Staff Reports
President Biden’s backing of Israel’s targeted strikes on Gaza is causing a decline in his popularity among Arab American voters who supported him in the previous election. This may lead to them not supporting him in the upcoming election, which could impact the results in crucial swing states. A recent poll by the Arab American Institute showed that Mr. Biden’s support has decreased among Arab American voters, with former President Donald Trump now leading in this group.
According to the poll, Mr. Trump’s support among Arab American voters has remained steady, while Mr. Biden’s support has dropped significantly since the last election. The survey included 900 Arab American voters in Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, and it revealed that Mr. Trump has a lead over Mr. Biden in this demographic. Michigan, in particular, is a key state for Mr. Biden’s re-election, as he narrowly won it in the previous election. However, the poll showed that many Arab American voters in Michigan have a negative view of Mr. Biden due to his stance on the Gaza conflict.
Biden losing Arab American voters due to his support for Israelhttps://t.co/hPoXaiqnQQ pic.twitter.com/e5O7GO62Qf
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 31, 2024
The poll also indicated that Mr. Biden’s support among Arab American voters could bounce back if he took a different approach to the situation in Gaza. Specifically, if he demanded an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza, or froze diplomatic and military support to Israel until they embrace a ceasefire and withdraw forces from Gaza. The recent Israeli airstrike in Rafah, which resulted in the deaths of senior Hamas officials and innocent Palestinians, including children, has further complicated the situation for the Biden administration. Despite international condemnation, the administration defended Israel’s actions, leading to frustration among Arab American voters.
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta commented on the situation, stating that there will always be different interpretations of red lines in a conflict. He suggested that Israel may be trying to use a targeted approach to hit specific targets rather than engaging in actions that harm civilians. However, he also cautioned that the risk of crossing the red line is still present. These developments have put Mr. Biden in a challenging position with Arab American voters, and his handling of the Gaza conflict may impact his support in key states for the upcoming election.
