Vice President Kamala Harris met with Arab American and Muslim leaders recently in Flint, Michigan, amid rising discontent over U.S. support for Israel's actions during the conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah. This visit is seen as part of her effort to regain the trust of these communities, particularly individuals who strongly backed President Joe Biden during the 2020 election.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where over 41,000 Palestinians have reportedly died due to Israel's military actions. This crisis has displaced nearly all of Gaza's 2 million residents, leaving them grappling with severe hunger and lack of resources. Amid this turmoil, leaders within the Arab American community express growing dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's response.
During her meeting, Harris interacted with various groups, including Emgage Action, which has voiced significant disappointment with U.S. handling of the conflict. The group's CEO, Wa’el Alzayat, emphasized the urgency for Harris to communicate the need for immediate action to President Biden, particularly to end the violence as civilian casualties mount.
Among those present was Hala Hijazi, who shared her personal grief over losing family members caught in the conflict. The high casualty numbers and the brutal humanitarian crisis appear to have alienated many Arab Americans, prompting them to reconsider their political support.
Compounding this tumult are reports of over 1,900 deaths and 9,000 injuries from the conflict spreading to Lebanon, as fighting intensifies between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah. This expansion of hostilities poses additional challenges for the U.S. administration, which faces calls from both sides to take decisive action.
Harris's outreach also highlights internal divisions within the Arab American community. Jim Zogby, the founder of the Arab American Institute, chose not to attend, reflecting broader frustrations with the Biden-Harris administration's Middle Eastern policies. Some leaders have even claimed they were excluded from discussions, which showcases the growing dissatisfaction with current U.S. strategies.
Polling data indicates Harris and Trump's support among Arab American voters is nearly equal, signaling uncertain outcomes as the election approaches. Community leaders warn if Harris does not successfully engage these voters, she risks losing Michigan, which is pivotal for the upcoming election.
Further complicate matters, Harris's discussions went beyond conflict to address labor unions, aiming to solidify support from working-class voters. Yet, the rift with Arab and Muslim communities looms large, threatening her campaign's viability as the election nears.
President Biden has also weighed in on the situation, cautioning Israel against any potential strikes on Iranian oil facilities—an escalation many fear could lead to broader conflict. He urged Israel to explore alternatives and suggested any drastic measures could undermine the traditionally strong U.S.-Israeli relationship.
Biden expressed concern over the political ramifications of increased oil prices, which could negatively affect his administration and the upcoming election, particularly for his Vice President, as the Democratic ticket heads toward November 5.
The interplay of these crises—the humanitarian situation, the domestic political struggle, and international relations—paint a challenging picture for the Biden administration. With voices from the Arab community growing louder and more insistent about the need for change, both Harris and Biden face mounting pressure as they navigate these turbulent waters.
With tensions still running high, particularly as Israel grapples with the threat from Iran and its allies, the U.S. finds itself at a delicate crossroads, trying to manage long-term alliances and respond to immediate humanitarian concerns. The actions taken—or not taken—by the current administration may have lasting effects not only on U.S. foreign policy but also on the political allegiances at home.
How the Biden administration balances these competing pressures will not only define its immediate response to the crisis but could also shape the upcoming election, challenging traditional forms of support among voters who feel their voices have not been heard.
