‘Uncommitted’ group refrains from endorsing Harris during her Michigan visit
The group formed in response to the push for "uncommitted" status in the primary as a protest against President Joe Biden’s policies regarding the Israel-Hamas war has decided not to endorse the vice president. However, they have advised against voting for a third party or for Trump.
TroibNews 
A national pro-Palestinian organization recently declared that it will not support Vice President Kamala Harris during her latest visit to Detroit, reflecting the ongoing concerns of Muslim and Arab American community leaders and voters regarding the U.S. response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Uncommitted National Movement, born from campaigns encouraging votes for "uncommitted" in earlier Democratic primaries as a protest against President Joe Biden’s approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict, also expressed its opposition to Donald Trump in a detailed declaration. The statement criticized the former president's agenda, which it claimed includes intentions to "accelerate the killing in Gaza while intensifying the suppression of anti-war organizing." It also advised against supporting third-party candidates in the upcoming November elections, which, according to the movement's leaders, would contribute to a Trump victory in critical swing states.
“We urge Uncommitted voters to register anti-Trump votes and vote up and down the ballot. Our focus remains on building a broad anti-war coalition both inside and outside the Democratic Party,” the organization stated.
This announcement aligns with Harris' planned events in Michigan's largest city this Thursday, including a rally and a joint appearance with Oprah Winfrey. The pro-Palestinian movement remains active in Michigan, bolstered by its significant Arab American and young adult demographics, which have shown strong support for the cause. This has raised concerns about potential negative impacts in the upcoming November elections.
The movement's decision to vigorously oppose Trump underscores their challenging position, existing in the backdrop of escalating tensions in Gaza that has become a major point of contention between centrist Democrats and progressive factions. The organizers are particularly disillusioned with Harris for her unwavering alignment with Biden’s Middle East policies, and they harbor grave concerns about the implications of a potential second Trump administration for Palestinians in Gaza.
Despite initial optimism about Harris' candidacy from community leaders due to her willingness to engage with their concerns, frustrations grew as she consistently maintained her policy positions. In a recent interview with a panel from the National Association of Black Journalists, Harris reiterated her support for Israel's right to defend itself and the pursuit of a two-state solution, while also expressing sympathy for the loss of innocent lives in Gaza.
The ongoing complexities of advocating for ceasefire negotiations, which hit a standstill after a tragic incident involving Hamas and hostages on August 31, have only complicated the vice president's political challenges further. New demands from both Israel and Hamas following the hostage incident have intensified the tensions.
On Thursday, the group reiterated their criticism of Harris, especially regarding her refusal to adjust her stance on Gaza, despite repeated requests for a meeting to discuss a potential weapons embargo on Israel. The recent rejection by the DNC and Harris' campaign of a proposal to include a Palestinian speaker at a major convention rekindled tensions and influenced the group’s stance on endorsing Harris.
“For months, we have urged Vice President Harris to shift her Gaza policy so we could mobilize voters in key states to save lives and our democracy. The DNC and the Vice President’s campaign fumbled even a small gesture to unite our party ahead of November by rejecting the simple request for a Palestinian American speaker,” the group expressed. The statement also criticized the Vice President's campaign strategy involving Dick Cheney and the marginalization of disillusioned anti-war advocates, suggesting that these decisions might push them towards third-party alternatives or abstention in the crucial upcoming election.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
The Uncommitted National Movement, born from campaigns encouraging votes for "uncommitted" in earlier Democratic primaries as a protest against President Joe Biden’s approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict, also expressed its opposition to Donald Trump in a detailed declaration. The statement criticized the former president's agenda, which it claimed includes intentions to "accelerate the killing in Gaza while intensifying the suppression of anti-war organizing." It also advised against supporting third-party candidates in the upcoming November elections, which, according to the movement's leaders, would contribute to a Trump victory in critical swing states.
“We urge Uncommitted voters to register anti-Trump votes and vote up and down the ballot. Our focus remains on building a broad anti-war coalition both inside and outside the Democratic Party,” the organization stated.
This announcement aligns with Harris' planned events in Michigan's largest city this Thursday, including a rally and a joint appearance with Oprah Winfrey. The pro-Palestinian movement remains active in Michigan, bolstered by its significant Arab American and young adult demographics, which have shown strong support for the cause. This has raised concerns about potential negative impacts in the upcoming November elections.
The movement's decision to vigorously oppose Trump underscores their challenging position, existing in the backdrop of escalating tensions in Gaza that has become a major point of contention between centrist Democrats and progressive factions. The organizers are particularly disillusioned with Harris for her unwavering alignment with Biden’s Middle East policies, and they harbor grave concerns about the implications of a potential second Trump administration for Palestinians in Gaza.
Despite initial optimism about Harris' candidacy from community leaders due to her willingness to engage with their concerns, frustrations grew as she consistently maintained her policy positions. In a recent interview with a panel from the National Association of Black Journalists, Harris reiterated her support for Israel's right to defend itself and the pursuit of a two-state solution, while also expressing sympathy for the loss of innocent lives in Gaza.
The ongoing complexities of advocating for ceasefire negotiations, which hit a standstill after a tragic incident involving Hamas and hostages on August 31, have only complicated the vice president's political challenges further. New demands from both Israel and Hamas following the hostage incident have intensified the tensions.
On Thursday, the group reiterated their criticism of Harris, especially regarding her refusal to adjust her stance on Gaza, despite repeated requests for a meeting to discuss a potential weapons embargo on Israel. The recent rejection by the DNC and Harris' campaign of a proposal to include a Palestinian speaker at a major convention rekindled tensions and influenced the group’s stance on endorsing Harris.
“For months, we have urged Vice President Harris to shift her Gaza policy so we could mobilize voters in key states to save lives and our democracy. The DNC and the Vice President’s campaign fumbled even a small gesture to unite our party ahead of November by rejecting the simple request for a Palestinian American speaker,” the group expressed. The statement also criticized the Vice President's campaign strategy involving Dick Cheney and the marginalization of disillusioned anti-war advocates, suggesting that these decisions might push them towards third-party alternatives or abstention in the crucial upcoming election.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
