The High-Stakes US Presidential Election
As the United States presidential election approaches, concerns are rising over the potential political implications of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris' refusal to diverge from President Joe Biden's support for Israel's actions in Gaza. This comes in light of recent survey data that shows Vice President Harris marginally trailing Republican nominee Donald Trump in Michigan, a crucial battleground state.
A poll conducted by Quinnipiac University and released on Wednesday revealed that Harris is three percentage points behind Trump in Michigan. This is a shift from the university's survey last month, which showed Harris with a slight lead over her Republican adversary. The recent survey also showed Harris leading in Pennsylvania, with Trump leading in Wisconsin.
Concerns Over Harris' Chances in Michigan
Despite Trump's lead in Michigan falling within the margin of error, the results have heightened existing worries about Harris' prospects in the state. Michigan has a large Arab and Muslim population, many of whom have lost family members in Israel's year-long assault on the Gaza Strip. This military campaign has escalated in recent days, with the likelihood of a cease-fire agreement appearing increasingly remote.
The Quinnipiac poll found that 53% of Michigan respondents believe Trump, who has voiced support for Israel's devastating bombardment of Gaza, would handle the conflict in the Middle East better than Harris.
A Call for Change
James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, has reportedly communicated to the Harris team that they need to give voters a reason to support them. He suggested that the team doesn't seem to care enough about the Arab American vote to make an effort to secure it.
Zogby's organization conducted a poll last month which showed that national support for Harris would increase if she endorsed an arms embargo against Israel. Despite pressure from advocacy groups who believe this is crucial to ending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's blockage of cease-fire talks, Harris has openly opposed this.
Harris' Political Vulnerability
Zogby noted that Michigan's Lebanese American population is the largest in the United States. This could potentially exacerbate Harris' political vulnerability in the state as Israel intensifies its assault on Lebanon with the backing of the Biden administration.
Harris has repeatedly acknowledged the immense suffering of innocent Palestinians in Gaza. However, she has resisted calls to distance herself from the Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. When asked in a recent interview if she would support withholding U.S. arms shipments to Israel, whose forces have used American weaponry to commit war crimes in Gaza and Lebanon, Harris responded with a firm "No."
Harris has also declined to meet with Americans who have family members in Lebanon and Gaza. This has contributed to the perception that she is treating these constituents with contempt, which some argue is a significant and potentially self-destructive political error.
The Bottom Line
As the election draws near, it is clear that the candidates' positions on the conflict in the Middle East could significantly influence the outcome. With the race in Michigan currently at a deadlock, a small swing in favor of either candidate could be decisive. Some argue that it would be in Harris' best interest to diverge from the Biden administration's stance on Israel, suggesting that this could be a pivotal political moment that could win Michigan and help end a genocide.
What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think Harris should break with Biden on Gaza? Share this article with your friends and let's get the conversation started. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
The High-Stakes US Presidential Election
As the United States presidential election approaches, concerns are rising over the potential political implications of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris' refusal to diverge from President Joe Biden's support for Israel's actions in Gaza. This comes in light of recent survey data that shows Vice President Harris marginally trailing Republican nominee Donald Trump in Michigan, a crucial battleground state.
A poll conducted by Quinnipiac University and released on Wednesday revealed that Harris is three percentage points behind Trump in Michigan. This is a shift from the university's survey last month, which showed Harris with a slight lead over her Republican adversary. The recent survey also showed Harris leading in Pennsylvania, with Trump leading in Wisconsin.
Concerns Over Harris' Chances in Michigan
Despite Trump's lead in Michigan falling within the margin of error, the results have heightened existing worries about Harris' prospects in the state. Michigan has a large Arab and Muslim population, many of whom have lost family members in Israel's year-long assault on the Gaza Strip. This military campaign has escalated in recent days, with the likelihood of a cease-fire agreement appearing increasingly remote.
The Quinnipiac poll found that 53% of Michigan respondents believe Trump, who has voiced support for Israel's devastating bombardment of Gaza, would handle the conflict in the Middle East better than Harris.
A Call for Change
James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, has reportedly communicated to the Harris team that they need to give voters a reason to support them. He suggested that the team doesn't seem to care enough about the Arab American vote to make an effort to secure it.
Zogby's organization conducted a poll last month which showed that national support for Harris would increase if she endorsed an arms embargo against Israel. Despite pressure from advocacy groups who believe this is crucial to ending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's blockage of cease-fire talks, Harris has openly opposed this.
Harris' Political Vulnerability
Zogby noted that Michigan's Lebanese American population is the largest in the United States. This could potentially exacerbate Harris' political vulnerability in the state as Israel intensifies its assault on Lebanon with the backing of the Biden administration.
Harris has repeatedly acknowledged the immense suffering of innocent Palestinians in Gaza. However, she has resisted calls to distance herself from the Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. When asked in a recent interview if she would support withholding U.S. arms shipments to Israel, whose forces have used American weaponry to commit war crimes in Gaza and Lebanon, Harris responded with a firm "No."
Harris has also declined to meet with Americans who have family members in Lebanon and Gaza. This has contributed to the perception that she is treating these constituents with contempt, which some argue is a significant and potentially self-destructive political error.
The Bottom Line
As the election draws near, it is clear that the candidates' positions on the conflict in the Middle East could significantly influence the outcome. With the race in Michigan currently at a deadlock, a small swing in favor of either candidate could be decisive. Some argue that it would be in Harris' best interest to diverge from the Biden administration's stance on Israel, suggesting that this could be a pivotal political moment that could win Michigan and help end a genocide.
What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think Harris should break with Biden on Gaza? Share this article with your friends and let's get the conversation started. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
