Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a member of the progressive “Squad,” has stirred controversy by encouraging residents in her district to vote “uncommitted” in the upcoming Democratic primary, rather than supporting President Biden. In a video shared by the Listen to Michigan campaign, Tlaib stood outside the Ford Civic Center in Dearborn, urging residents to create a voting block and send a message against wars and destruction. Tlaib, who has faced criticism in the past for her use of antisemitic slogans, has raised nearly $3.7 million since the start of the war in Gaza, according to the Associated Press.
Dearborn, a city dubbed “America’s Jihad Capital” by an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, has seen protests with individuals shouting antisemitic slogans and imams delivering hateful sermons. The mayor of Dearborn, Abdullah Hammoud, claimed that the WSJ opinion piece led to an increase in bigotry and Islamophobia targeting the city.
Hammoud also criticized President Biden’s visit to Michigan, calling it “dehumanizing” and purely for political means. He argued that instead of sending campaign staff, Biden should be sending policymakers to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Biden’s trip to Michigan focused on meeting with autoworkers and Black community leaders, as the state is considered a battleground for the 2024 election.
Tlaib’s call to vote “uncommitted” is seen as a challenge to President Biden, pressuring him to align with progressive demands on Palestine or risk losing support from that faction of the Democratic Party. The Michigan Democratic primary is scheduled for February 27.
Critics argue that Tlaib’s actions and rhetoric further divide the Democratic Party and undermine its unity. While Tlaib may have support from certain factions, her controversial statements and associations have raised concerns about her ability to effectively represent her constituents and work towards bipartisan solutions.
It remains to be seen how Tlaib’s call to vote “uncommitted” will impact the upcoming primary and whether it will have any long-term effects on the relationship between the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and the Biden administration.
