“Growing ‘Uncommitted’ Movement Challenges Biden’s Support for Israel’s War in Gaza”

Growing ‘Uncommitted’ Movement Challenges Biden’s Support for Israel’s War in Gaza

Last week, a protest movement emerged in Michigan that aimed to challenge United States President Joe Biden’s unwavering support for Israel’s war in Gaza. The idea was simple: instead of voting for Biden in the Democratic primary, participants cast their ballots for the “uncommitted” option. What started as a local protest quickly gained traction and became a national movement, with key races in the Super Tuesday primaries showing significant support for the “uncommitted” voters in other states.

In Michigan, over 101,000 residents voted “uncommitted” in the Democratic primary, accounting for around 13 percent of the vote. This trend continued on Super Tuesday, with nearly 19 percent of Minnesota’s primary votes going to the “uncommitted” category. Similar efforts were seen in North Carolina and Massachusetts, where voters aimed to rebuke Biden for his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As a result, 11 Minnesota delegates and two from Michigan will represent the protest at the Democratic National Convention in August.

However, it is not just the numbers that speak volumes about the movement’s impact. The type of voters who selected “uncommitted” is equally significant. Arshad Hasan, a Democratic strategist, emphasized that the movement comprised a diverse coalition of Arab and Muslim Americans, racial minorities, and progressives – all essential components of the Democratic Party’s activist class. These activists play a crucial role in mobilizing their networks and communities.

The success of the “uncommitted” movement on Super Tuesday is particularly noteworthy because it comes at a time when Biden is facing tough reelection prospects. A recent poll showed him trailing behind Republican opponent Donald Trump. Hence, every vote counts, especially in battleground states like Michigan and Minnesota. The fact that the movement garnered such substantial support despite limited resources and a short timeframe is remarkable.

Asma Mohammed, the lead organizer for the “uncommitted” campaign in Minnesota, expressed her surprise and gratitude for the overwhelming response. Despite having only $20,000 and eight days to reach voters, they received nine times their target number of “uncommitted” votes. Mohammed’s refusal to support a president who backs Israel’s war stems from her concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Biden’s rhetoric regarding the conflict.

The diversity of voters supporting the protest vote is another compelling aspect of this movement. In Minnesota, the number of “uncommitted” votes exceeded the proportion of Muslim residents in the state. While areas with large Somali American populations, like Minneapolis, showed robust support for the movement, predominantly white areas also joined the cause. This multiracial, multiethnic, multicultural, and multifaith coalition demands an end to funding a perceived genocide and wants their voices heard by the president.

The Super Tuesday results were celebrated in Michigan, where the protest vote originated. Abdullah Hammoud, the mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, acknowledged the growing pro-peace, pro-justice, and pro-democracy movement in social media posts. The high margins in North Carolina and Massachusetts further bolstered their optimism. However, some caution against prematurely dismissing future races as potential setbacks for the “uncommitted” movement. They emphasize the uniqueness of Michigan’s circumstances and its significance as a key state for Biden’s attention.

Hassan Abdel Salam, a professor at the University of Minnesota and a supporter of the “uncommitted” cause, described the atmosphere at an election-night watch party in Minneapolis as “electric.” The significant impact on the Democratic base surpassed his expectations. Abdel Salam is also part of the Abandon Biden campaign, which not only rejects Biden in the primaries but also plans to endorse a third-party candidate in the general election.

While there are still voters who believe Biden can win them back if he changes his approach to Israel’s war, many feel disillusioned with him and the Democratic Party. Ben Caswell, a Minnesota labor organizer and an “uncommitted” voter, expressed his concerns and the potential for Biden to regain his support. However, he stressed the importance of Biden changing his stance on the conflict to earn his vote.

Biden’s campaign has sought to reassure voters by emphasizing his commitment to ending the violence and achieving a just, lasting peace in the Middle East. Democratic strategist Hasan acknowledges that Biden still has a path to victory, even if he alienates some voters with his Israel policy. However, he urges the Democratic Party to recognize the shifting political landscape brought to light by the “uncommitted” campaign and acknowledge the political power of Palestinians, Arab Americans, and the progressive base.

In conclusion, the “uncommitted” movement has emerged as a powerful force challenging Biden’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza. What began as a localized protest in Michigan has grown into a nationwide movement with significant support in key primary races. The movement’s success lies not only in the numbers but also in the diversity of its supporters and their ability to mobilize communities. It remains to be seen how this movement will impact Biden’s reelection prospects and the Democratic Party’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.