Voters in Dearborn, Michigan, who have led a movement against President Biden’s re-election, are unlikely to support Vice President Harris, even after she nominated Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
“Nope,” Mike Hachem, a Dearborn-based leader of the Abandon Biden movement, told Fox News Digital when asked if Walz’s election could sway voters in the community toward Harris. “He means nothing to the Arab and Muslim community, especially in Michigan. He’s just a younger Joe Biden.”
The clear answer comes as some have speculated that Harris’ decision to choose Walz over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the only Jewish candidate under consideration, was an attempt to appease far-left members of the Democratic Party who are more sympathetic to the people of Gaza and thousands of voters in Dearborn who could be key to a victory in the crucial swing state of Michigan.
Harris rejects Shapiro: Liberal Jews in Hollywood feel ‘unwelcome’ among Democrats
Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz (Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune via AP/File)
Representatives of the National Uncommitted Movement, which was inspired by the Listen to Michigan and Abandon Biden campaigns, had the opportunity to speak briefly with Harris before her campaign rally in Detroit on Wednesday. According to a report in the New York Times, the politicians emphasized their demand that the U.S. impose an arms embargo on Israel and asked for a meeting with the vice president to discuss that demand. Harris said she would be willing to do so.
Reports of the meeting quickly raised concerns among Israel supporters that Harris was open to the idea of an embargo – a notion that her national security adviser sought to clarify.
“(Harris) has made it clear: She will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself against Iran and the terrorist groups it supports,” adviser Phil Gordon said in a post on X. “She does not support an arms embargo on Israel. She will continue to work to protect civilians in Gaza and uphold international humanitarian law.”
Still, the moment showed the fine line Harris must walk if she wants to win in Michigan: She must express compassion and understanding for those most angered by the carnage in Gaza, while maintaining her support for Israel.
Hachem said there was nothing Harris could do to win the support of a large portion of Dearborn’s population, pointing out that the vice president actually went in the wrong direction when she shouted down protesters who disrupted her speech at the Detroit rally.
Comedian Michael Rapaport says Harris lost his vote because of Israel: “Can’t support a party that is for this nonsense -“
“She has further alienated the Arab and Muslim community,” he said, noting that many members of that community “are willing to support former President Trump despite Harris’ candidacy.”
Former President Trump (Sean Rayford/Getty Images/File)
But Abed Ayoub, national executive director of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, struck a more optimistic tone, telling Fox News Digital that while the Walz decision did not help Harris gain support within the Muslim community, it at least left a door open.
“He can connect with people, overall he seems like a nice guy, but that’s not enough to win votes and regain community support,” Ayoub said.
Rather, Ayoub argued that this election had at least given Harris a lifeline, while Shapiro’s election would likely have deprived the vice president of any chance of gaining support in the Arab community.
“His opposition to student camps, things he’s said in the past, the way he’s demeaned Arabs and Palestinians,” Ayoub said, citing some of the reasons why Shapiro would close the door to support on the ballot. “He has demonstrated an anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian stance throughout his career and most of his adult life.”
Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, arrive at a campaign rally in Philadelphia on August 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
With Walz on the ballot, Harris must now focus on policy changes that could potentially help her gain more support in the future, Ayoub said, citing a possible arms embargo on Israel as one step that would help her gain ground within the community.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“They should take clear political positions immediately,” said Ayoub. “They should give their immediate commitment early, instead of waiting.”
The Harris campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Get the latest updates on the 2024 election, exclusive interviews and more in our digital election hub, Fox News.
