Joe Biden and his campaign are aware that they are facing political consequences with certain voters due to their decision not to advocate for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.
But some Democrats in Michigan are concerned that the president’s team may not fully understand the level of dissatisfaction among Arab American and young voters regarding Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war. They are worried that even if there is a significant protest vote in the upcoming primary, it may not serve as the wake-up call that is necessary.
State Senator Darrin Camilleri expressed his surprise at the lack of seriousness with which the current situation is being treated. While he did not disclose his voting intentions for the upcoming primary, he did emphasize his support for a lasting cease-fire in Gaza.
“I can’t help but feel like history is repeating itself,” Camilleri expressed, drawing a parallel to the 2016 election when Donald Trump emerged victorious in the state. “It seems like our national party is turning a deaf ear to the concerns and challenges we face locally. If the president fails to alter his course, I wouldn’t be surprised if Biden fails to secure the state in the upcoming November elections.”
According to an anonymous Democratic strategist in the state, who supports Biden, there is growing concern among Democrats. The strategist expressed worries that the ongoing violence in Gaza is making it increasingly difficult for Biden to regain the support of those voters. They believe that the longer the violence persists, the more challenging it becomes for Biden to win back these voters.
The upcoming primary in Michigan is set to be a revealing test of the Democratic Party’s divisions over Israel and the overall perception of President Biden’s administration. Michigan, which gained prominence in the early nominating process thanks to Biden’s decision last year, encompasses a diverse range of Democratic voters, including union households and a significant Black voting bloc.
Poll after poll reveals worrisome signs for Biden within his base. Furthermore, those who are particularly impassioned by the Israel-Hamas conflict have launched a movement to express their dissatisfaction with the policy. They are urging voters to cast their ballots as “uncommitted” during the upcoming primary.
State Representative Abraham Aiyash, a supporter of the protest vote, suggests that if people are not swayed by the humanitarian aspect of the Palestinian people, they may view the situation differently when it becomes a political matter. Aiyash points out that Michigan, a state that experienced a close race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, has a significant number of voters who are feeling frustrated.
In the past few weeks, Biden has been actively reaching out to the protestors, expressing his concerns and taking action. He publicly criticized the Israeli government’s response in Gaza, describing it as “over the top,” and cautioned against a ground incursion into Rafah, the southeastern city of Gaza. Additionally, he implemented sanctions specifically targeting Israeli settlers who have been involved in attacks against Palestinians in the occupied areas of the West Bank. Moreover, officials from the Biden administration met with Arab American leaders in Dearborn, Michigan, who are advocating for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.
According to an elected Michigan Democratic official who supports Biden in the primary and wishes to remain anonymous, the decision to send a team to Dearborn is a positive step, albeit a delayed one. The official believes that this action should have been taken two months ago, but acknowledges that the administration is now starting to recognize the seriousness of the situation.
Biden advisers privately acknowledge that there is limited action they can take, especially in the week leading up to the primary vote, to alleviate the anger surrounding the war. Their primary objective is to rebuild relationships and emphasize the differences between Biden and Trump in preparation for the November election. They are confident that the importance of the general election will overshadow the current frustrations regarding the events in Gaza.
Michigan state Senator Rosemary Bayer expressed her concern about the upcoming election, emphasizing that sitting out would be an option if it were a typical Republican candidate. However, given the circumstances where the alternative choice is seen as a potential new Vladimir Putin or dictator, she finds it difficult to imagine people abstaining from voting. Senator Bayer describes the situation as dire, highlighting the significance of the decision at hand.
Progressive leaders cautioned that merely offering a selection between Biden and Trump might not suffice.
According to Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), the use of rhetoric without actually making significant changes to our foreign policy will not resonate well with younger voters, Muslim and Arab American voters, and voters of color. Khanna, who frequently represents Biden during the campaign, has been advocating for a permanent cease-fire. He is set to meet with Arab American leaders and groups in Michigan this week.
Losing a segment of progressive-minded voters in Michigan poses a significant risk for the Biden campaign, potentially jeopardizing the state and, ultimately, the entire election. In the 2020 election, Biden secured victory in Michigan by a margin of approximately 150,000 votes. Emgage, a Muslim-American advocacy group, reports that there are 200,000 registered voters who identify as Muslim in the state. Furthermore, in 2022, Michigan witnessed the highest voter turnout among young individuals nationwide, contributing to the Democratic Party’s success in attaining full control of the state government and reelecting Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“I’m shouting from the rooftops,” exclaimed former Michigan Representative Andy Levin, a staunch supporter of the “uncommitted” movement. “If you don’t change direction, you won’t emerge victorious.”
The organizers of the “Listen to Michigan” campaign have been actively engaging with Democrats to encourage them to vote “uncommitted.” Their efforts have primarily involved phone and text-banking, along with a significant investment in digital ads to increase awareness.
On Tuesday night, a dedicated team of over a dozen volunteers gathered at a community event space in Detroit for a special cause. Their mission? To reach out to Democratic voters and gauge their interest in supporting a cease-fire in Gaza as a way to send a powerful message to President Biden. These passionate individuals have already made an impressive 50,000 phone calls, tirelessly working to make a difference.
Over the weekend, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian American serving in Congress, released a video encouraging Democrats to vote against Biden in the primary. This endorsement provided a significant boost to the campaign. Managed by Tlaib’s sister, Layla Elabed, the effort aims to gather “20,000 or more votes” on Tuesday in order to exert pressure on the Biden administration.
About 100 individuals congregated on the University of Michigan’s campus in Ann Arbor on Tuesday afternoon to participate in a pro-Palestinian demonstration. The attendees showcased their support by waving Palestinian flags and donning keffiyeh scarves, which symbolize solidarity with Palestinians. Additionally, some protesters held signs that bore the message: “Jews say cease-fire now.”
Hassan Awada, a 36-year-old graduate of the University of Michigan, joined the rally with the intention of conveying a clear message to the Biden administration and the Democrats. He wanted them to understand that the Arab-American community is not merely a voting bloc to be taken for granted.
Awada, who voted for Biden in 2020, expressed his intention to abstain from the 2024 election or consider voting for a third-party candidate. He stated that if Trump were to be elected into the White House again, he would accept the outcome.
“We will endure, just like we endured him for four years,” Awada declared.