As the Democratic National Convention approaches, some Democrats are worried about the lack of support from “uncommitted” voters who are angry about U.S. backing for Israel’s offensive in Gaza. There is uncertainty about the influence of the “uncommitted” movement following a surge in enthusiasm for Kamala Harris’ campaign in comparison to Joe Biden’s, potentially reducing the threat of voter apathy. Harris and her team have focused on communicating with Arab American leaders to address these concerns. The Trump campaign has also been reaching out to Arab Americans, highlighting the situation in Gaza under Biden’s administration and promising a seat at the table if Trump wins. Despite only 36 delegates belonging to the “uncommitted” movement, they have a significant impact within the party.
Anger over U.S. support for Israel’s aggression in Gaza could result in disruptive protests at the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place in Chicago where Harris is set to accept the nomination. Democratic leaders have been engaging with “uncommitted” voters and their allies to address concerns in key swing states like Michigan, home to a significant Arab American population. Pro-Palestinian activists have been in dialogue with the Harris campaign for months, seeking an arms embargo on Israel and a permanent cease-fire, although Harris has supported Biden’s cease-fire negotiations but rejected an arms embargo.
As the Democratic National Convention nears, questions arise about the leverage “uncommitted” voters have now that Biden has ceded the spotlight to Harris. Despite a decline in concerns about voter apathy in areas like Detroit with a large Black population, Harris’ team continues to prioritize communication with Arab American leaders. During a recent trip to Michigan, Harris met with the mayor of Dearborn, a city with a substantial Arab American population, to discuss potential policies related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez also held meetings with leaders in the Arab American community to address their concerns.
The Uncommitted National Movement has requested a speaking slot at the convention for a doctor who has worked in Gaza and a leader of the movement to discuss updating Gaza policy. They have also asked for a meeting with Harris to address their concerns about unconditional weapons shipments to Israel. While Harris initially seemed open to the idea of a meeting, her national security adviser later confirmed that she did not support an arms embargo. The Trump campaign has been conducting outreach to Arab Americans with promises of giving them a voice at the table and highlighting criticisms of Biden’s administration’s handling of Gaza.
Despite efforts by the Trump campaign to appeal to Arab Americans, some community members remain critical of Trump’s past actions, including the ban on immigration from Muslim-majority countries and remarks deemed insulting. Trump has also been vocal about his support for Israel, contrasting it with the Democratic Party’s stance on the issue. The Arab Americans for Trump campaign aims to prevent voters from supporting Harris rather than necessarily converting them to Trump supporters. The political landscape remains complex with tensions over U.S. policy on the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the role of Arab American voters and the “uncommitted” movement in upcoming elections.
