On Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris engaged with Arab American and Muslim leaders in Flint, Michigan. This meeting comes as her presidential campaign aims to reconnect with voters who are dissatisfied with U.S. backing of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
The meeting represents one of multiple efforts in recent days to rebuild relationships with Muslim and Arab voters. These constituents, who overwhelmingly supported Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election, may choose to withhold their votes from Harris. This decision could significantly impact her chances in the crucial state of Michigan.
In a half-hour meeting, Harris voiced her concerns regarding the extensive suffering in Gaza, the civilian casualties, and the displacement occurring in Lebanon. She also addressed ongoing efforts to end the conflict, as reported by a campaign official. The official also highlighted discussions aimed at preventing a regional conflict.
Wa’el Alzayat, the CEO of Emgage Action, recently expressed that participants conveyed their profound disappointment regarding the U.S. response to the crisis. They urged her to take all necessary actions to end the war and reevaluate U.S. policy in the region.
Alzayat stated that Emgage Action has urged Vice President Harris to convey to President Biden the critical need for an immediate cessation of violence in Gaza and Lebanon. “She concurs that the conclusion of this war is necessary.”
Ed Gabriel, president of the American Task Force on Lebanon, reported that the meeting featured a productive exchange regarding several critical issues. These included the urgent need for a ceasefire, the support required from the United States and its allies to tackle the humanitarian crisis, the leadership vacuum in Lebanon, and the significant role of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
She displayed compassion. “We will see what unfolds,” he stated. The recent dialogue proved to be a significant two-way interaction, marking notable advancements in our relationship.” The meetings will persist as planned.
Among the attendees was Assad Turfe, the deputy county executive for Wayne County, the most populous county in Michigan.
Jim Zogby, the founder of the Arab American Institute and a veteran member of the Democratic National Committee, has confirmed that he turned down the invitation. Leaders of the Uncommitted National Movement protest campaign expressed their discontent, stating that they were not invited to the meeting. Hala Hijazi, a close associate of Harris, faced the heartbreaking reality of losing numerous family members in Gaza and was unable to be present.
Harris, representing the Democratic Party, is set to face former Republican President Donald Trump on November 5 in a presidential race that opinion polls indicate is closely contested. A recent poll released by the Arab American Institute indicates that both candidates enjoy comparable levels of support among Arab American voters.
Harris is set to hold a meeting on Friday, following a series of initiatives undertaken by her team earlier this week. During a Zoom call with Muslim voters on Thursday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is the vice presidential pick, assured participants that Muslims would hold an equal position in a Harris administration.
On Wednesday, Phil Gordon, Harris’s national security adviser, held a virtual meeting with leaders from the Arab and Muslim communities. During the discussion, he emphasized the administration’s support for a ceasefire in Gaza, diplomatic efforts in Lebanon, and the pursuit of stability in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Critics argue that President Biden and Vice President Harris have not taken sufficient action to halt Israel’s military operations in Gaza, all the while maintaining the flow of weaponry to support these efforts.
Concerns are mounting among some Arab Americans regarding Vice President Harris’ steadfast support for President Biden’s Middle East policies, particularly as Israel intensifies its military actions. Many believe this alignment could affect her in the upcoming November elections.
“Harris is poised to lose Michigan,” stated Ali Dagher, a Lebanese American attorney and community leader. “I have decided against casting my vote for Kamala Harris.” Among my acquaintances, there appears to be a unanimous decision against supporting her candidacy. There is a notable absence of support for her within the community.
Earlier today, in Redford Township, Michigan, just outside Detroit, Harris marked the conclusion of a significant port strike by celebrating the newly reached union deal.
She addressed a fire station where the employees are members of the International Association of Fire Fighters, an organization that, on Thursday, chose not to endorse any presidential candidate. An aide indicated that the event aimed to demonstrate Harris’s backing from the union’s rank-and-file members.
Following a meeting with Arab American leaders, Harris joined United Auto Workers union President Shawn Fain in Flint, pledging her support for Michigan’s auto industry.
A representative for the Trump campaign asserted that Harris is jeopardizing at least 37,000 automotive jobs by not clarifying to Michigan residents whether she continues to endorse her initiative to prohibit all internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035.
