The Uncommitted Movement of pro-Palestinian Democrats has decided to withhold its endorsement from Vice President Kamala Harris due to her refusal to change her stance on unconditional weapons policy and failure to make a clear statement supporting existing U.S. and international human rights laws. The group also criticized Harris for not allowing a Palestinian American speaker at the Democratic National Convention and accused her campaign of courting Dick Cheney while sidelining anti-war voices. Despite not endorsing Harris, the group emphasized the importance of stopping former President Donald Trump, whose agenda includes accelerating violence in Gaza. They urged voters to oppose Trump and avoid third-party candidates that could inadvertently boost his chances of winning.
Green Party nominee Jill Stein and left-wing third-party candidate Cornel West have both targeted voters sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, with a focus on recruiting Muslim Americans. Interest group polls indicate that Stein and West are performing better among Muslim and Arab Americans compared to the general population. The Uncommitted Movement emerged as a response to dissatisfaction with the Democratic presidential primaries, with over 700,000 voters selecting the “uncommitted” option on ballots. While the uncommitted delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago were too small in number to push for changes in the party’s platform, they forced organizers to take their presence seriously and acknowledge their potential to disrupt the proceedings.
The uncommitted delegates at the convention favored Harris over Biden, believing she was more aligned with the Palestinian cause. They staged a sit-in outside the convention hall and set a deadline for Harris to meet with Palestinian American families in Michigan who had lost loved ones in Gaza. However, Harris refused to meet with them, leading the group to withhold its endorsement. Despite their dissatisfaction with Harris, the delegates emphasized their loyalty to the Democratic Party and their disdain for Trump. The group seems to be steering its supporters towards Harris by emphasizing that voting against Trump and avoiding third-party candidates are key objectives.
The Uncommitted Movement has faced challenges within the Democratic Party, with some pro-war forces attempting to push them out. However, the group remains committed to staying within the party and advocating for pro-Palestinian issues. The movement’s decision to withhold its endorsement from Harris is a reflection of their discontent with her stance on weapons policy and human rights issues. While the group acknowledges the importance of stopping Trump, they also express concerns about the influence of third-party candidates in potentially helping him win. The Uncommitted Movement’s focus on supporting anti-Trump votes while remaining within the Democratic Party highlights their dedication to advocating for the Palestinian cause and opposing harmful policies that perpetuate violence in the region.
