TLDR:
Muslim voters lean towards Jill Stein
Frustration over Gaza influences Michigan race
Arab Americans question Democratic loyalty
EAST LANSING (The Thursday Times) — In a charged rally at Michigan State University, Kamala Harris made an urgent appeal to the state’s substantial Arab and Muslim American populations, vowing to “do everything in my power to end the war in Gaza.” Just two days before the presidential election, the vice president sought to connect with these key voters, whose discontent over the Biden administration’s handling of the Gaza crisis threatens to upend the Democratic stronghold in Michigan. As Harris’s campaign fights to retain support, Green Party candidate Jill Stein has emerged as an unlikely figure of hope, attracting thousands of voters disillusioned by both major political parties.
Michigan, home to an estimated 240,000 registered Muslim voters, has become a critical battleground. In 2020, these communities played a decisive role in Joe Biden’s narrow victory over Donald Trump. Yet in 2024, dissatisfaction has reached a boiling point. At the heart of this frustration is U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, specifically the administration’s perceived unwavering support for Israel amid its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. Harris’s rhetoric on the issue, aimed at balancing security for Israel with a call for Palestinian self-determination, has been met with scepticism. For many, her assurances fall short, driving support to third-party alternatives like Stein, whose anti-war message is resonating deeply.
Growing disillusionment
The erosion of support for Harris among Arab and Muslim voters has created an opening for Jill Stein. The Green Party candidate, long known for her leftist, anti-establishment views, has become a symbol of principled resistance for these communities. At recent rallies in cities like Dearborn and Hamtramck, predominantly Arab and Muslim enclaves, Stein has been greeted as a genuine advocate willing to challenge U.S. foreign policy orthodoxy. Her outspoken condemnation of Israel’s military actions and unambiguous calls to end U.S. military aid to Israel have won her admiration among voters who feel betrayed by Democrats and abandoned by Republicans.
In contrast, Harris’s campaign has scrambled to regain trust. Her recent remarks in East Lansing reflected an awareness of the growing political crisis. Surrounded by community leaders, Harris struck a somber tone, acknowledging the “scale of death and destruction” in Gaza and Lebanon. She attempted to emphasise her empathy and commitment to change, but many in the audience were visibly sceptical. “It is devastating,” Harris said, “and as president, I will do everything in my power to end the war in Gaza, to bring home the hostages, end the suffering, ensure Israel is secure, and ensure the Palestinian people can realise their right to dignity, freedom, security, and self-determination.”
Roots of frustration
The origins of this discontent are complex and deeply rooted in decades of U.S. foreign policy. Arab and Muslim Americans in Michigan have long felt that their voices and concerns have been sidelined. The Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel, even in the face of mounting civilian casualties in Gaza, has exacerbated these feelings. Protests in Dearborn, where thousands have marched against the violence, have underscored the depth of this frustration. The Abandon Harris campaign, a grassroots movement advocating for Stein, has framed support for the Green Party as not merely a protest vote but a moral imperative.
The historical grievances extend beyond foreign policy. Economic marginalisation, racial profiling, and Islamophobia have been persistent issues that both Democrats and Republicans have failed to address comprehensively. For younger voters, particularly those born after 9/11, these grievances are personal and political, shaping a worldview that distrusts establishment figures. Harris’s association with the Biden administration’s policies has made her a target of this disillusionment, while Stein’s outsider status and focus on justice have made her a compelling alternative.
Impact on the Michigan race
Michigan’s status as a swing state makes this shift in voter allegiance particularly consequential. The race between Harris and Trump is neck-and-neck, and a substantial defection of Muslim voters could decide the outcome. Polling data illustrates the volatility: a recent Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) survey shows Stein narrowly leading Harris among Muslim voters, a shocking development in a state where Democrats have traditionally counted on robust support from these communities. Trump, meanwhile, lags far behind but has managed to capture a small segment of voters who prioritise economic and social conservatism.
The Democratic National Committee has responded with a last-minute ad blitz, targeting young and “third-party curious” voters on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. These ads seek to paint a vote for Stein as a vote that could inadvertently help Trump, echoing familiar arguments from 2016 when third-party candidates played a pivotal role in Trump’s electoral college victory. Yet, the effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain. For many Arab and Muslim voters, the wounds run too deep, and the fear of another Trump presidency is not enough to override their moral objections to Harris’s platform.
Grassroots
The ground game in Michigan is fierce, with both Harris and Stein campaigns making direct appeals to voters. Harris’s visit to a Detroit church and a barber shop in Pontiac on Sunday was part of an effort to connect with voters on a personal level. However, the Abandon Harris campaign has matched this energy with its own outreach. Activists have been distributing literature and organising events that emphasise Stein’s commitment to ending U.S. support for military interventions and advocating for human rights. These grassroots efforts have galvanised voters, particularly young people and first-time voters, who feel a sense of urgency about the Gaza crisis.
Community leaders have expressed concern about the long-term implications of this political realignment. If Democrats lose Michigan, it could signal a broader shift in the electoral landscape, with Arab and Muslim voters emerging as a swing constituency that can no longer be taken for granted. Some analysts argue that this could force a reckoning within the Democratic Party, compelling it to take a more progressive stance on foreign policy and domestic civil rights issues.
A high-stakes gamble for Harris
Despite the challenges, Harris remains defiant. Her speech in East Lansing ended on a note of determination, as she called on her supporters to “finish strong” and emphasised the value of hard work. “We like hard work,” she said. “Hard work is joyful work. And make no mistake, we will win.” The crowd responded with enthusiastic chants of “Kamala, Kamala,” but the reality remains precarious. With Trump holding his final rally in Michigan and Stein making unprecedented gains, Harris’s path to victory is fraught with obstacles.
The stakes in Michigan are undeniably high. Arab and Muslim voters, once a reliable Democratic base, now represent a wildcard that could shape the future of American politics. Their frustrations are not just a referendum on Harris but a broader critique of a political system that has failed to deliver on its promises. As election day looms, the question remains: will these voters stick to their principles and support Stein, or will the fear of a Trump presidency drive them back into the Democratic fold?