DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — In light of President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, just 36 delegates at the Democratic National Convention will be part of the “uncommitted” movement.
Despite their small number, these delegates hold significant influence.
The possibility of protests outside and potential disruptions inside the Chicago arena, where Vice President Kamala Harris will accept the nomination, is a cause for concern for convention organizers due to the anger over U.S. support for Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Leading Democrats have engaged in meetings with “uncommitted” voters and their supporters, including Vice President Kamala Harris meeting with the mayor of Dearborn, Michigan. These efforts aim to address criticisms in crucial swing states like Michigan, which has a substantial Arab American population.
While progress has been made in some areas, core policy demands of the activists, such as an arms embargo to Israel and a permanent cease-fire, remain unmet. Vice President Harris has shown support for Biden’s cease-fire negotiations but has rejected the call for an arms embargo.
Rima Mohammad, one of Michigan’s two “uncommitted” delegates, views the convention as an opportunity to express their movement’s concerns to the party leadership.
“It is a platform for the protesters outside to voice their frustrations with the party,” she stated.
The Democratic nominee interacts with a prominent Arab American mayor
Questions arise regarding the leverage “uncommitted” voters hold with Biden stepping aside for Harris. However, Harris’ campaign has witnessed an increase in enthusiasm, diminishing concerns about voter apathy in key areas like Detroit’s Black population.
Communicating with Arab American leaders remains a priority for Harris and her team. During a recent campaign visit to Michigan, Harris met with Abdullah Hammoud, the mayor of Dearborn, to discuss potential policy approaches in light of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to a source familiar with convention planning, panel discussions during the convention will address Arab and Palestinian issues with leaders from the “Uncommitted” movement, as well as Jewish American issues, including concerns about rising antisemitism and hate speech.
Campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez engaged in separate one-on-one sessions with leaders from the Arab American community and the “uncommitted” movement in metro Detroit. This effort indicates a commitment to engaging with diverse voices within the party.
Lack of agreement on an arms embargo
Some members of the Democratic Party have pushed for including a moratorium on U.S.-made weapons in Israel in the upcoming convention’s policy goals. However, the current draft platform released by party officials does not include such language, and it is unlikely that Harris’ campaign associates would endorse its inclusion.
The Uncommitted National Movement has requested speaking slots at the convention for a doctor with experience in Gaza and a movement leader. They have also sought a meeting with Harris to discuss updating the Gaza policy to prevent the flow of unconditional weapons to Israel.
While Harris seemed open to meeting with representatives of the movement, her national security adviser reaffirmed her stance against an arms embargo. The “Uncommitted” group awaits further response from Harris’ team and the DNC regarding their requests.
Leaders of the “Uncommitted” movement have engaged with senior staff from the DNC and the Harris campaign to discuss their demands, emphasizing the importance of unity within the party.
“I hope she doesn’t miss the opportunity to unite the party,” said one of the movement leaders.
The Trump campaign continues its outreach
Trump’s Arab American outreach efforts in Michigan, led by Massad Boulos and Bishara Bahbah, aim to highlight the situation in Gaza under Biden’s administration. They offer a promise of representation and a voice at the table if Trump is elected.
Despite these efforts, Trump’s past remarks and policies may limit his political opportunities in the Arab American community. Many Arabs remain critical of Trump’s immigration restrictions and remarks they consider insulting, as well as his stance on Israel.
While Trump aims to influence voters to not support Harris, his outreach strategy focuses on preventing potential voters from turning out rather than converting them to support him.
Associated Press writer Will Weissert in Washington contributed to this report.
