Pro-Palestinian ‘Uncommitted’ Movement Faces Dilemmas with Top Democrats

DEARBORN, Mich. — As the Democratic National Convention approaches, only 36 delegates are aligned with the “uncommitted” movement, a group reflecting dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite their small number, these delegates are poised to hold significant sway.

The potential for protests outside and within the convention venue in Chicago looms large, fueled by anger regarding U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. This unrest could create negative media narratives for party organizers, particularly as Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to accept the nomination.

Top party officials have been actively engaging with “uncommitted” voters and their representatives. This includes a recently unearthed meeting between Vice President Harris and Abdullah Hammoud, the mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, a city known for its substantial Arab American population. Such engagements aim to address criticism in critical swing regions like Michigan.

In a series of discussions leading up to the convention, pro-Palestinian activists have pressed for action from the Harris campaign, notably calling for an arms embargo against Israel and a permanent cease-fire. Although Harris has shown support for cease-fire negotiations, she has not endorsed an arms embargo, resulting in a stalemate.

For Rima Mohammad, one of Michigan’s “uncommitted” delegates, the convention represents a vital opportunity to voice their concerns directly to party leadership. She perceives it as a platform for protestors to express their frustrations with the Democratic party’s current stance.

Uncertain leverage persists among the “uncommitted” voters following Biden’s decision to step back, with Harris stepping to the forefront of the campaign. While there is noteworthy excitement around her campaign, concerns about voter disinterest among demographic groups, especially in Detroit, have eased for the moment.

During a recent campaign visit to Michigan, Harris met with Mayor Hammoud, a pivotal figure in representing the Arab American constituency. Although the specifics of their conversation were kept under wraps, it reportedly revolved around Harris’ prospective policies related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Hammoud chose not to comment on the discussions.

The Harris campaign stated that the Vice President backs ongoing discussions for a permanent cease-fire and the release of hostages. Additionally, she intends to continue engaging with diverse community leaders across Palestinian, Muslim, Israeli, and Jewish backgrounds throughout her campaign.

In a bid to strengthen ties with the Arab American community, Campaign Manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez held personal meetings with community leaders in Metro Detroit. Osama Siblani, from The Arab American News, emphasized the necessity for public commitments from Harris to secure votes from these communities, indicating that dialogue alone may not yield sufficient electoral support.

Siblani underscored that conversations must translate into policy commitments if Harris is to truly engage with the community’s demands. He noted agreement from Rodriguez on the need to halt violence but pointed out the absence of a clear action plan to achieve this.

Calls from progressive Democrats have emerged for including language in the convention’s policy platform that would impose restrictions on the use of U.S.-made arms by Israel. However, recent drafts of party platforms do not reflect these demands, indicating resistance from circles close to Harris.

Moreover, the Uncommitted National Movement has advocated for a speaking opportunity at the convention for a medical professional active in Gaza, as well as a meeting with Harris to revisit the Gaza policy and the arms supply to Israel. Abbas Alawieh, another delegate, relayed that subsequent to a brief encounter with Harris, there was hope for a formal discussion regarding the proposed policies, though clarity surrounding an arms embargo remains elusive.

In parallel developments, Massad Boulos, connected to former President Trump’s outreach efforts, is engaging with various community organizations in Metro Detroit, intent on amplifying Trump’s appeal to Arab American voters. Meetings have detailed criticisms of Biden’s administration while suggesting that a Trump administration would prioritize inclusion of the Arab American community.

Despite these outreach efforts, Trump’s history, including controversial policies and statements, poses a challenge to garnering trust among Arab American voters. His past immigration ban affecting predominantly Muslim countries has left lingering grievances among many in the community.

In recent remarks, Trump characterized the anticipated protests during the convention as rooted in antisemitism, a tactic that could alienate some voters. Nevertheless, local political strategists highlight a willingness among some community members to abstain from voting for Harris rather than fully endorsing Trump.

As the Democratic National Convention unfolds, the focus will remain on how party leaders respond to the issues raised by the “uncommitted” delegates and the broader Arab American electorate.

Source: Associated Press