MICHIGAN: US President Joe Biden is set to visit Michigan, a crucial swing state, in the midst of growing Arab American discontent over his pro-Israel policies.
The visit follows a recent snub by the mayor of Dearborn, home to the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the US, during a visit by Biden’s campaign manager. Biden’s 2024 campaign team stated that the visit is primarily focused on meeting with members of the powerful United Auto Workers (UAW) union in the Detroit area, which endorsed him last week.
Despite the campaign’s emphasis on union engagements, Biden is expected to face the ire of Arab Americans critical of his handling of Israel’s conflict with Gaza. The President has sought additional military aid for Israel and vetoed multiple UN Security Council calls for a ceasefire, leading to accusations from the Arab American community of prioritizing Israel over humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
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White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged Biden’s concern for the suffering of innocent Palestinians, but the president continues to face criticism for perceived support of Israel amid the ongoing conflict. The fighting, triggered by Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, has resulted in a significant loss of civilian lives, contributing to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Dearborn organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting the sentiments of the local community. Mayor Abdullah Hammoud publicly refused to meet Biden’s campaign manager, expressing his reluctance to discuss elections amidst what he termed a “live-streamed genocide backed by our government.”
Biden, who won Arab and Muslim support in 2020, now encounters demonstrations with Palestinian flags and chants against “Genocide Joe.” Analysts warn that dissatisfaction within the Arab and Muslim community may impact voter turnout in 2024, potentially leading to support for third-party candidates or decreased voter participation.
