Harris Faces Criticism in Michigan Over Gaza Stance

As Vice President Kamala Harris prepared for her visit to Michigan, a prominent group known as the Uncommitted National Movement announced it would not endorse her due to concerns over her stance on U.S. support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The group, which has mobilized voters to express their discontent with President Biden's policies, criticized Harris for not engaging with Palestinian American families affected by the conflict and for failing to address their demands for an arms embargo on Israel. They had requested a response from her by September 15, which went unanswered. The Uncommitted National Movement, which originated in Michigan, has gained national attention for its efforts to influence the Democratic primary by encouraging voters to cast 'uncommitted' ballots. This group represents a significant portion of the Arab American electorate, many of whom participated in the primary election to express their dissatisfaction with the current administration's policies regarding Israel and Palestine. In their statement, the organization emphasized that Harris's refusal to alter her position on arms shipments to Israel and her lack of a clear commitment to uphold human rights laws made it impossible for them to support her candidacy. They also urged their members to vote against former President Donald Trump, citing his past comments on the conflict and his approach to pro-Palestinian activism. Harris's upcoming campaign event with Oprah Winfrey in a Detroit suburb marks her third visit to Michigan since launching her presidential campaign, highlighting the importance of this battleground state in the upcoming election. The tensions between her campaign and the Uncommitted National Movement reflect broader divisions within the Democratic Party regarding foreign policy and human rights issues.