In a recent interview, Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate for the upcoming U.S. presidential election, has raised concerns about the potential loss of Arab-American and Muslim votes for the Democratic Party in key battleground states. This shift could significantly impact Vice President Kamala Harris's chances in the November 5, 2024 election.
Stein, an American physician and political activist, spoke to Reuters on October 6, 2024, following a rally in Dearborn, Michigan, a city known for having the largest Muslim population per capita in the United States. She emphasized that the widespread discontent among Arab Americans and Muslims over U.S. support for Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon could prove costly for the Democrats.
Current polls show a tight race between Harris and former President Donald Trump, with Stein garnering only 1% support nationally. However, the Green Party candidate has observed growing support among Arab Americans and Muslims in crucial states like Michigan, Arizona, and Wisconsin, where these communities played a significant role in President Joe Biden's 2020 victory.
Stein's campaign has focused on advocating for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an immediate U.S. arms embargo on Israel. This stance has resonated with many Muslim voters, as evidenced by an August 2024 poll conducted by the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR). The survey showed Stein winning 40% of the Muslim vote in Michigan and leading among Muslims in Arizona and Wisconsin.
The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has persisted for over 70 years, continues to be a contentious issue in U.S. domestic politics. Stein argues that Democrats could potentially win back these voters by demanding and working towards an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as halting arms sales to Israel. However, she noted a lack of such action from the current administration.
"This is a very dire situation that will be continued under both Democrats and Republicans. So we say there is no lesser evil in this race."
While the Biden administration has called for a 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border and expressed support for a ceasefire in Gaza, agreements have remained elusive. The U.S. has historically been a strong ally of Israel, providing significant military aid, which has been a point of contention for many Arab and Muslim Americans.
In response to these concerns, Vice President Harris has increased her outreach efforts, recently meeting with Arab American and Muslim leaders in Flint, Michigan. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign has also been actively courting Arab and Muslim voters, opening an office in Hamtramck, Michigan, a city that made history in 2015 by electing the first Muslim-majority city council in the United States.
Stein's observations extend beyond the Arab and Muslim communities. She noted that the Democratic Party is also losing support among union workers, Black men, and Latinos. This trend reflects a broader shift in traditional voting patterns and highlights the increasing political engagement of various demographic groups in the United States.
As the 2024 election approaches, the impact of third-party candidates like Stein and the shifting allegiances of key voter blocs will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. The situation underscores the complex interplay between U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, and domestic political dynamics.