Arab American Voters in Michigan Face “Impossible Choices” in Tight Presidential Race

With bombs raining down on Gaza and Lebanon, the Arab American community in Michigan finds itself at a crossroads in the upcoming presidential election, Al Jazeera reports.

While the conflict rages, many are grappling with a sense of betrayal and disillusionment, feeling that neither candidate offers a solution to the ongoing violence.

Layla Elabed, a leader of the Uncommitted Movement, which seeks to pressure the US government to end its unwavering support for Israel, described the situation as a “collective funeral.”

“We’re grieving, we’re frustrated, we’re angry, we’re heartbroken. We feel betrayed,” she said.

While Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has pledged to continue arming Israel, her Republican rival Donald Trump, despite claiming to seek peace, boasts a staunchly pro-Israel record. This leaves many Arab Americans feeling alienated by both choices, with many, like Elabed, choosing to leave the top of the ticket blank.

Some Arab Americans are supporting Harris, believing her to be the better choice on domestic and foreign policy, while others are drawn to Trump’s unpredictability and his self-proclaimed antiwar stance.

The situation has created a palpable sense of apathy among Arab American voters. While the Biden-Harris ticket secured over 80% of the vote in predominantly Arab precincts in Dearborn in 2020, Harris faces a tougher challenge this time around.

The recent comments by former President Bill Clinton, suggesting Zionism predates Islam and blaming Hamas for Israel’s civilian casualties, have further alienated the Arab American community, while Harris’s refusal to meet with Uncommitted Movement advocates has added fuel to the fire.

Despite Harris’s repeated calls for an end to the war and the release of hostages, her message seems to fall on deaf ears. Even Arab Americans who previously supported Democrats have expressed frustration with her positions and the lack of progress on the issue.

This shift in sentiment is further evidenced by the reluctance of prominent Arab American politicians, including Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, to publicly endorse Harris. This stands in stark contrast to their previous support for the Democratic Party.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Republican strategists are actively targeting Arab American voters in Michigan with advertisements highlighting Harris’s ties to the Cheney family and her pro-Israel record. This has amplified the sense of alienation and distrust among the community.