Kamala Harris’s campaign faces backlash from American Muslims over U.S. support for Israel, as her adviser meets community leaders in a bid to regain support.
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| Disillusioned Muslim and Arab voters may sway the tight Harris-Trump race as U.S. policy on Gaza and Lebanon draws sharp criticism. Image Courtesy: James K Holmes |
New York, USA - October 5, 2024:
The meeting between Vice President Kamala Harris's adviser and American Muslim and Arab leaders comes as the vice president's campaign grapples with a significant drop in support from these communities, primarily over the Biden administration's handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In an effort to engage these disenchanted voters, Harris’s national security adviser, Phil Gordon, reiterated support for a ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized a focus on regional diplomacy and stability. However, the outreach was met with skepticism from community leaders, such as Lebanese-American attorney Ali Dagher, who criticized it as insufficient and belated.
The political fallout from the Biden administration’s backing of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has been stark. President Biden had captured the majority of Muslim votes in 2020, but the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with almost all of its 2 million residents displaced and widespread hunger, has significantly eroded support for the Democratic Party among American Muslims. Additionally, the cross-border conflict in Lebanon, where over 1,900 people have died and thousands more have been injured, has further fueled discontent over U.S. foreign policy in the region.
The erosion of support for Harris among Muslim and Arab voters poses a significant risk in the upcoming election, particularly in critical swing states like Michigan. The political calculus is further complicated by the actions of advocacy groups like Emgage, which recently endorsed Harris despite the criticisms, while other organizations have urged supporters to abstain from voting or consider third-party candidates. The decision by some Muslim voters not to back Harris could ultimately shift the election in favor of her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.
The vice president’s campaign has not proposed any major shifts in policy on Israel that would distinguish her from President Biden, who stepped down as the Democratic candidate earlier this year. This lack of differentiation limits her ability to win back voters dissatisfied with the administration’s stance on the Israel-Palestine issue. Harris’s challenge lies in balancing the expectations of a crucial voter bloc that is increasingly disillusioned with Democratic leadership on foreign policy, while also maintaining the broader support of the party’s base. With the presidential race tightening, these voters could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the 2024 election.