As the Democratic National Convention approaches, there is concern among some Democrats about potential lack of support from “uncommitted” voters who are angry about U.S. backing for Israel’s offensive in Gaza. Despite the surge in enthusiasm for Kamala Harris’ campaign compared to Joe Biden’s, voter apathy remains a threat. Harris and her team have been in communication with Arab American leaders to address these concerns, while the Trump campaign continues its own Arab American outreach highlighting the situation in Gaza under Biden’s administration.
Only 36 delegates out of thousands expected at the Democratic National Convention belong to the “uncommitted” movement, which arose from dissatisfaction with President Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war. This small core has outsized influence and could potentially create unwelcome images for the convention organizers. Organizers expect raucous protests both outside and potentially inside the Chicago arena where Harris is set to accept the nomination on Thursday.
Top Democrats have been engaging with “uncommitted” voters and their allies to address concerns in key swing states with significant Arab American populations, such as Michigan. Months of discussions between pro-Palestinian activists and the Harris campaign have reached an impasse over demands for Harris to endorse an arms embargo on Israel and a permanent cease-fire. However, Harris has supported Biden’s efforts to negotiate a cease-fire but rejected the arms embargo.
Questions remain about the leverage “uncommitted” voters hold now that Biden has stepped aside for Harris and Democratic enthusiasm has surged. Harris and her team are focusing on communication with Arab American leaders, with a recent meeting between Harris and the mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, Abdullah Hammoud, to discuss potential policies regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. The campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, also held meetings with Arab American community leaders and the “uncommitted” movement in metro Detroit.
The Uncommitted National Movement has requested a speaking slot at the convention for a doctor who has worked on the frontlines in Gaza, along with a leader of the movement, and they are also seeking a meeting with Harris to discuss updating the Gaza policy. While Harris appeared receptive to the idea of a meeting with the movement’s leaders, her national security adviser reaffirmed her position against an arms embargo. The Trump campaign is also continuing its outreach to Arab American voters, focusing on highlighting the situation in Gaza under Biden’s administration and promising a seat at the table if Trump wins.
While the Trump campaign is attempting to leverage the current situation for political gain, many Arabs are still offended by Trump’s policies and remarks during his time in office, including the travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries. Trump’s criticism of Biden for his lack of support for Israel may not be enough to sway Arab American voters. The “uncommitted” movement in Michigan continues to seek support for an arms embargo on Israel, which Harris has rejected, creating a potential point of contention at the Democratic National Convention.
