WASHINGTON, USA: The “Abandon Harris” group, previously known as “Abandon Biden,” has shifted its focus from President Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsing Green Party candidate Jill Stein for president. This group, comprising voters, particularly from the Muslim-American community, is protesting the Biden administration’s handling of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Frustrated with what they see as U.S. support for Israeli military actions, the group calls for a third-party vote to express opposition to what they describe as “genocide” in Gaza.
Stein, running a long-shot campaign, has minimal traction in national polls and is not on the ballot in several states. Nevertheless, her anti-military stance regarding Israel and emphasis on human rights resonate with those opposing the U.S.’s current foreign policy, potentially pulling votes from Harris in key swing states.
Some fear Stein’s candidacy could act as a spoiler, drawing support from Harris, much like in the 2016 election when Stein was seen as impacting Hillary Clinton’s campaign against Donald Trump.
The group’s endorsement of Stein comes on the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, a symbolic moment as tensions in the region continue. While Stein advocates for ending military support to Israel, Harris and Biden have emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense, balancing it with calls to address Palestinian suffering.
This growing discontent could influence the dynamics of the upcoming election, particularly in battleground states where the race remains tight.
In the race between Trump and Harris, the group said it’s “confronting two destructive forces: one currently overseeing a genocide and another equally committed to continuing it.”
Stein has said she would end all military support to Israel if elected. Harris and Biden have both offered unwavering support for Israel but underscored the suffering in Gaza.
“It is far past time for a hostage and ceasefire deal to end the suffering of innocent people,” Harris said in a statement marking the anniversary. “And I will always fight for the Palestinian people to be able to realize their right to dignity, freedom, security, and self-determination.”
