In Michigan, a coalition of Democratic voters is expressing their dissatisfaction with President Biden’s handling of the conflict between Israel and Hamas by advocating for a vote for “Uncommitted” in the state’s February 27 primary. This movement aims to signal their discontent with Biden’s failure to call for a cease-fire. Spearheading this initiative is the “Listen to Michigan” campaign, revealed on Tuesday and detailed in a Friday report by The New York Times. The campaign, orchestrated by Layla Elabed, a community organizer from Dearborn and sibling to Representative Rashida Tlaib, plans to deploy a $250,000 budget on digital ads, direct mail, and extensive outreach through calls and texts. Elabed emphasized the political clout of their voting bloc, confident in its ability to influence Biden’s electoral prospects, referencing their impact in the 2020 elections.
The campaign’s messaging is direct and hard-hitting, with its website proclaiming, “Tell Biden, count me out for genocide,” highlighting their stern stance against the current administration’s policies. Michigan’s history shows a precedent for using the Uncommitted vote as a form of protest, notably during the 2008 Democratic primary when Obama’s campaign encouraged it as a strategy against Hillary Clinton, resulting in 40% of votes cast for Uncommitted.
Despite facing no significant challenges from Representative Dean Phillips or author Marianne Williamson in Michigan’s primary, Biden’s support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas has not sat well with many, as evidenced by polling data and public opinion. An NBC News survey highlighted a stark disapproval of Biden’s approach, particularly among younger voters and within the Democratic base.
Michigan, a pivotal battleground state, showcased Biden’s narrow victory over Trump in 2020 and remains critical for the 2024 elections. The state’s significant Arab American community, especially in Detroit’s suburbs, has shown concern over Biden’s pro-Israel stance since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7. Recent presidential visits to Michigan have encountered protests, underscoring the controversy surrounding his policy.
“Listen to Michigan” aims to mobilize a large segment of its 128,000-strong email list, seeking support from a broad base, including officials like Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, who recently declined a meeting with Biden’s campaign team. While Biden has publicly affirmed his commitment to peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, Elabed and her group demand a more definitive stance against the continuation of the conflict in Gaza, urging Biden to align his actions with values of peace and humanity.
