Staff Reports
In what could only be described as a political seismic shift, Kamala Harris is witnessing an unprecedented exodus of Arab American voters in Michigan. This demographic once stood solidly behind her party. This backlash primarily stems from the Biden-Harris administration’s unwavering support for Israel amidst escalating tensions in Gaza. Arab Americans, disillusioned by the lack of a balanced approach to an ongoing conflict that affects their communities, are more inclined to back Donald Trump’s America First agenda instead.
The Democratic hopeful’s so-called “Campaign of Joy” is failing to resonate with a crucial segment of Michigan’s electorate, particularly as the realities on the ground starkly contrast with campaign rhetoric. In the 2020 election, President Biden garnered a robust base within Michigan’s Arab American communities, especially in locales like Dearborn, where over half the population identifies as being of Middle Eastern or North African descent. Current sentiment, however, points to a significant decline in support, with reports of pro-Harris sentiment being practically nonexistent in some neighborhoods.
— David Anto 🇺🇸🇮🇹 Text TRUMP to 88022 (@Lastdocpa) October 8, 2024
Imam Hassan Qazwini from Dearborn Heights illustrates the sentiment shift. After supporting Joe Biden in the last election, he is now contemplating a third-party vote, reflecting widespread disenchantment over the administration’s handling of Middle Eastern affairs. Harris’s initial promise of fairness and even-handedness has come across as mere wishful thinking—a disappointment to those who hoped for a diplomatic attempt to navigate a complex and volatile situation.
The perception of an unyielding stance against Israel’s counteroffensive leaves many asking what “even-handedness” looks like in the face of aggression from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. As radical Islamists commit heinous acts of violence, the expectation for an equal response seems increasingly unrealistic to those who value national security and the defense of innocent lives.
Meanwhile, Mayor Amer Ghalib of Hamtramck—a city with an all-Arab government—has taken a bold step by endorsing Trump, calling him a “man of principles.” This endorsement reflects a growing satisfaction with Trump’s rhetoric and policies among some Arab Americans, highlighting a potential shift in political alliances that could send shockwaves through the Democratic establishment. With a collective population of over 300,000 Middle Eastern and North African residents in Michigan, the loss of support from this community could greatly influence the outcome of the election.
With not just Arab voters but also significant portions of the Jewish community contemplating their allegiances as well, a united front for the Republican ticket appears increasingly plausible. The political landscape in Michigan is changing, and if Harris’s support erodes further among these vital demographics, the 2024 election could rewrite Democratic assumptions about their stranglehold on swing states. As the mayor remarked, this seems to be just the beginning of a shifting tide that could have far-reaching consequences.
