The ongoing conflict in Lebanon is having a notable impact on Vice President Kamala Harris’s political standing, particularly in regions with significant Lebanese American populations.
Majed Moughni, a Lebanese American attorney from Dearborn, Michigan, expressed his anger by casting a “protest vote” against the current administration while absentee voting just hours before Israeli ground operations began against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Moughni, born in Beirut, is struggling with the “real-time destruction” unfolding in his homeland, where over 1,000 lives have been lost due to Israeli strikes according to local health officials. He criticized Harris for her silence regarding what he termed “indiscriminate attacks,” which he feels disregard the opinions and concerns of over 602,000 Lebanese Americans.
Despite the odds against him, Moughni chose to vote for third-party candidate Cornel West, believing that every vote will amplify the voices of Lebanese Americans. With about 82,000 Lebanese Americans residing in Michigan—second only to California—Moughni’s decision reflects a larger sentiment of disappointment in the Democratic party’s handling of Middle East issues.
Ali Dabaja, another Dearborn resident, shared similar frustrations, stating the Democratic Party lacks empathy towards their concerns. The ongoing airstrikes have struck a personal chord for Dabaja, who lost five family members in the recent bombings. He articulated that the calls for diplomacy from Biden and Harris seem hypocritical given their steadfast support for Israeli military actions.
Dabaja, who plans to cast his vote for Green Party candidate Jill Stein, fears that the Biden administration’s policies could damage the United States’ global standing and might lead to security risks.
In political corridors, criticisms have also come from local leaders. Dearborn City Council President Michael Sareini highlighted the troubling use of U.S.-manufactured munitions in the conflict and emphasized the role of social media in unifying the community’s response. Many in Dearborn, home to 59,000 individuals of Middle Eastern or North African descent, are rallying for solidarity and change.
Sareini, who initially supported Biden, feels that any hope for change appears to be dwindling. He characterizes the administration’s diplomatic efforts as ineffective, stating, “It’s hypocrisy at its finest.” While Harris has acknowledged the toll of the conflict on innocent lives, her commitments to seek a ceasefire and two-state solutions have not been enough to quell local frustrations.
Abed Ayoub, of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, criticized the administration for failing to limit Israel’s military aggression, questioning the sincerity of peace efforts presented by leaders at the United Nations.
As the conflict continues, the voices of the Lebanese American community highlight a crucial intersection of foreign policy and electoral consequences, signaling a potential shift in voting behaviors as frustrations grow.