With the US Presidential election 2024 drawing near, Kamala Harris has some work to do. Due to its nature as a swing state, Michigan has always been a political battleground. Harris has the huge task to somehow win the state's Arab and Muslim communities over to her side.
But why is this challenging for the Democratic presidential candidate? Notably, these voters played a significant role in past elections, and they are now expressing discontent. This is due to President Biden's role in the ongoing war on Gaza.
Now, Harris has to find a way to secure votes from the pro-Palestinian supporters. The issue is, it will not be a simple task to accomplish.
Can Harris Win Muslim Votes in Michigan?
Dearborn, Michigan, home to one of the largest Arab American populations in the country, could be the deciding factor in this state. The community feels let down due to the Biden administration’s handling of the recent Gaza conflict.
What the community wants is direct: a candidate who would deliver on demands, including a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the supply of weapons to Israel. Harris, however, does not seem likely to tilt fully towards one direction. This makes it complicated with the elections forthcoming.
Harris' Careful Approach So Far
While accepting the presidential nomination during the Democratic National Convention last Thursday, Harris mentioned that she will “always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself.” However, she also pledged to get a Gaza ceasefire “done.” In her speech, she stressed a desire for Palestinians to realize their right to “dignity, security, freedom and self-determination.”
Harris might have to be more direct to impress Michigan's Arab American population. In one case, some pro-Palestinian delegates were left offended upon her display at the convention. According to a group called "Muslim Women for Harris-Walz," a request for a speaker spot at the convention was declined. Announced in an Instagram post, the group has since disbanded and have withdrawn support from the campaign.
Harris also recently met with members of the Uncommitted National Movement, a campaign that protested Biden's support for Israel's war on Gaza. According to delegates, Harris has acknowledged the concerns but stopped short of making any concrete promises.
Despite her seeming empathy towards the Palestinian cause, the lack of substance has left many in the Arab and Muslim community feeling uncertain. In a state where every vote counts, this sense of disconnection could be costly.
Implications for the 2024 Election
The challenge in Michigan represents the broader difficulties Harris faces in the US Presidential election 2024. Michigan’s Arab and Muslim voters are not the only group she needs to convince, but they represent a critical segment that could tip the scales.
Georgia, another key swing state, presents a different set of challenges but is equally vital to Harris’s electoral prospects. Both she and her opponent, Donald Trump, are heavily campaigning in the state, recognizing its importance.
Harris, supported by a strong showing at the Democratic convention, is focusing on rallying Black voters and suburban communities in Georgia. However, Michigan’s Arab and Muslim voters remain a unique case, where the stakes are particularly high.
As Harris continues her campaign, the question remains whether her approach will resonate enough to secure these crucial votes. The growing political awareness and power within the Arab and Muslim communities in Michigan suggest that they will not be easily swayed.
If Harris can address their concerns effectively, she may yet secure this pivotal swing state. But if not, the path to victory in Michigan, and possibly the entire election, could become much more difficult.