Kamala Harris’ campaign is currently facing a significant challenge as she struggles to gain the support of Arab American voters in Michigan. This demographic, which numbers nearly 400,000 in the state, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden’s handling of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. With early voting in progress and the election approaching, many Arab Americans feel disillusioned with Harris for not distancing herself from Biden’s policy stance, leading to a perception of complicity in the Israeli actions that have resulted in extensive civilian casualties. This precarious situation has left Arab American voters in Michigan feeling conflicted, with some even contemplating voting for Donald Trump as a form of protest against Biden and Harris.
The political landscape in Michigan reveals a close race between Harris and Trump among Arab American voters, indicating a notable shift in allegiance. Historically, Arab Americans have leaned Democratic, yet recent polling shows Harris in a virtual tie with Trump, which raises alarms for her campaign as it is 18 points behind Biden’s support from the 2020 election. This shift in sentiment is attributed chiefly to Harris herself, according to James Zogby, the president of the Arab American Institute. He emphasized that the blame for the waning support from Arab Americans lies with the campaign, warning that voters are disenchanted and uncertain about their political options.
In response to the growing discontent, Nasrina Bargzie, director of Muslim and Arab American Outreach for Harris’ campaign, emphasized Harris’ commitment to the diverse Muslim community, pledging that she would continue to seek pathways to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while ensuring Israel’s security. Despite these reassurances, many Arab American voters still perceive Harris as not sufficiently critical of Israel’s actions. Some see her as potentially more supportive of Palestinian concerns compared to Biden and Trump, but this sentiment does not seem to translate into strong support for her candidacy. The community’s disillusionment with the handling of foreign policy and its ramifications reflect a broader unease with the Democratic party’s priorities.
Harris has made public statements advocating for adherence to international humanitarian law and criticized the blockade conditions affecting Gaza, demonstrating her awareness of the community’s concerns. However, detractors argue that she has not adequately engaged with the Arab American electorate or publicly addressed their frustrations. During her campaign swing, she met with community leaders but continued to face criticism for not offering a stronger, more public acknowledgment of the issues at hand. This disconnect has the potential to further alienate the voters she needs.
Moreover, the lack of endorsements from significant Arab American groups spells trouble for Harris as the election draws near. The Arab American PAC, typically a Democratic ally, chose not to endorse either Harris or Trump, reflecting widespread sentiments of dissatisfaction within the community. Similarly, the Uncommitted National Movement, advocating for pro-Palestinian policies, openly criticized Harris for her steadfast support of unconditional weapons supply to Israel. The absence of endorsements from notable local leaders and organizations suggests a profound rift between the candidates and a community that historically supported Democratic policies.
As Arab Americans grapple with their electoral choices, many express the possibility of turning to alternative candidates like Green Party’s Jill Stein or abstaining from voting altogether. Some community members might opt for Trump not out of genuine support for his policies but as a strategic move to express their discontent with Harris and Biden. Their sentiments highlight a growing fracture in the Democratic coalition in Michigan, fueled by perceptions of disregard for their concerns and an increasingly fraught diplomatic landscape in the Middle East. As Election Day nears, the outcome for Harris may hinge on her ability to better connect with, and address, the needs of Arab American voters, who feel alienated and disappointed with the current administration’s policies.
