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🇺🇸 American Muslims in Key States Launch #AbandonBiden Campaign Over President’s Stance on Israel-Gaza Conflict
In a significant turn of events, Muslim American leaders in pivotal states have declared their intention to oppose President Joe Biden’s re-election bid due to his unwavering support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The #AbandonBiden campaign originated in Minnesota, where Muslim Americans called for a ceasefire by October 31, and has now gained momentum in Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
The organizers of the #AbandonBiden 2024 conference, representing Muslim communities in these states, issued a statement to Axios, expressing their decision to withdraw support for President Biden. They cited his reluctance to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, emphasizing the need to protect innocent lives in both Palestine and Israel.
This movement could pose a challenge to President Biden’s Electoral College prospects in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, as Muslim and Arab American populations in these key states play a crucial role in the political landscape.
During a news conference in Dearborn, Michigan, Jaylani Hussein, the director of Minnesota’s Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) chapter, stated, “We don’t have two options. We have many options,” when questioned about alternative candidates to Biden. Notably, independent candidates like Cornel West and Jill Stein, running on platforms outside the two major parties, have called for a Gaza ceasefire.
While the U.S. political system is traditionally dominated by Democrats and Republicans, the entrance of independent candidates brings alternative voices to the forefront. However, challenges such as limited funding and the influence of private donations make it difficult for independent candidates to compete on an equal footing with major-party contenders.
Despite international pressure for a permanent ceasefire, both U.S. and Israeli officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, have asserted Israel’s right to defend itself. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life and extensive damage to homes in Gaza.
In response to concerns from Muslim Americans, some of whom reject a return to former President Donald Trump, the community emphasizes that their decision to withhold support from Biden is not an endorsement of Trump. Their aim is to influence U.S. policy by leveraging their votes against Biden, particularly in states where he secured victory by narrow margins in 2020.
Recent surveys indicate a notable decline in Biden’s support among Arab Americans, dropping from a substantial majority in 2020 to just 17 percent. This shift could be pivotal in states like Michigan, where Arab Americans constitute 5 percent of the vote, and where Biden won by a slim 2.8 percentage points in the previous election. The impact of this movement on the broader electoral landscape remains uncertain, but even minor shifts in support could have significant consequences in closely contested states.