In Michigan, a pivotal battleground state, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have ramped up their outreach to Arab American voters, recognizing this community as a significant demographic that could sway the election outcome. This past Friday, both candidates made appearances in Michigan, with Harris calling for peace in the Middle East, while Trump tapped into the frustration of Arab Americans over the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
During her speech, Harris emphasized the dire situation in Gaza and Lebanon, particularly noting the immense loss of life and the displacement of civilians. “This year has brought significant suffering and destruction, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon, where countless civilians have been profoundly impacted,” she stated. Harris added that the recent death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar should be viewed as a pivotal moment, urging all sides to seize the opportunity to end the ongoing conflict, secure the release of hostages, and bring peace to the region.
Trump, on the other hand, avoided delving into specifics about his Middle East strategy but cast doubt on Harris’s leadership. “I don’t see how the Arab American community could back her,” Trump commented during his visit to Detroit. His statement was part of a broader effort to connect with Arab Americans who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the Biden administration’s support for Israel.
A Critical Voting Bloc in Michigan
Michigan, along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, is one of the “blue wall” states that will play a decisive role in the upcoming election. The Arab American population in Michigan, a historically underrepresented yet influential voting bloc, is feeling a deep sense of frustration with the current administration. Many members of the community are particularly concerned about the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Trump is trying to capitalize on this frustration, despite his controversial policies during his time in office, such as the travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries. He has pledged to expand the ban to include refugees from Gaza if re-elected, a move that has sparked mixed reactions within the Arab American community.
Gaining Ground in Arab American Communities
While Trump’s policies and rhetoric have historically been seen as hostile to the Arab American community, his recent outreach efforts may be gaining some traction. On Friday, he visited Hamtramck, one of the nation’s few Muslim-majority cities, where he was welcomed by Mayor Amer Ghalib, a Democrat who endorsed Trump. Ghalib presented Trump with a framed certificate of appreciation, symbolizing the growing relationship between Trump’s campaign and some local Arab American leaders.
In contrast, three city council members from the same town have thrown their support behind Harris, highlighting the divided loyalties within the community. Harris, too, has made several visits to Michigan, engaging with Arab American voters and touting her record on civil rights and immigration reform.
Harris also noted her support from the Arab American community, pointing to endorsements from 52 Lebanese Americans. These supporters lauded Harris’s leadership and reiterated their call for a ceasefire in the Middle East. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security’s recent decision to extend temporary legal status to Lebanese citizens in the U.S. has further bolstered her standing among Arab American voters.
Protests and Challenges
Despite her outreach, Harris has faced protests from some Arab American groups critical of the Biden administration’s support for Israel. In a closed-door meeting at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she was confronted by a pro-Palestinian protester accusing the U.S. government of supporting “genocide” through its financial backing of Israel. The protester’s interruption, captured on video and shared by student groups on social media, underscores the depth of discontent in certain segments of the Arab American community.
Union Workers and Black Voters Also in Focus
Both Trump and Harris also directed their attention toward Michigan’s influential union workers and Black voters. Speaking at the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 652 hall in Lansing, Harris reaffirmed her commitment to protecting workers’ rights, telling the audience, “I will always have your back.” She cautioned that a second Trump term would erode union protections and undermine collective bargaining efforts.
Trump, in his own rally, criticized the rise of electric vehicles and promised to bring more manufacturing jobs back to Michigan. He dismissed Harris’s appeal to union workers, telling his audience that union leadership is out of touch with its rank and file. “The head of the UAW doesn’t have a clue,” Trump declared, positioning himself as the candidate who would prioritize Michigan’s auto industry.
A Tense Race in a Crucial State
With both candidates fiercely competing for the support of Michigan’s diverse electorate, it’s clear that every voting bloc will matter in the upcoming election. For Arab Americans, union workers, and Black voters, the decisions made at the ballot box could significantly shape the future of their communities, as well as the nation as a whole.
As the election draws closer, Harris and Trump will likely continue to focus on Michigan, recognizing that its voters could be the key to victory in one of the most consequential elections in recent memory.