Loading ...Kamala Harris: The Shifting Disposition of Arab Americans
By Nate Fox / Arab America Contributing Writer
Since 2004, Arab Americans have been a vital component of the Democratic party’s support, but with recent events, it has become questionable. With Joe Biden abandoning his reelection bid, things are subject to change. Kamala Harris offers a blank slate in terms of reputation for Palestine, and with declared running mate Tim Walz, the possibility to win back Arab Americans.
There is no difference in policy between Vice President Kamala Harris and current President Joe Biden. Despite this, many Arab Americans have hope for change, given her new candidacy for the Democratic Party.
This is largely due to Kamala Harris’s more assertive statements regarding the issue. Vice President Kamala Harris stated she would “not be silent” regarding the suffering in Gaza, saying, “The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent,” Harris said.” She remained supportive of Israel’s efforts but said the method also matters, saying, “Israel has a right to defend itself and how it does so matters. What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating,”
While Harris appears similar to Biden in her pledge to “unwavering support” for Israel, she seems strong in her belief the war should be ended as soon as possible and angered at what some have perceived as Israeli officials dragging their feet in ceasefire talks.
Vice President Kamala Harris has officially selected Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 election. This is promising considering her alternative options, Josh Shapiro’s past with the Israeli Defence Force as a volunteer, and some recently resurfaced writings from his time in college calling Palestinians too “battle-minded” to achieve peace with Israel. Tim Walz, on the other hand, doesn’t appear to feel too strongly about either side, stating this about the October 7th attack, “What was evident on Saturday morning was the absolute lack of humanity, the terrorism and the barbarism,” while also acknowledging, “The vast majority of Palestinians are not Hamas, and Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people.” He also praised the people declaring themselves uncommitted on the Primary in protest to Biden’s support of Israel, calling them “civically engaged.” In retrospect to those taking action against the United States support for Israel, he said, “People are frustrated, but it bodes well for me that they’re actively engaged to go out and cast his vote and ask for change.”
This is in stark contrast to Trump’s vowing, “One thing I do is, any student that protests, I throw them out of the country. You know, there are a lot of foreign students. As soon as they hear that, they’re going to behave.”
Conclusion
The potential shift in Arab American support for the Democratic Party reflects the complexities of current political dynamics. With Joe Biden not seeking reelection, Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz present an opportunity to reconnect with this critical voter base. Despite policy similarities between Harris and Biden, Harris’s strong statements on Gaza and her condemnation of prolonged conflict offer a glimmer of hope for change. Tim Walz’s more neutral stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict further strengthens their appeal. As the election approaches, their ability to address these concerns will be pivotal in regaining and maintaining Arab American support.
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