Amidst criticism of their radical left-wing policies, media coverage has overwhelmingly praised the Harris-Walz ticket. However, voters in Dearborn, Michigan, remain unmoved by Walz's addition to the lineup, viewing him as an inexperienced Joe Biden clone.
The media's lavish praise for the Harris-Walz ticket has failed to resonate with voters in Dearborn, Michigan, a critical swing state. Despite Vice President Kamala Harris's selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, Dearborn voters remain skeptical.
Mike Hachem, a Dearborn leader of the Abandon Biden movement, expressed his lack of enthusiasm for the Walz pick. "He means nothing for the Arab and Muslim community, especially in Michigan. He's just a younger Joe Biden," Hachem stated.
Harris-Walz Ticket Fails to Impress Dearborn Voters, Despite Walz's Selection
Some have speculated that Harris's choice of Walz over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Jewish candidate, was an attempt to appease far-left Democrats and voters in Dearborn. However, this strategy appears to have fallen flat.
Leaders of the National Uncommitted Movement, which originated from the Listen to Michigan and Abandon Biden movements, met with Harris before her Detroit campaign event. They demanded an arms embargo on Israel, a request she reportedly expressed openness to.
Harris-Walz Ticket Fails to Impress Dearborn Voters, Despite Walz's Selection
The meeting sparked concerns among Israel supporters, but Harris's national security adviser, Phil Gordon, clarified her position: "She does not support an arms embargo on Israel. She will continue to work to protect civilians in Gaza and to uphold international humanitarian law."
Despite her efforts to balance support for Israel with sympathy for those affected by the Gaza conflict, Harris's actions at a Detroit rally alienated many in the Arab and Muslim community. She shouted down protesters who disrupted her speech, further exacerbating tensions.
Harris-Walz Ticket Fails to Impress Dearborn Voters, Despite Walz's Selection
Abed Ayoub, the national executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, acknowledged that Walz's selection did not significantly boost Harris's support within the Muslim community. However, he believes it has at least kept the door open.
Ayoub argued that Shapiro's record of opposition to student encampments and his alleged anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian statements would have effectively shut down any chance of winning Arab community support.
Harris-Walz Ticket Fails to Impress Dearborn Voters, Despite Walz's Selection
Instead, Ayoub urged Harris to focus on policy changes that could potentially attract support, such as an arms embargo on Israel. "They should take immediately clear policy positions," Ayoub said.
The Harris campaign declined to comment on the Dearborn voters' lack of enthusiasm for the Walz pick. It remains to be seen whether Harris can implement policy changes that will resonate with the Arab and Muslim community in Dearborn and potentially swing Michigan's vote in her favor.
