Muslim American leaders in key states have initiated the #AbandonBiden campaign, pledging to withhold support for President Joe Biden’s potential re-election due to his unwavering backing of Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict,as reported by Al Jazeera on Sunday, December 3,2023.
The campaign originated in Minnesota when Muslim Americans called for Biden to advocate for a ceasefire by October 31, and it has gained momentum in pivotal states such as Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
The #AbandonBiden 2024 campaign, as articulated by the group, centers on the president’s reluctance to call for a ceasefire and protect civilians in both Palestine and Israel.
This opposition from the significant Muslim and Arab American populations in these key states poses a potential challenge to Biden’s prospects in the Electoral College for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Spokespeople for the campaign conveyed their concerns to Axios, emphasizing the decision to withdraw support based on Biden’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The impact of this movement goes beyond mere rhetoric, as the Electoral College plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of the presidential election.
Jaylani Hussein, the director of Minnesota’s Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) chapter, highlighted the multitude of options available beyond the two dominant parties in the U.S. political landscape.
While Democrats and Republicans traditionally dominate, independent candidates, such as former Harvard professor Cornel West and Green Party candidate Jill Stein, offer alternatives.
West and Stein have both called for a ceasefire in Gaza, diverging from the official U.S. position.
The influx of private donations into the U.S. political system, however, poses a challenge for independent candidates with smaller funding compared to those from the major parties.
Despite this, the #AbandonBiden campaign signifies a growing discontent within Muslim and Arab American communities, potentially shaping the electoral landscape.
U.S. and Israeli officials have resisted calls for a permanent halt in fighting, with Vice President Kamala Harris echoing Biden’s stance that Israel has the right to defend itself.
The toll of the conflict, as reported by the UN, WHO, and the Palestinian government, underscores the humanitarian crisis, with thousands of Palestinian casualties and extensive damage to homes in Gaza.
As tensions persist in the region, the #AbandonBiden movement serves as a manifestation of dissatisfaction within Muslim American communities, highlighting the complex intersection of foreign policy, domestic politics, and identity in shaping electoral choices.
The campaign signals a desire for a more nuanced approach to international conflicts and draws attention to the influence of diverse communities on U.S. presidential politics.
