The 2024 presidential race in Michigan’s key battleground state, the Detroit area, could be affected by the ongoing war in the Middle. With the largest concentration Arab Americans in the country residing this area, many of are now turning against President Biden. Muhammad Abu Hussein, a teenager from Gaza, is on the minds of Mike and Nadia, who consider him like a son.
They hosted him at their home in Dearborn, Michigan, where he received a prosthetic leg. However, he now resides in a refugee camp, which has been targeted by recent air strikes. The couple expresses their frustration with the US’s response to the conflict and wants a ceasefire. Despite voting for Biden in 2020, they now regret their decision and feel that he hasn’t supported the Palestinians enough.
Arab Americans in Dearborn make up more than half of the population, and congresswoman Rashida Talib, who represents the area, accuses President Biden of supporting genocide in Gaza. This sentiment could potentially impact the 2024 election, as Arab Americans hold significant voting power in Michigan. A recent poll suggests that former President Trump, the GOP front runner, is favored over President Biden in Michigan.
The Arab American community feels anger and betrayal from the Biden administration, as they believed they had to save America from Trump but now feel the need to save Palestine from Biden. Activist Amar Zar, who reluctantly supported Biden in 2020, states that he might vote for a third party candidate or possibly even see others turning to Trump, not necessarily because of support for Trump, but as a protest against the Democratic party.
The Biden Administration has reached out to Arab American leaders and called for humanitarian pauses in Gaza, but a full ceasefire is seen as potentially benefiting Hamas..
