Arab and Muslim American leaders, who recently had a meeting with President Joe Biden, are now encountering criticism from members within their own communities.
The meeting, aimed at bridging relations with pro-Palestinian groups during the Israeli-Hamas conflict, has been met with skepticism and anger, as per The Messenger.
Muslim-American Voters 'Alianated'
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE - AUGUST 20: Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden delivers his acceptance speech on the fourth night of the Democratic National Convention from the Chase Center on August 20, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware. The convention, which was once expected to draw 50,000 people to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is now taking place virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Attendees of the meeting, including prominent figures such as Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Emgage CEO Wa'el Alzayat, described the gathering as intense and emotional. They shared personal stories of the devastating impact the war between Hamas and Israel had on their families.
This criticism towards Arab and Muslim American leaders highlights the challenges that the Democratic Party faces in maintaining the support of key constituencies.
Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, warned that mishandling the conflict in Gaza not only risks alienating Muslim voters, a crucial part of Biden's voting coalition but also damages relationships with majority-Muslim countries in the Middle East. Jayapal emphasized the urgent need for Democrats to address these vulnerabilities within their coalition.
Public opinion polls show a growing disapproval of the Biden administration's handling of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, particularly among younger voters, women, and nonwhite voters.
Activists on social media have rallied behind calls for the president to pressure Israel and Hamas into reaching a permanent ceasefire, driven by the shocking images and reports of human suffering emerging from Gaza.
The potential consequences for President Biden, who is expected to run for re-election in 2024, are concerning. He will need to rebuild his 2020 coalition to secure victory against a likely Republican opponent, possibly former President Donald Trump, according to Independent.
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Biden's Support Dwindles Amid Concerns
The president's support has already diminished due to concerns about his age and ability to carry out the duties of his office. His current trailing status in several battleground states, including Michigan, with its significant Muslim voter community, signals the need for caution and strategic action.
While the White House has asserted its efforts to minimize civilian casualties and damage in Gaza, concerns persist over potential reputational damage to the United States on a global scale. Jayapal echoed these concerns and called for a coalition involving the United States, Israel, and Arab countries to work towards a long-term peace solution.
Jayapal's statements come in the wake of a new anti-Biden campaign, #AbandonBiden, initiated by a coalition of Muslim leaders from key swing states ahead of the 2024 presidential election.The campaign has gained traction as Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a close ally of Jayapal, has publicly criticized Biden, accusing him of being complicit in war crimes.
In response to criticism regarding the handling of the conflict, Jayapal acknowledged the urgency of addressing humanitarian concerns while condemning Hamas's actions. She emphasized the need for balance when considering the plight of Palestinians and called for justice in a comprehensive and even-handed manner.
As the Israeli-Hamas conflict continues, the Biden administration faces an uphill battle to maintain support among crucial voter groups. The outcome of this internal struggle will ultimately shape President Biden's chances of securing re-election and potentially impacting the United States' global reputation, Washington Examiner reported.
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