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- The ‘Uncommitted’ and ‘Abandon Harris’ movements have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with Vice President Kamala Harris’s stance on the Gaza conflict.
- Both groups are critical of the Biden administration’s support for Israel, but they differ in their strategies and endorsements.
- Their actions have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election, particularly in swing states like Michigan.
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Essential Context
The ‘Uncommitted’ and ‘Abandon Harris’ movements have emerged as significant voices in the 2024 presidential election, driven by their strong opposition to the Biden administration’s handling of the Gaza conflict. Both groups are primarily composed of pro-Palestinian advocates and have been influential in shaping the political discourse, especially among Arab American and Muslim communities.
Core Players
- Kamala Harris – Vice President of the United States and Democratic presidential nominee
- Uncommitted Movement – Pro-Palestinian group critical of the Biden administration’s policies on Gaza
- Abandon Harris Movement – Pro-Palestinian group advocating for a tougher stance against U.S. support for Israel
- Hassan Abdel Salam – Co-founder of the Abandon Harris movement
- Layla Elabed – Co-founder of the Uncommitted movement
Key Numbers
- 100,000+ – Votes garnered by the Uncommitted movement in Michigan primary elections
- 43,000+ – Estimated Palestinian deaths in Gaza since the war began in October 2023
- 11,000 – Margin by which Trump won Michigan in 2016, highlighting the state’s swing status
- 70% – Percentage of Dearborn, Michigan, that voted for Biden in 2020, a city that swung to Trump in 2024
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The Catalyst
The recent escalation of the Gaza conflict, which began in October 2023, has been the primary catalyst for the increased activism from both the ‘Uncommitted’ and ‘Abandon Harris’ movements. The conflict has resulted in over 43,000 estimated Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction, leading to significant discontent among pro-Palestinian groups in the U.S.
Inside Forces
The ‘Uncommitted’ movement has been critical of Harris’s unwillingness to shift on unconditional weapons policy and her support for Israel’s right to defend itself. Despite this, the group opposes a Donald Trump presidency and has urged its supporters to vote against him, emphasizing the need for an anti-war coalition within the Democratic Party[1].[3]
In contrast, the ‘Abandon Harris’ movement has taken a more radical approach, endorsing Green Party candidate Jill Stein and actively working to mobilize voters against Harris. This movement is driven by a belief that neither major party is willing to address the Gaza issue adequately and seeks to create a new political path outside the two-party system[2][3>.
Power Dynamics
The power dynamics between these movements and the Democratic Party are complex. The ‘Uncommitted’ movement, while critical of Harris, still maintains ties to the Democratic Party and seeks to influence policy from within. This is evident in their decision not to endorse a third-party candidate and instead focus on building an anti-war coalition[1].[3]
The ‘Abandon Harris’ movement, however, has completely rejected the Democratic Party. Its leaders, such as Hassan Abdel Salam, believe that the only way to effect change is by leveraging voter power outside the traditional two-party system. They have voiced strong dissatisfaction with Harris’s stance on Gaza and have vowed to punish her at the ballot box[2][3>.
Outside Impact
The actions of these movements have broader implications for the 2024 presidential election. In Michigan, a crucial swing state, pro-Palestinian voters have turned away from the Democratic Party in significant numbers. This shift was evident in the 2024 election, where Dearborn, a city with a large Arab American population, delivered its vote to Donald Trump after supporting Biden in 2020[5>.
The movements’ influence extends beyond electoral outcomes, as they push for a national conversation on U.S. foreign policy and human rights in Gaza. Their efforts have highlighted the deep divisions within the Democratic Party on issues related to Israel and Palestine[1][2][3].
Future Forces
Looking forward, the impact of these movements will likely be felt in future elections and policy debates. The ‘Uncommitted’ movement’s focus on building an anti-war coalition within the Democratic Party suggests ongoing internal pressure for policy changes. The ‘Abandon Harris’ movement’s push for a new political path could lead to the emergence of alternative political forces or a reevaluation of the two-party system[2][3].
Data Points
- October 2023: Israel launches its war on Gaza, triggering widespread outrage and activism.
- July 2024: Joe Biden drops out of the presidential race, and Kamala Harris becomes the Democratic nominee.
- August 2024: Abandon Biden rebrands as Abandon Harris following Harris’s silence on pro-Palestinian supporters during a rally.
- November 2024: Pro-Palestinian voters in Michigan reject the Democratic ticket in historic numbers, supporting Trump instead.
The activities of the ‘Uncommitted’ and ‘Abandon Harris’ movements underscore the complexities and divisions within U.S. politics, particularly on issues related to foreign policy and human rights. As these movements continue to influence the political landscape, their impact will be closely watched in the coming years.
