Harris Aims to Use Ukraine War to Win Polish American Votes Against Trump

In the race for the presidency, Democrats are intensifying their outreach to Polish Americans as the community’s votes may prove crucial in tight battleground states. With Kamala Harris and Donald Trump competing for support, both candidates are keenly aware of the potential impact this demographic could have on the election outcome.

Harris aims to leverage Polish Americans’ historical distrust of Russia, particularly in light of Trump’s reluctance to fully affirm support for Ukraine during recent debates. The Democratic vice president organized a national call with Polish American supporters, urging individuals to host their own events and promote the campaign’s message within local networks.

Though Polish Americans represent a relatively modest segment of the electorate, their substantial populations in key electoral states make them a target for both parties. In Michigan, there are approximately 784,000 Polish Americans; Pennsylvania boasts around 758,000, and Wisconsin is home to about 481,000. Harris is active in these regions this week.

Tom Malinowski, a Polish-born former Democratic congressman, emphasized the stakes of the election, noting that a shift of just a few thousand votes in any of these states could be pivotal.

Filip Jotevski, the newly appointed liaison for diaspora and ethnic communities, conveyed worries during Wednesday’s organizing call, stating that if Trump is re-elected, “he’ll sell out Ukraine” after years of what he sees as appeasement towards Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, Trump plans to visit a Polish American shrine in Pennsylvania on Sunday, coinciding with the unveiling of a monument honoring the anti-communist Solidarity movement, alongside Polish President Andrzej Duda.

The Polish American community gained significant attention during a recent debate in Philadelphia, wherein Trump dodged questions about whether he wants Ukraine to win its ongoing conflict with Russia. Instead, he suggested a focus on negotiating peace, highlighting the need to halt further loss of human life.

Harris retorted that had Trump been president when the invasion began, “Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe,” directly calling into question Trump’s commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and implicitly addressing the concerns of Polish Americans.

This exchange resonated positively with some community members. Tony Pol, a retired fire chief from Erie, Pennsylvania, noted the gravity of the situation, explaining, “If Ukraine goes down, then Poland goes next.” This sentiment reflects widespread apprehension in the Polish American community regarding regional security.

Gosia Dodi, a Polish immigrant and current U.S. citizen residing in Michigan, echoed similar concerns, asserting that Trump’s relationship with Putin poses a “dangerous” risk to Poland. She characterized Trump’s proposed solutions as simplistic and unrealistic.

The historical context exacerbates these fears: Poland suffered extensive devastation during World War II and spent decades under Soviet domination before emerging as a democratic state in 1989. As a NATO member since 1999, Poland views its alliance with the U.S. as integral to its security.

Timothy L. Kuzma from Pittsburgh heads the Polish Falcons of America, a legacy organization rooted in Chicago’s Polish immigrant community. He articulated that Polish American voters are primarily seeking candidates that will reaffirm commitments to NATO and transatlantic solidarity.

Kuzma insisted, “Both candidates need to assure us of their support for Poland, Ukraine, and the entire Eastern Europe security framework.” In contrast, Trump has previously hinted at withdrawing U.S. support from NATO, a move that many believe could have dire consequences for the alliance.

Pete Alibali, a lifelong Democrat from Wisconsin who emigrated from Poland as a teenager, expresses grave concern over the possible repercussions for neighboring Baltic states if Ukraine falls to Russia. Alibali acknowledges a split among Polish Americans in their political affiliations, noting that while many lean conservative, others like himself worry about the implications of Trump’s foreign policy.

Malinowski noted that Trump’s visit to Pennsylvania suggests the former president may be apprehensive about losing footing with Polish American voters, a group he may have underestimated in the past.

Opinions among Polish Americans vary widely, with some expressing belief in Trump’s judiciousness regarding Ukraine. Tom Kolano, a Republican from Pittsburgh, expressed confidence that Trump would not abandon support for Ukraine due to Poland’s influence on U.S. policy. He highlighted the communicative efforts by Polish leaders urging Congress to provide necessary aid.

On the other hand, individuals like John Laka, 66, feel more skeptical of Harris’ leadership capabilities compared to Trump, voicing concerns about the broader Russian threat, and pushing for a strong stance of deterrence against further aggression.

Overall, the Polish American community remains divided in its political affiliations, making it uncertain who will ultimately garner their support across the ideological spectrum.

Source: Associated Press