Leaders of the “Uncommitted” movement in Michigan have announced that they will not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid. The movement, which drew support in protest of President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, urged their supporters to vote against Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Despite discussions with Democratic officials, the group’s discontent grew after the Democratic National Convention when their demands were not met.
The movement leaders criticized Harris for not changing the administration’s policy on the Israel-Hamas conflict and not making a clear statement in support of upholding human rights laws. They strongly opposed supporters voting for Trump or a third-party candidate, instead urging voters to register “anti-Trump votes” and vote in all races. The leaders believe that growing anti-war organizing power is the best hope for change, which would be undermined by a Trump presidency.
Harris’ campaign did not directly address the group’s announcement but stated that she would work to earn every vote and unite the country. The campaign emphasized Harris’ commitment to ending the war in Gaza in a way that ensures security for Israel, releases hostages, ends suffering in Gaza, and allows the Palestinian people to realize their rights to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination. The movement had requested for Harris to meet with Palestinian American families in Michigan and discuss their demands for halting arms sales to Israel and securing a permanent ceasefire, which were not met.
The “Uncommitted” movement originated in Michigan, where over 100,000 voters marked “Uncommitted” in the state’s Democratic primary. Michigan is home to a large Arab American population, making them an important electoral group in the battleground state. Both presidential nominees have been actively seeking support from leaders in metro Detroit’s Arab American community. Harris recently met with the mayor of Dearborn, the largest Arab American community in the nation, while Trump sought an endorsement from the mayor of Hamtramck, a majority-Muslim city in metro Detroit.
The movement leaders continue to advocate for change in the administration’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict, stressing the importance of addressing human rights issues and achieving a permanent ceasefire. They believe that their anti-war organizing power will be crucial in influencing policy decisions and shaping the outcome of the election. As the presidential campaign intensifies, the group remains committed to their cause and urges voters to consider the implications of their choices on the future of peace and justice in the region.
