Biden Faces Backlash From Arab American Community During Michigan Visit.
By Caroline Ameh
President Joe Biden’s recent visit to Michigan has brought to light a growing divide between him and the significant Arab-American community in this pivotal swing state, raising concerns for his re-election prospects in the upcoming November general election.
During his visit, Biden met with members of the United Auto Workers union, who had endorsed his re-election bid. However, the President’s motorcade had to navigate side streets in Warren to avoid around two hundred protesters expressing their discontent.
The Arab-American community in Michigan, a crucial voting bloc, voiced their displeasure with Biden’s unwavering support for Israel, particularly during the conflict in Gaza that resulted in the death of over 27,000 people, predominantly women and children. Chants of “Genocide Joe has got to go” echoed through the crowd, accompanied by the waving of Palestinian flags.
According to analysis, If Biden loses even half of their vote, it’s unlikely he can win Michigan – and without Michigan, he has a very narrow path to winning a second term.”
Protesters at the scene expressed their frustration, with one demonstrator, Hawraa, declaring, “There is nothing that will ever make me vote for a genocidal president, ever.” Others echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment and a sense of betrayal.
Salma Hamamy, an activist with Students for Justice in Palestine, accused Biden of “entirely abandoning” the Palestinian and Arab communities, as well as “the concept of humanity.” The sentiment among protesters was clear: they felt abandoned and vowed not to support Biden on election day, citing his continued backing of Israel.
The protest indicated a shift in the Arab American community’s approach to elections. As Salma Hamamy stated, “Arab Americans will no longer choose between the ‘lesser of two evils.’ We will be voting for people who are deserving of our vote.” This shift could have significant implications for Biden’s electoral support in this crucial state.
