The recent reelection of Donald Trump is being perceived as a painful affirmation for Democratic pro-Palestinian activists. Organizations like the Uncommitted National Movement have been advocating for a reduction in the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. They issued stern warnings that neglecting these concerns could lead to a substantial erosion of support from Arab American and Muslim voters, particularly in crucial areas like Michigan. The activists feared that ongoing military aid to Israel could dampen enthusiasm among predominantly younger, progressive voters, who were instrumental in securing Joe Biden’s previous victory in 2020.
According to James Zogby, co-founder of the Arab American Institute, there were indications that these warnings were not unfounded. Zogby, who has spent over three decades as a Democratic National Committee member, noted a significant drop in turnout among college-aged voters and young Black voters, explaining, “We told them that the impact of Gaza was going to be bigger than just the Arab community.” Recent post-election analyses suggest that various demographic groups, including Arab Americans, seemingly shifted towards Trump, contributing to his improved vote share across traditionally Democratic and liberal electorates.
Critiques from the Uncommitted activists pointed out that figures like Kamala Harris failed to connect with these specific communities, especially in Dearborn, which boasts the largest Arab American population in the U.S. While Harris reportedly neglected these groups, Trump actively reached out, addressing their concerns and grievances, thereby capitalizing on the discontent and emotional vulnerabilities of these voters. Such strategies appeared fruitful, as evidenced by electoral trends indicating a shift in Dearborn, where Trump secured a plurality of votes, raising alarms among active Democrats.
In a strikingly competitive election dynamic, Trump garnered 42% of the vote in Dearborn, while Biden’s running mate, Harris, received 36%. The Green Party representative, Jill Stein, surprisingly came close to nearly 20%. Exit polls revealed that while a majority of Muslims still cast their votes for Democratic candidates, the percentage represented a noticeable decline compared to previous elections.
This election cycle is especially noteworthy as it became evident that Harris’s shortcomings also resonated with mainstream minority communities that have traditionally supported the Democratic Party. “This election wasn’t a referendum on Gaza policy,” argued Lexis Zeidan, co-founder of the Uncommitted movement. “What it demonstrated is that she not only sidelined Arab and Muslim voters but also neglected other underrepresented communities, including working-class groups and climate activists.” Concerns about Democratic representation continued, with speculation that if Harris had been more forthright about diverging from Biden’s policies, she might have won greater backing from Muslim voters.
Further complicating matters, Trump’s anticipated appointments sparked anxieties among advocacy organizations regarding the implications for pro-Palestinian sentiments. The potential appointments of individuals like Mike Huckabee and Tulsi Gabbard were met with dread as activists questioned what such leadership would mean for Palestinian rights.
Nevertheless, the prevailing sentiment among activists indicates that they do not bear remorse for the election results, emphasizing that they extended opportunities for engagement and policy changes to the Biden campaign—efforts that were broadly dismissed. The Uncommitted movement even strove to include Palestinian voices in the Democratic National Convention but was rebuffed by party officials.
This disconnect was further emphasized by Michigan Democrats, including state party chair Lavora Barnes, who acknowledged the necessity for inclusion of diverse voices within their electoral strategy. Prominent figures like United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain echoed similar sentiments of frustration regarding the party’s diminishing regard for community concerns.
Meanwhile, Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman emphasized the importance of recognizing the struggles faced by Palestinian and Lebanese-American communities, suggesting that if Democrats require these votes, they need to demonstrate genuine engagement and acknowledgment of these constituents’ suffering.
The discourse surrounding Israel’s actions in Gaza has also reached a global spotlight, with reports from the United Nations characterizing Israel’s military offensives as consistent with the definition of genocide due to their devastating toll on civilian populations. The lingering turmoil over policy decisions, especially Biden’s approach toward Israel, has further complicated the party’s relationship with various voter demographics.
As the newly reelected administration embarks on its term, the ramifications of these electoral dynamics, particularly among Arab American voters, will become increasingly evident. Zogby predicted that those who opted for Trump’s policies over Democratic promises may soon face the consequences of their decisions. The comprehensive coverage by CNN, contributed to by Danny Freeman and Yon Pomeranz, has highlighted the urgent need for introspection within the Democratic Party as they grapple with rising frustrations and evolving voter expectations.
