for a crucial showdown. In this electoral battleground, the dynamics are uniquely shaped by the Arab and Muslim American communities, alongside some progressive Democrats who are rallying under the banner of “uncommitted” votes as a resounding protest against the Biden administration’s Gaza policy.
Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib, the lone Palestinian-American in Congress, has emerged as a vocal advocate for this protest vote. Encouraging voters in a powerful video message, she stands firm against the Biden administration’s pro-Israel stance and its reluctance to endorse a Gaza cease-fire, a region where the toll from Israeli attacks has tragically reached nearly 30,000 Palestinian lives.
A Warning Shot to Biden’s Campaign
“If you want us to be louder, come here and vote uncommitted,” Tlaib passionately urges, positioning the primary ballot as a tool for dissent and a warning to the Biden campaign. The Listen to Michigan campaign, striving for 10,000 “uncommitted” votes, has amplified this call, gaining support from Ohio Senator Nina Turner.
Within Michigan’s diverse population, over 310,000 people of Middle Eastern and North African descent wield significant electoral influence, constituting approximately 3.1% of this pivotal swing state. The significance of their voice was evident in 2020 when Biden secured victory over Trump by a margin exceeding 150,000 votes, a stark contrast to Trump’s narrow win in 2016.
The resonance of this protest transcends a single movement. Alongside the Listen to Michigan campaign, the Abandon Biden movement adds its weight to the “uncommitted” vote on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Their commitment goes beyond the primary, with a steadfast decision not to vote for Biden in November, irrespective of any shifts in his Gaza policy.
Michigan’s Electoral Influence:
- Diverse population.
- 310,000 people of Middle Eastern and North African descent.
- Constitute 3.1% of the swing state.
- 2020 significance: Biden secured victory by 150,000+ votes.
Uncommitted’ Vote is a Resolute Preview of November
Khaled Turaani, chairman of the Abandon Biden campaign, articulates a sentiment echoed by many in the community: a desire to hold Biden accountable for what they perceive as his complicity in the Gaza genocide. Turaani underscores that the “uncommitted” vote is a mere preview – a poignant message to the Biden camp that their community is resolute and serious about voting him out of office in the November elections.
Imam Imran Salha, a spiritual leader at the Islamic Center of Detroit, cast his vote for Biden in the previous election but now contemplates an uncommitted stance in the primary.
Diverse Coalition for Change:
- Coalition includes Arab Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and individuals from various religious backgrounds.
- Demand for an immediate cease-fire.
- Focus on both the primary and November elections.
- Concerns extend beyond Arabic or Palestinian-Americans.
In his reflective words, Salha clarifies that his support for Biden was not an endorsement of moral virtue but a choice against Donald Trump. However, he starkly asserts, “But now at this point, the reality is Donald Trump did not commit genocide. President Joe Biden did.”
Ink in the Name of Blood: Salha’s Ballot Becomes a Symbol of Resistance
The personal toll of Biden’s policies hits home for Salha as he recounts the tragic death of a 37-year-old relative in his village—a woman shot and killed while driving with her husband and son. He poignantly declares, “If I were to sign that ballot with Joe Biden’s name, the ink that I would use to sign that ballot would be through her blood and the blood of over 40,000 innocent civilians in Gaza.”
Salha’s principled stand extends to rejecting a White House invitation, emphasizing his desire for history to remember that Biden lost the presidency due to actions against Palestinians. He speaks passionately, uniting people of various faiths and backgrounds, asserting their collective power to influence outcomes.
Arab Americans, African Americans, and More Unite for Chang
Rebecca, an Arab American in Michigan, who chooses to be identified by her first name, expresses her intention to vote uncommitted, emphasizing that the Arab American vote should no longer be taken for granted. She underscores the importance of making their voices heard and sending a resounding message of support to Gaza through their votes.
In a powerful statement, she notes the formation of a diverse coalition, including Arab Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and individuals from various religious backgrounds. Their united goal is to demand an immediate cease-fire and convey a message to President Biden.
The frustration within the Arab American community is evident as Rebecca highlights Biden’s failure to engage with their concerns during his campaign stop in Michigan. Despite declining invitations, the community remains critical of the administration’s stance on Israel.
Veto Power and Cease-Fire Blocks: Arab American Frustration Grows
The mention of Biden’s initial support for Israel and the gradual shift in tone is emphasized. The ongoing conflict and Israel facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice add complexity to the situation. Despite this, the Biden administration continues to propose substantial military aid to Israel, and the U.S. has used its veto power to block UN calls for a cease-fire in Gaza.
The narrative climaxes with Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell acknowledging the anger within the Arab American community. Indeed, Rebecca’s story paints a vivid picture of political activism, unity, and frustration within the Arab American community, culminating in a demand for change and a nuanced approach to their voting strategy.
Abbas Alawieh, a former Democratic chief of staff on Capitol Hill and member of the Listen to Michigan campaign group, articulates the campaign’s essence: “This is about pressuring our current president who can intervene in the tragic loss of innocent lives, particularly children.” Alawieh, of Lebanese origin, underscores the direct impact of war on the community, expressing concern that Biden’s actions risk alienating them not just in the immediate election but potentially for generations to come.
Initially a pressure campaign, Listen to Michigan has evolved as frustration with the president solidifies among some voters. Mohamed Alemara, a 23-year-old medical student of Iraqi descent, boldly declares that voting for Biden was the “worst mistake” of his life. He vehemently states, “You don’t obliterate 30,000 of our people and assume we will rally behind you.”
