Uncommitted Delegates Sit-In at DNC

– As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to accept her presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention, a group of uncommitted delegates has initiated a sit-in outside the United Center. They are demanding that a Palestinian American be allowed to speak on stage, following the announcement that no such speaker would be included, a decision they labeled "unacceptable" and "undemocratic." Abbas Alawieh, a delegate from Michigan, expressed the group's shock and offense at the exclusion, emphasizing their aim to highlight necessary policy changes regarding U.S. support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The uncommitted delegates, representing voters who chose "uncommitted" in the primaries as a protest against U.S. policies, are also advocating for a ceasefire. Their frustration grew after an Israeli American family was given a speaking opportunity at the DNC, while their request was denied. They argue that the Democratic Party is missing a chance to unify ahead of the November elections by not allowing a Palestinian American voice on stage. Support for the delegates has emerged from various quarters, including the United Auto Workers union, which stressed the importance of acknowledging Palestinian American voices within the party. Despite the DNC's claims of engagement with the delegates, they have not provided a clear rationale for the exclusion of a Palestinian speaker. The sit-in has drawn attention from progressive lawmakers, including members of the "Squad," who joined the protest. Layla Elabed, co-chair of the Uncommitted National Movement, urged Harris to endorse an arms embargo on Israel, suggesting that such a stance could help unite the party. However, Harris's national security adviser clarified that she does not support an arms embargo. As of early morning, the uncommitted delegates remained steadfast in their protest outside the convention venue.