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US vice president Kamala Harris is set to meet with Arab American and Muslim leaders in Flint, Michigan, on Friday as her presidential campaign seeks to regain support from voters frustrated with US backing of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. This meeting is part of a broader effort to reconnect with Muslim and Arab voters who previously backed Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election but may now withhold their votes from Harris.
Harris is expected to engage with representatives from Emgage, the American Task Force on Lebanon, and Hala Hijazi, a long-time friend who has suffered personal losses in Gaza, as reported by Reuters news agency. Sources familiar with the plans, who requested anonymity, indicated that leaders from the Uncommitted National Movement protest campaign were not invited to the meeting, while Jim Zogby, founder of the Arab American Institute, declined the invitation.
On Wednesday, Harris’ national security adviser, Phil Gordon, held a virtual meeting with community leaders to reaffirm the administration’s commitment to a ceasefire in Gaza, diplomatic efforts in Lebanon, and stability in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Additionally, during a Zoom call with Muslim voters, Minnesota governor Tim Walz, Harris’ vice-presidential pick, assured that Muslims would play an equal role in a Harris administration.
Some Arab Americans express concern that Kamala’s alignment with President Biden’s Middle East policies could negatively impact her support. Ali Dagher, a Lebanese American attorney, said, “Harris is going to lose Michigan. I will not be voting for Kamala Harris. No one I know will vote for her.”
Polls suggest that Harris and Trump hold nearly equal levels of support among Arab Americans. Harris has been focusing on labour issues, recently celebrating a union deal in Redford Township, Michigan, and planning to vow support for the state’s auto industry alongside United Auto Workers Union President Shawn Fain.
Harris, a Democrat, is gearing up for a challenging presidential race against Republican former President Donald Trump on November 5.
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