President Biden visited a UAW hall in Michigan, facing pro-Palestinian protests due to his support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas.
Despite union endorsement and outreach to autoworkers, Biden’s schedule did not include meetings with Arab Americans, leading to frustration.
The president’s motorcade bypassed pro-Palestinian demonstrators, and tension between Biden and Arab Americans in Michigan is rising.
“Why not have a meaningful conversation for how you change course with a community that has first-hand accounts of what it’s like to live in the countries where your decision-making is unfolding?” Dearborn mayor Abdullah Hammoud said.
The White House plans to send senior officials to Michigan for discussions on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
“Hey Biden, what do you say? We won’t vote on Election Day” protestors yelled, and, “Free, free Palestine.”
“We came here to send a clear message to the administration that they’re not welcome in Michigan,” one protestor said.
“Michigan is a purple state. I say that to everybody,” Rep. Debbie Dingell said. “Clearly, the Arab American community matters. But young people have to turn out. They were very decisive two years ago in voter turnout. A lot of the union leadership has endorsed the president, but we’ve got to get into the union halls and do the contrast so people really understand what it’s about. And we’ve got to make sure women and independents turn out. You know, we’re a competitive state.”
Biden’s campaign manager has been meeting with core supporter groups, but Arab American leaders declined to meet with her.
“The people in the Middle Eastern community are not confused. They are crystal clear on how Palestine has been handled versus Israel,” Gay-Dagnogo said. “Just to come and visit them without changing your positions is not going to move them. African Americans are not confused either. And so you can’t just do visits. A visit is not enough.”
Biden’s approach to the conflict has caused division among Democrats.
The president emphasized working for peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians at a National Prayer Breakfast.
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