The mid-western state of Michigan (with its large Lebanese-american population) stands at a cross-roads before the Nov 5th election. In Dearborn city which has more than 23‚000 Lebanese-Americans many people have deep-rooted connections to south Lebanon - their families moved here about four decades ago during earlier conflicts
The current situation is different than before: its the first time an active Lebanon conflict happens during US elections. Earlier this month many Dearborn residents joined street demonstrations opposing US military support to Israel; protesters showed their dissatisfaction with both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump
The citys mayor Abdullah Hammoud whose family comes from south Lebanon says the situation hits close to home: “People in our community ask themselves who in our family has been killed today“. His words reflect growing worry among local residents (many of whom attend daily memorial services for relatives lost in recent attacks)
- The Uncommitted Movement refuses to back Harris
- Green Party gets unexpected support
- Many consider not voting at all
- Some look at third-party options
Local resident Rana from Saida Lebanon (who asked to use different name) lost many family members in recent weeks; she wont support either main candidate. Another community member Mohamad says: “A lot of people in Dearborn especially Lebanese feel they are doomed no matter which they vote“
Recent polls show Harris and Trump neck-and-neck in Michigan - a state that rarely supports Republicans. The Lebanese-american communitys choice (or decision not to vote) might affect who wins this key swing-state