Despite their small number, these delegates wield considerable influence. The movement’s dissatisfaction with U.S. support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza could spell trouble for the convention’s smooth operation. Organizers are bracing for potentially disruptive protests both outside and within the arena where Vice President Kamala Harris will accept her nomination on Thursday.
To counteract the dissatisfaction, top Democrats have been actively engaging with these “uncommitted” delegates and their supporters. Notably, Vice President Harris recently had an undisclosed meeting with Abdullah Hammoud, the mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, a city with a substantial Arab American population. This engagement reflects Harris’ efforts to address criticism from key swing states like Michigan.
Despite these efforts, there remains a significant divide. Pro-Palestinian activists have been pushing for Harris to endorse a full arms embargo against Israel and a permanent cease-fire. While Harris has supported negotiations for a cease-fire, she has not backed an arms embargo.
Rima Mohammad, one of Michigan’s “uncommitted” delegates, views the convention as an opportunity to voice their concerns to the Democratic leadership. “It is a way for protesters outside to be able to share their frustration with the party,” she explained.
The influence of the “uncommitted” delegates is under scrutiny, especially with Biden stepping back and Harris taking a more prominent role. There has been a noticeable increase in enthusiasm for Harris’ campaign, and concerns about voter apathy in areas like Detroit’s Black communities seem to be lessening. Nonetheless, Harris and her team are making communication with Arab American leaders a top priority.
During a recent campaign trip to Michigan, Harris met with Abdullah Hammoud, the 34-year-old mayor of Dearborn. The details of their discussion remain under wraps, but it was reportedly focused on Harris’ potential policies regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Although Hammoud declined to comment, the meeting underscores Harris’ commitment to engaging with influential community leaders.
“Vice President Harris supports the current cease-fire deals in Gaza and the efforts to secure the release of hostages,” her campaign stated. “She remains committed to engaging with leaders from Palestinian, Muslim, Israeli, and Jewish communities.”
In a recent development, campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez held separate meetings with Arab American community leaders and members of the “uncommitted” movement in Detroit. Osama Siblani, publisher of The Arab American News, reported that while the discussions were ongoing, tangible results were still pending. “They are listening and we are talking,” Siblani said. “But none of us can garner votes in the community without public statements from Harris. She doesn’t need us; she can win over votes by saying and doing the right thing.”
Siblani also mentioned that while Chavez Rodriguez acknowledged the need to end the violence, there was no concrete plan presented.
Lavora Barnes, the Democratic chair in Michigan, emphasized the party’s commitment to unity and defeating Donald Trump and the Republicans. “We are committed to continuing these conversations with community leaders, activists, and organizations because we want to ensure that everyone in the Michigan Democratic Party has a seat at the table,” Barnes stated.
The debate over an arms embargo continues to be a contentious issue. Some on the left have proposed including a moratorium on the use of U.S.-made weapons by Israel in the party’s policy platform. However, this proposal was absent from the draft platform released earlier this summer, and it seems unlikely that Harris’ campaign would support its inclusion.
The Uncommitted National Movement has also sought a speaking slot at the convention for a doctor who has worked in Gaza, as well as a leader of the movement. Additionally, they have requested a meeting with Harris to discuss updating U.S. policy on Gaza and addressing the flow of weapons to Israel. Abbas Alawieh, another “uncommitted” delegate from Michigan and a founder of the movement, has highlighted these requests as central to their ongoing advocacy.
As the convention draws near, the balance between addressing internal dissent and presenting a united front will be a crucial challenge for the Democratic Party. The “uncommitted” delegates’ actions and demands will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the narrative and impact of this year’s convention.
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