Chicago – October 04, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris plans to meet with key Arab American and Muslim leaders in Flint, Michigan, this Friday. This meeting is part of her efforts to connect with voters who are upset about U.S. support for Israel in its conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Harris is trying to regain these groups’ support because they strongly supported the Democratic Party in the 2020 election. However, they may not help her as much this time, which could affect her chances in the important state of Michigan.
Harris will talk with several groups during her visit. These include Emgage, a group that has endorsed her, the American Task Force on Lebanon, and her long-time friend Hala Hijazi, who has family members affected by the conflict in Gaza. However, some leaders, like Jim Zogby from the Arab American Institute, have not attended the meeting.
Her campaign has been actively trying to reassure these communities. For instance, Harris’ national security advisor recently discussed support for peace in Gaza and Lebanon. Also, her vice presidential choice, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, assured Muslim voters of their essential role in a Harris administration during a Zoom call.
