On Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump both made pitches to Muslim and Arab American voters in Michigan, recognizing their importance in the upcoming election.
At her rally in Waterford Township, Harris reflected on the challenging year marked by devastation, particularly the tragic events unfolding in Gaza and Lebanon. “This year has been very difficult, given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza,” she acknowledged, reiterating her commitment to working towards an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Her remarks followed the recent death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces. Sinwar was instrumental in orchestrating the October 7 attack that resulted in significant loss of life in Israel, and Harris viewed his death as a chance to reinvigorate diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and hostage negotiations.
Meanwhile, both candidates traveled across Michigan in a bid to garner support. Trump aimed his efforts at areas with dense Arab American and North African American populations, seeking to rebuild ties after his previous travel ban affecting Muslim-majority countries.
Despite typically leaning Democratic, recent surveys indicate some discontent among Muslim Americans regarding the Biden administration’s response to the Gaza crisis, potentially creating an opening for Trump.
At a rally in Hamtramck, Trump touted his support from Mayor Amer Ghalib and connected with the local community, which boasts over 300,000 residents of North African or Middle Eastern descent, and an all-Muslim city council elected in 2022. Trump also made a light-hearted comment to Auto Workers for Trump founder Brian Pannebecker, asking, “Do you have a little Arab blood in you?”
On the topic of Sinwar, Trump remarked, “He was not a good person,” while suggesting that President Biden should be taking a firmer stance in support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.