The Biden campaign has made it clear that it does not want the votes of individuals caught on video chanting “Death to America” at a recent anti-Israel rally in Michigan. Michigan-based activist Tarek Bazzi led the crowd in chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” during the International Al-Quds Day rally in Dearborn. The White House also condemned these remarks, stating that America is the greatest nation on Earth. This issue is particularly significant as Michigan is expected to play a key role in the upcoming election between Biden and former President Trump.
In response to the chants, the Biden campaign denounced the remarks, emphasizing that they do not align with the campaign’s values. However, Dearborn has emerged as a center of resistance to Biden’s re-election bid, with many voters expressing hostility due to the administration’s stance on Israel. The White House’s tepid support for Israel following a recent attack by Hamas has left many voters unsatisfied. The campaign has attempted to ease tensions with the Dearborn community, which has a high Muslim population, through meetings with Arab American and Muslim leaders in the area.
Meetings between the Biden campaign and Dearborn leaders have not been productive, with calls for tangible changes in the administration’s policy regarding the conflict in Gaza. State Rep. Abraham Aiyash emphasized the need for a permanent cease-fire, restrictions on military aid to Israel, and a commitment to rebuilding Gaza. Biden recently warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that U.S. policy in Gaza could change if the humanitarian situation did not improve. However, some in the Dearborn community view these actions as too slow and inadequate.
Michigan’s status as a swing state is increasingly significant as tensions with voters in Dearborn threaten to become a problem for the Biden campaign. The last two presidential elections in Michigan have been closely contested, with Trump winning in 2016 by a narrow margin and Biden winning in 2020 by just over three points. The continued unrest in Dearborn and dissatisfaction with the administration’s stance on Israel could impact voter turnout and support in the upcoming election.
Overall, the Biden campaign has distanced itself from individuals chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” in Michigan. While the campaign has denounced these remarks and attempted to ease tensions with voters in Dearborn, ongoing dissatisfaction with the administration’s policies regarding Israel poses a potential challenge for Biden in the upcoming election. Michigan’s status as a swing state and the closeness of past elections underscore the importance of addressing these tensions and concerns among voters in key battleground areas.
