Staff Reports
In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden has lost a key supporter in the battleground state of Michigan. Abdullah H. Hammoud, the mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, home to the state’s largest Muslim population, has publicly announced that he can no longer, in good conscience, support Biden and Congress. This comes on the heels of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, which has left many Palestinian residents feeling abandoned and neglected.
Biden loses key supporter in Michigan: ‘Cannot in good conscience support the continuation of a genocide’ https://t.co/5re3FAUP0d https://t.co/5re3FAUP0d
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 20, 2024
In a scathing op-ed published in the New York Times, Mayor Hammoud expressed his deep dismay with the Biden administration’s handling of the situation. He highlighted the toll the conflict has taken on the Palestinian people and called for a ceasefire, criticizing Biden and the Democratic Party for ignoring overwhelming support for a ceasefire among Democrats. He emphasized the need for accountability and urged Michigan voters to reconsider their support for the president.
Hammoud’s actions are particularly significant, given the crucial role that Arab American voters have played in Biden’s political success. The mayor pointed out the long-standing support from the Arab American community and its importance for the Democratic Party in past federal elections. However, he lamented feeling betrayed by Biden, accusing the president of selling bombs to Israel while Palestinian civilians suffer.
This latest development presents a significant challenge for Biden’s reelection campaign, especially in a state like Michigan, where support for the president has plummeted. A recent poll found that just 17% of Michigan voters believe Biden deserves another term, marking a historic low for a major public official in the state.
Hammoud’s passionate plea for accountability and hope resonates deeply with the residents of Dearborn and beyond. As a father and a public servant, he has called on his fellow Michiganders to use their voices to hold the president accountable. The implications of Mayor Hammoud’s decision are far-reaching, and they could have a significant impact on Biden’s prospects in Michigan and beyond.
