In a growing challenge to President Biden’s campaign for re-election in 2024, Muslim American leaders have pledged not to back him due to his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Muslim leaders from swing states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, gathered in Dearborn, Michigan to coordinate a national response, marking the launch of their campaign called #AbandonBiden. Their goal is to ensure that President Biden does not get a second term in office.
The Muslim and Arab leaders have been urging the Democratic president to call for a cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, the death toll among Palestinians has reached 15,200, with no distinction between civilians and combatants. On the Israeli side, 1,200 deaths have been reported, mostly resulting from the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas that triggered the war. The recent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas ended after the IDF accused Hamas of firing at Israel, while Hamas claimed that Israel rejected an offer to release more hostages.
Jaylani Hussein, a Minneapolis-based organizer of the conference, expressed disappointment in President Biden’s unwillingness to call for a cease-fire and stated that it has irreparably damaged his relationship with the American Muslim community. Hussein emphasized the devastating impact on families and children in Gaza and criticized the use of American tax dollars to support the conflict. The frustration among Muslim Americans is palpable, with many feeling betrayed as they had voted for President Biden in the 2020 election. Hussein even recounted an incident where a religious leader asked how to destroy their 2020 ballot.
The Muslim American community in the United States constitutes around 1.1% of the population, with approximately 3.45 million individuals identifying as Muslim. Historically, this demographic has leaned towards the Democratic Party, and in the 2020 election, 64% of Muslim voters supported Biden, while 35% backed former President Donald Trump.
The White House has defended President Biden’s stance, citing his efforts to secure humanitarian pauses in the fighting and provide aid to Gaza. They also reaffirmed his commitment to fighting antisemitism and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself. However, Muslim leaders argue that the community’s support for Biden has waned as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise.
Jaylani Hussein emphasized the power of the Muslim American community, highlighting both their financial resources and their voting power. He vowed to use their vote to save the nation from what they perceive as detrimental policies. While the Muslim leaders’ refusal to support Biden does not automatically indicate support for former President Trump, they made it clear that they have multiple options and are willing to explore alternatives.
The Biden campaign has been reached out to for a response, but no statement has been provided at the time of writing. The Muslim American community’s decision not to back Biden adds a new dimension to the political landscape, highlighting the impact of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict on domestic politics.
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