Staff Reports
In a surprising turn of events, young members of the Democratic party are threatening to withhold their votes from President Joe Biden in the upcoming 2024 election. According to The New York Times (NYT), these members are unhappy with Biden’s unwavering support for Israel during their recent conflict with Hamas.
Young Democrats threaten to revoke support for Biden over Israel stance https://t.co/BKVYBUK0c4
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) October 27, 2023
Since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7th, President Biden has ensured the United States’ support for the country, going as far as introducing an aid package in an Oval Office address. However, this strong stance may cost Biden the support of young Americans who believe he should show more sympathy for the Palestinian cause.
“I feel very betrayed by Biden,” expressed Angela Balya, a 28-year-old who participated in a pro-Palestine protest in Manhattan. “I definitely will not be voting for him again.” Even groups that were essential in mobilizing support for Biden’s 2020 campaign, such as the climate activist group Sunrise Movement, are now questioning their support for the president and the Democratic Party.
Michele Weindling, the political director of the Sunrise Movement, warns that continuing to send weapons and military support to Israel could alienate young voters and have significant consequences for the upcoming election. These stark statements highlight the deep divide within the Democratic party on issues regarding Israel and Palestine.
Furthermore, Arab Americans and Muslim leaders have also expressed their disappointment with Biden’s Pro-Israel stance, feeling “betrayed” by the president’s lack of support for the Palestinian people. According to The NYT, these community members argue that Biden has shown little difference between the parties on the issue of the “mass atrocities” happening in Gaza.
As Biden traveled to Israel, he made a point to emphasize his personal support for the country during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The president announced a $100 million humanitarian aid package for Gaza and the West Bank.
With young Democrats and left-wing Muslims and Arab Americans reconsidering their support for Biden, it remains to be seen how this new wave of criticism will impact the Democratic party leading up to the 2024 election.
